8 Days Islamic Religion & Ertugrul Ghazi Tour
|8 Days, 6 Destinations |Starts from Istanbul
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Earn €20 in travel credits

Duration
8 days

Max Group Size
40

Tour Code
8DIREGT

Tour Type
Request as private tour

Departure Type
Scheduled

Age Requirement
11 - 99 Ages

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In
English

Physical level
relax

Tour route map

Istanbul

Pickup Time:

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Istanbul

Dropoff Time:

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Activities

DiscoveryExplorerHistoricalIn-depth CulturalSightseeingSolo TravelWalking TourReligiousMuseumFamilySee Itinerary

Tour Overview

This 8-day tour offers a unique exploration of Turkey’s rich Islamic heritage, from the early foundations of Islam to the profound mystical teachings of the Sufi tradition. It also traces the legendary figures of Ertuğrul Ghazi and Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, who have left a lasting legacy on Turkish culture and spirituality. You will visit iconic sites in Istanbul, Bursa, Konya, and Cappadocia, gaining insights into Turkey’s Islamic history, Sufi mysticism, and the roots of the Ottoman Empire.

Highlights

  • Istanbul: Islamic Heritage and Sahabe Tour;Sahabe (Companions of the Prophet) Tour: Visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, a revered site that houses the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, one of the Prophet Muhammad's companions. This mosque is a pilgrimage destination for Muslims from around the world.
  • Süleymaniye Mosque: Begin your journey in Istanbul, visiting the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the grandest Ottoman mosques built by Mimar Sinan. Explore its exquisite architecture and peaceful courtyard, a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's spiritual and cultural legacy.
  • Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii): Visit the world-renowned Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive domes. A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, the mosque stands as one of the most important places of worship in Istanbul.
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts: Delve into Turkey's Islamic history at the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. Here, you will discover a rich collection of Islamic manuscripts, calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, and historical artifacts.
  • Bursa: The Birthplace of the Ottoman Empire and Ertuğrul Ghazi Ertuğrul Ghazi Tomb: Travel to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and the legendary home of Ertuğrul Ghazi, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Visit Ertuğrul Ghazi’s tomb and learn about his pivotal role in establishing the Ottoman dynasty. Ulu Mosque: Explore Ulu Mosque (Great Mosque), an architectural gem of the Ottoman period, known for its grandeur and fine calligraphy. The mosque holds historical significance for the Ottomans and features striking Islamic art. Koza Han: Experience the historic Koza Han, a Silk Bazaar that has been a key trading center in Bursa for centuries. Discover the city’s traditional arts and crafts, including silk production, which played a vital role in Bursa’s prosperity.
  • Konya: Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes Mevlana Museum: In Konya, visit the Mevlana Museum, the spiritual home of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, one of the most influential Sufi mystics and poets. Explore his tomb, the museum’s rich collection of Islamic artifacts, and the profound teachings of love, tolerance, and spirituality that Rumi embraced. Whirling Dervish Ceremony: Experience a Whirling Dervish Ceremony (Sema), a moving spiritual ritual that symbolizes the journey of the soul towards God. Witness the mesmerizing spinning of the dervishes, a practice popularized by the Mevlevi Order, founded by Rumi. Alaeddin Hill: Visit Alaeddin Hill in Konya, where the Alaeddin Mosque stands. The hill offers a panoramic view of the city and holds historical significance as a former Seljuk royal palace site.
  • Cappadocia: The Heart of Islamic Mysticism and Spirituality Cave Mosques and Sufi Heritage: Travel to the enchanting Cappadocia region, known for its otherworldly landscapes of fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. The region is home to many early Islamic and Sufi heritage sites, including rock-hewn mosques and dergahs (Sufi lodges). Discover how Cappadocia became a sanctuary for mystics and early Muslim followers. Göreme Open-Air Museum: Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find ancient rock churches and frescoes that show the blending of early Christian and Islamic art. The cave churches also highlight the historical coexistence of Christianity and Islam in the region. Underground Cities: Explore the fascinating underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, which once served as hiding places for early Christians and Muslims escaping persecution. These underground networks also provided shelter for Sufi mystics.
  • Cappadocia’s Spiritual Retreats Cappadocia was a center for Sufi mystics, and during your stay, you will visit Sufi retreat sites nestled in the valleys. These mystical spots provide an atmosphere for reflection, meditation, and spiritual growth. Discover how Sufi orders lived in harmony with nature and their surroundings in these tranquil caves.
  • Cultural Immersion: Throughout the tour, you’ll not only explore Islamic landmarks but also engage with Turkish culture, from traditional Turkish baths (hammams) to tasting local Turkish delights and baklava.
  • Islamic Art and Architecture: The tour offers a deep dive into Ottoman and Seljuk architecture, offering a blend of Islamic artistry and architectural genius, visible in mosques, tombs, and madrassas across the regions. Sufi and Whirling Dervishes: Watch the world-famous whirling dervishes perform in Konya, embodying the spiritual discipline of Sufism.

