Konya Tour from Istanbul

Travel from Istanbul by plane to explore the mystical town of Konya, home of the Whirling Dervishes. Wander around this incredible location, visit the Mevlana Museum and admire the beautiful mosques and minarets.

The tour starts early in the morning with pickup from your hotel and then a short drive to Istanbul airport. Fly above the city and gaze at the views as you travel to Konya. Upon arrival in Konya, meet your local guide and head straight to the first stop of the tour, Mevlana Museum located in Konya city center. The museum is known for its mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Sufi mystic also known as Mevlâna or Rumi.

The museum is also home to the Mevlevi order, better known as the Whirling Dervishes. Watch the performers as they glide around in their traditional dress and learn from your guide about the origins of the dance and its importance to the culture. At the museum visit the Matbah, tombs, Tilavet Chamber, and Semâ-Hâne, a ritual hall.

Next, continue onto the Selimiye Mosque commissioned by, and named for, Sultan Selim II in the Ottoman style. Construction began in 1558 when Selim was still a prince and was completed shortly after he became sultan, in 1567. After exploring the mosque, enjoy lunch at an authentic restaurant and taste the flavors of the region. After lunch, visit the Karatay Madrasah, a place usually founded and maintained by the sultan, princes and other nobles who could afford to meet the expenses needed for free education to students.

Then visit the Ince Minaret Medrasah which dates back to the 13th century and was originally an Islamic school but is now a museum of wood and stone carving. Admire its elegant and tiled minaret that was originally much taller than the section that survives today, and had an unusually slender appearance in comparison to the minarets of other contemporary Seljuk mosques. Take a visit to the nearby Alaaddin Mosque with its impressive beauty and construction that dates back to 1221 during the time of Alaaddin Keykubat. At the end of the tour, drive back to Konya airport for your return to Istanbul.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Marvel at Mevlana Museum
• Visit the Ince Minaret Medrasah which dates from the 13th century
• Admire the 12th century Alaaddin Mosque
• Watch the fascinating Whirling Dervishes