• 10 Days / 9 Nights
• Rating : 15
• Istanbul , Ephesus , Pamukkale , Cappadocia

• Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque): Begin at the awe-inspiring Sultanahmet Mosque, a 17th-century masterpiece commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I. Its six slender minarets pierce the sky, and its cascading domes, adorned with over 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles, shimmer in hues of turquoise and sapphire—earning its nickname, the Blue Mosque. Step inside to marvel at the vast prayer hall, where sunlight streams through 260 stained-glass windows, illuminating intricate calligraphy of Quranic verses. Reflect on its role as a center of worship and community, a testament to Ottoman devotion.

• Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque: Next, visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a monument that has witnessed the tides of history. Originally a Byzantine cathedral (537 CE), it was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453, with minarets added to its colossal dome. Its soaring interior, crowned by a 56-meter-high dome, blends Christian mosaics with Islamic calligraphy, including the majestic mihrab and minbar. Reopened as a mosque in 2020, it remains a symbol of Istanbul’s layered heritage. Pause to offer a prayer, connecting with centuries of worshippers.

• Lunch: Relish a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, perhaps savoring kuzu tandır (slow-roasted lamb) or hünkar beğendi (eggplant puree with beef), accompanied by fresh pide bread and ayran. The meal offers a moment to reflect on the morning’s spiritual encounters.

• Topkapi Palace & Sacred Relics (Tabarruqat): Journey to Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. This sprawling complex, with its lush courtyards and ornate pavilions, overlooks the Bosphorus. Visit the Chamber of Sacred Relics, a sanctified space housing treasures like the cloak of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his sword, and relics of other prophets, including the staff of Prophet Musa (AS). The room, where the Quran is recited continuously, evokes profound reverence. Explore the palace’s Harem and Treasury, marveling at the architectural splendor of Ottoman artistry.

• Bosphorus Cruise: End the day with a serene short cruise on the Bosphorus, the shimmering strait that divides Europe and Asia. As the boat glides past Ottoman waterfront mansions, the Dolmabahçe Palace, and the Rumeli Fortress, feel the breeze and reflect on Istanbul’s role as a crossroads of civilizations. The cruise offers a glimpse of the city’s Islamic legacy, from the minarets dotting the skyline to the historic mosques along the shore.

• Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı): Begin at the vibrant Spice Bazaar in Eminönü, a 17th-century Ottoman market bursting with color and aroma. Wander through its arched corridors, where merchants offer mounds of saffron, sumac, and dried apricots, alongside lokum (Turkish delight) and rose-scented perfumes. Built by the mother of Sultan Mehmet III, this bazaar was a hub of trade along the Silk Road, reflecting Istanbul’s role in Islamic commerce. Pause to purchase souvenirs or sip a cup of salep, a warm orchid-root drink, as you absorb the market’s lively spirit.
• Bosphorus Cruise: Board a boat for a longer Bosphorus cruise, sailing along the strait that has inspired poets and scholars for centuries. Pass beneath the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, marvel at the Ortaköy Mosque’s baroque elegance, and spot the Beylerbeyi Palace, a summer retreat of Ottoman sultans. The cruise offers panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline, where minarets and domes rise like sentinels of faith. Reflect on the city’s role as the capital of the Ottoman Caliphate, a beacon of Islamic governance and culture.

• Mount of Olives Viewpoint: Begin at your hotel’s vantage point, where the Dome of the Rock glitters against Jerusalem’s skyline. This spot, revered in Islamic eschatology, offers a serene moment to reflect on the city’s sanctity.

• Maqam of Sahabah & Tabi’un: Visit the tombs of Salman al-Farsi (RA), a beloved companion of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and Rabia al-Adawiyya (RA), a revered female saint from the Tabi’un. Their resting places, nestled in the Mount of Olives, are sites of ziyarat, where pilgrims seek blessings. Nearby, see the Footprint of Prophet Isa (AS), believed to mark the spot of his ascension, a site of deep reverence for Muslims.

• Haram al-Sharif & Al-Aqsa Complex: Descend to the Haram al-Sharif, the noble sanctuary encompassing the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock. Begin with the Dome of the Rock, a 7th-century marvel built by Caliph Abdul Malik ibn Marwan. Its golden dome, adorned with intricate mosaics and Quranic inscriptions, enshrines the rock from which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ascended during the Isra and Mi’raj. Explore the Qadeem Aqsa, the original mosque structure, and the Buraq Mosque, where the Prophet tied his miraculous steed, Buraq. Visit the Buraq Wall (Western Wall) and Marwan Mosque, named after the Umayyad caliph. Spend free time praying, reflecting, or capturing the complex’s serene beauty until Dhuhr prayer.