Itinerary

Upon our arrival at Istanbul International Airport, your guide will meet, assist and transfer you to the hotel. Istanbul’s original name is Byzantium then Constantinople. It is a most fascinating city, which crosses two continents Europe and Asia. It is a city of amalgamation of bazaars, minarets, mosques, churches, palaces, and restaurants catering to everyone’s taste, museums, customs and twelve million people. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Open buffet breakfast included)

After breakfast at 08:30, we have Istanbul Islamic and Sahabe Tour. Istanbul is the centre of religion for centuries. After the ottoman period, Islamic Religion separated throughout the city. The first mosque in Istanbul was built in Kadikoy on the Asian side of the city, which was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1353. The first mosque on the European side of Istanbul was built inside the Rumeli Castle in 1452. The first grand mosque which was built in the city proper is the Eyup Sultan Mosque (1458). Next to Eyup Sultan Mosque, we will visit the tombs of the Sahaba, which is very famous in Turkey for being the first generation of Muslims, who had come as far as Istanbul and besieged the city. The small Sahabe Cemetery just outside Egrikapi Gate may seem like a standard Muslim cemetery. The Süleymaniye Mosque becomes most meaningful when understood in its historical and cultural context. It was built during the latter part of Süleyman’s long and prosperous reign, which stretched from 1520 to 1566. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Open buffet breakfast included)

We depart at 08.30 for the Istanbul city tour. First, TOPKAPI PALACE; The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Now we are walking to the west corner of the Blue Mosque to visit where the world’s richest İslamic Art collection. Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is the first museum in our country to include Turkish - Islamic artworks together. It opened its doors for the first time in 1914 under the name of "Evkaf-ı Islamiye Museum" (Islamic Foundations Museum). The works of the museum’s rare examples of Emevi, Abbasi, Artuklu, Eyyubi, Ilhanlı, Timurid, Safavi, Kaçar, Mamluk, Seljuk and Ottoman periods were collected from different areas of the Islamic world. The museum is famous for having the best rug collection in the world. The masterpieces among the rugs are rare 13th-century Seljuk carpets that cannot be found elsewhere. In addition to its rug collections, the museum also stands out with its pristine works of art. Glassware, stone and terracotta artefacts and metal and ceramic objects are among the precious pieces exhibited. HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Lunch break and then we head to Grand Spice Bazaar which is a unique atmosphere with reasonable prices for your shopping on many Exotic Spices and Herbs, Turkish Baklava, Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, small souvenirs such as Ceramic Handicrafts, Evil Eyes totems, all-natural olive oil, soaps and many other goods in Souvenir Shops and stores. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Open buffet breakfast included)

Pick up at 08:30 am from the hotel and depart for the Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping Tour. BOSPHORUS BY BOAT is a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. BOSPHORUS BRIDGE enjoys a unique chance to step from one continent (Asia) to another (Europe) CAMLICA HILL is the highest point in Istanbul. At the top of it, you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional Turkish Ottoman style. THE GREAT CAMLICA MOSQUE. The Newest Symbol of Istanbul is the Great Camlica Mosque, which is considered the newest symbol of the city since its foundation, was designed with inspiration from both today's lines and history, as well as Ottoman and Seljuk architecture. Each mixture of the Grand Camlica Mosque has been designed with the finest detail in mind, and it is truly eye-catching both visually and functionally.

SHOPPING TOUR (after cruise) Experience the traditional silk weaving skills of Turkish women at the carpet weaving courses provided by The Ministry of National Education. You will get the opportunity to see jewellery, a handcrafts centre and a modern leatherwear show. Enjoy the experience of shopping whilst gaining the knowledge of the ancient craftsmen, with Murti's Tour's local escort full of knowledge about how to haggle the streets of Istanbul. The rest of the evening is yours to explore Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Open buffet breakfast included)

Pick up at 08:30 am from the hotel and depart for Ertugrul Ghazi tomb, Alps and Hatuns Tombs, Turgut Alp tomb, Osman Ghazi tomb, Orhan Ghazi tomb and Sheikh Edebali tomb

We will visit the tomb of Ertugrul Ghazi where he died in 1288 and lots of monuments which are tributed to him, scattered around the town. You will have free time here to take photos and we hire Alp ‘s or Hatuns ‘ clothes for you complimentary so you can take photos as well. We also visit Orhangazi Mosque, the first Ottoman Mosque with a lead dome built in 1392. After Sogut we will continue to Inegol where we will visit the tomb of Turgut Alp who was one of the greatest of warriors and a very close confidant of Ertugrul Ghazi and later his successor, Osman I. He ruled the area for 36 years and was buried in Inegol as well. After Inegol we will continue to Bursa City which was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. We will visit the Tophane area, where Osman Ghazi and Orhan Ghazi, the founders of the Ottoman dynasty, were laid for their final rest in two ancient Byzantine structures, which underwent drastic alteration or were even completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1855. The tour ends by visiting Bursa Grand Mosque; built in the Seljuk style, it was ordered by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I and built between 1396 and 1399. Then, we drive to our hotel in Bursa. Overnight in Bursa.

(Open buffet breakfast included)

After breakfast at 07:30 am, we depart from the hotel and drive to Konya for a guided tour in Konya.

Konya is the religious part of Turkey to see the tomb of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the mosques, museums and Seljuk architecture. Today, it is the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Sufi mystic also known as Mevlâna or Rumi. It was also the dervish lodge (tekke) of the Mevlevi order, better known as the Whirling Dervishes. You will visit all available sections in Mevlana Museum such as Matbah (Kitchen), tombs, Tilavet Chamber (Quran Reading And Chanting), and Semâ-Hâne (Ritual Hall). After visiting continue the tour by visiting Selimiye Mosque is located next door to Mevlana Museum. The mosque was commissioned by and named for, Sultan Selim II (1566-74) in the Ottoman style. Construction began in 1558 when Selim was still a prince and was completed shortly after he became sultan, in 1567. Afterwards, we will have a lunch break in Konya. There is an authentic restaurant which we recommend to taste while other opportunities there too. After having lunch break you will do a Panoramic Meram tour. Overnight in Konya.

Open buffet breakfast included)

After breakfast between 08:00 am and 09:30 am pickup from the hotel. Final timing one day before will be given to you by your tour consultant.

We will drive you to Ozkonak Underground City, one of the best-preserved Underground cities in Cappadocia. Then visit Uchisar Castle, the highest point of Cappadocia. After Uchisar, you visit Goreme Open Air Museum, the Heart of Cappadocia. Goreme Open Air Museum is famous for frescoes dating to the 10th century describing the life of Jesus Christ and monks. The next stop is Cavusin, which is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses. After Cavusin you go to the restaurant in Avanos to have lunch. After lunch, you visit a pottery workshop, to see how to make potteries. Then you go to Love Valley. Love Valley Cappadocia is a hidden valley with scenic formations, to say the least. Despite the resemblance to manhood, these amazing rock formations are far from man-made. After Love Valley, you visit another workshop to see Cappadocian handwoven carpets and kilims. The next stop is Devrent Valley, which is also called Imagination Valley, where you can see natural rock formations looking like animals. The last stop is Three Beauties, three beautiful fairy chimneys with their hats, which is the symbol of Cappadocia. This tour will end approximately at 18.00 and you will be returned to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

(Breakfast included)

After breakfast, we depart for Cappadocia airport for our domestic flight to Istanbul and back home. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future on one of our tours again. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop Booking.

Trip includes

Included

4 nights’ hotel accommodation in Istanbul - Ramada Encore by Wyndham Hotel Bayrampasa
1 night hotel accommodation in Bursa - 4 Star Tiara Thermal hotel
1 night hotel accommodation in Konya - 5 Star Dedeman Hotel
1 night’s hotel accommodation in Cappadocia - Elpuente Cave Hotel
7 open buffet breakfasts

PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost

Hotel

Domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul

Professional English - speaking tour guides

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul Airport
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Return airport transfer

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

Private guided Istanbul Islamic and Sahabe Tour
Private guided Istanb Istanbul City Tour & Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts Tour
Private guided Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise, Camlica Mosque and Shopping Tour
Private guided Ertugrul Ghazi & Bursa Tour
Private guided Konya Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi Tour
Private guided Cappadocia Tour with Underground City and Goreme Open Air Museum
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Hotel room taxes


Why Choose This Tour?

Spiritual and Mystical Journey: This tour connects you with the mystical heart of Turkey, from Mevlana Rumi’s teachings of love and tolerance to the Sufi traditions that shaped the nation’s spiritual identity.

Islamic Heritage and History: Discover the historical and cultural landmarks that are integral to the Islamic history of Turkey, from the Ottoman era to the Sahabe tombs and Sufi orders that spread Islam throughout Anatolia.

A Unique Blend of History and Mysticism: This tour offers a unique combination of historical exploration and spiritual immersion, ideal for those looking to explore both the Islamic and Sufi heritages of Turkey.

Embark on this transformative 8-day journey to uncover the deep spiritual roots of Turkey, connect with the teachings of legendary figures like Ertuğrul Ghazi and Mevlana Rumi, and experience the mystical landscapes that have shaped the Turkish and Islamic soul for centuries.

Excluded

Lunch & Dinner

Insurance: All types

Turkey entry visa
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the included section


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