• Old City & Mount Zion: After Dhuhr, wander through the Old City’s labyrinthine alleys, alive with the scent of za’atar and the chatter of local vendors. Pass Ottoman-era fountains and Ayyubid arches, remnants of Jerusalem’s Islamic golden age. Visit Mount Zion and the Tomb of Prophet Dawud (AS), a site revered in Islamic tradition. En route, pause at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a Christian pilgrimage site, and pray at the nearby Omar Mosque, built to commemorate Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab’s (RA) visit to Jerusalem. Admire Ottoman and Ayyubid monuments, such as the Fountain of Sultan Qaytbay, a Mamluk masterpiece.

• Free Time for Lunch: Enjoy 30 minutes to dine at a local eatery, perhaps sampling falafel, shawarma, or knafeh, a syrupy cheese pastry.

• Bethlehem (Bayt al-Lahm): Visit the birthplace of Prophet Isa (AS), where the Church of the Nativity stands over the cave of his birth. While the cave may be crowded with Christian pilgrims, the site’s spiritual weight is palpable. Reflect on Isa’s (AS) message of peace, central to Islamic belief, as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Al-Khalil (Hebron): Continue to the Ibrahimi Mosque, a monumental complex housing the tombs of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Ishaq (AS), Ya’qu“B (AS), Yusuf (AS), and their wives. The mosque, with its Herodian stonework and Ottoman embellishments, is a testament to Islamic reverence for the prophets. Offer Dhuhr prayer here, connecting with the legacy of Ibrahim (AS), the father of monotheism.

• Halhul: Visit the tomb of Prophet Yunus (AS), a site of ziyarat where pilgrims seek intercession. The modest shrine reflects the humility of Yunus’s (AS) story of repentance and divine mercy.

• Hill of Takbeer (Jabal al-Mukabbir): En route back, pause at this historic hill, where Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) stood, gazing at Jerusalem and proclaiming Allahu Akbar. Capture photos of the city’s golden skyline, a moment to honor Umar’s (RA) conquest of Jerusalem in 637 CE, which ensured religious freedom for its inhabitants.

• Jericho (Areeha): Visit the tomb of Prophet Musa (AS), a site of ziyarat in the world’s oldest city. Offer Salat al-Masjid (prayer of greeting the mosque) at the nearby shrine, reflecting on Musa’s (AS) leadership and devotion. The site’s simplicity belies its profound significance.

• Dead Sea (Lake of Lut): Pass by the Dead Sea, a reminder of the divine punishment of Prophet Lut’s (AS) people. As per the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), avoid lingering in such areas, which bear the weight of divine wrath. If requested, stop briefly to purchase local Palestinian dates, a sweet memento of the Holy Land.

• Jaffa (Yafo): Arrive in the historic port city of Jaffa, a Mediterranean gem with Ottoman-era landmarks. Stroll through its stone-paved alleys, passing the Mahmoudiya Mosque and Clock Tower, both reflecting the Ottoman architectural style of arched facades and intricate tilework. Enjoy the sea breeze and the city’s relaxed charm, a fitting end to your journey.

• Price: $1,985 USD per person (double or triple occupancy). Single supplement available upon request.
• Payment: 50% deposit at booking; balance due upon arrival in Istanbul.

• Minimum Group Size: 5 participants.

• Inclusions:
  • Day trips as outlined, with expert guides specializing in Islamic history.
  • Accommodation in 4-star boutique hotels with daily breakfast.
  • Roundtrip economy-class flights between Istanbul and Tel Aviv.
  • All airport transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Lunch during the full-day Istanbul tour (no lunch in Jerusalem).
  • Dinner in Jerusalem as specified.

  • Local taxes.

• Exclusions: International flights to/from Istanbul (other than Istanbul-Tel Aviv-Istanbul), personal expenses, lunches in Jerusalem, tips, and optional activities.

• Optional Extensions: Add tours to Cappadocia, Ephesus, or Athens for a broader exploration of Turkey and Greece. Contact us for details.

• Deep Islamic Connection: Pray at Al-Aqsa, visit the tombs of prophets and companions, and explore relics of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
• Architectural Splendor: Marvel at Ottoman and Umayyad masterpieces, from the Blue Mosque’s tiles to the Dome of the Rock’s golden dome.
• Historical Immersion: Walk in the footsteps of Caliphs Umar (RA) and Salahuddin Ayyubi, whose legacies shaped these cities.
• Shared Heritage: Engage with sites revered by Muslims and Christians, fostering interfaith understanding.

Included and Excluded