Cyprus has an extremely rich historic heritage – in this program we are concentrating on the Islamic heritage of Cyprus, that goes back to the 7th century Arabic interventions. A visit to Hala Sultan in Larnaca is the highlight of this tour.
And as the only agency, FSA is connecting the Cyprus experience with an extension to Turkey.
Istanbul has an abundance of Islamic history and places to visit as well as Byzantium ruins, modern museums and old bazars.
For more information and prices please check the TRIP TYPES section!
On the arrival day we pick you up at the airport of your arrival (Larnaca or Ercan) according to your arranged flight. Your CYPRUSTRAVEL guide welcomes you and gives you all the necessary information for an amazing week on the wonderful island of Cyprus.
Dinner at Hotel Sun.
Leave 09.00hrs and Arrive 17.00
On the first day in Cyprus, you will explore Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe with its crooked and narrow streets, gothic churches, Venetian walls, cathedrals and mosques, courtyard houses and caravanserais, including Mevlevi Tekke.
Sheikh Nazim Kibrisli (1922-2014) Türbe (Shrine)
Naqshbandi Ashram, Lefke
Sheikh Nazim Kibrisli was a well know Muslim scholar who was from Cyprus origin. He was the leader of the Naqshbandi order. The Naqshbandi order belongs to the Sufi way of Islam, putting emphasis on the spiritual side of this religion, namely love and tolerance and patience.
The students from Sheikh Nazim come from all over the world, especially from USA and Germany.
His spiritual centre in Lefke is continuing after his death and open to visitors, information is given in many languages. Depending on availability and timing there will be a brief informational talk with one of the murids (students). Those who wish to pray, will have time for Friday Prayers. A brief walk-through town of Lefke.
Lunch in a local Fish Restaurant by the sea.
Return to Nicosia.
Dinner at Hotel Sun Ala-Carte Restaurant.
Duration 5 hours.
Leave 09.30hrs and Arrive 16.00hrs
Today will be a mixture of sightseeing in the morning and free time in Kyrenia town centre.
Arrive at Hz. Omer Tekke. Omer was a commander during the Arab intervention in Cyprus in 647 AD and was a person who lived during the time of Prophet Muhammed PBUH. This site is Omer’s and six of his companions’ burial site.
Free time in Kyrenia town centre.
Lunch at Local Fish Restaurant.
Return to Hotel Sun in Nicosia.
Leave 09.00hrs and Arrive 16.30
Hala Sultan literally means Aunt Sultan. This name comes from the fact that the person lying here was personally known to Prophet Muhammed PBUH as his aunt and his mother’s foster sister. Hala Sultan came to Cyprus in 647, about fifteen years after the death of the Prophet PBUH with the Arab force and was martyred and buried on the spot she fell. A Mosque complex was built around the tomb by the Ottomans during their rule in Cyprus.
Visit Larnaca which was mainly a Turkish town before the Cyprus’ division in 1974. Larnaca has a charming seaside existence with new and the old and a long sandy beach.
Transfer to Istanbul. Meet&Greet by local guide and transfer to your hotel.
Late afternoon Leave hotel on foot. Sightseeing leisurely on foot visiting The Blue Mosque and Turkish Islamic Arts Museum and the Grand Bazaar. The Blue Mosque, built between 1609-1616, is famous for its walls containing hand painted blue tiles and also being the final resting place of Sultan Ahmet I. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest covered markets in the world with 61 streets and over 4,000 shops. This is a place for shopping but also learning a little about the art of haggling.
09:00-10:00 Breakfast & academic lectures.
10:15 Continue sightseeing; Şehzade Mosque, Egyptian Market, a historical covered market rich with herbs and spices. Then continue visiting The New Mosque.
Return hotel for rest and relax.
Transfer to Suleymaniye Mosque for prayer for interested visitors.
13:35 Lunch at Darulziyaffe Restaurant located in the old Suleymaniye Complex.
Afternoon take a boat from Eminonu cruising along the bosphorus up to Yeniköy. Disembark and visit the Sadberk Hanım Ethnographic, Museum exhibiting a rich collection of Turkish and Islamic arts and crafts. Drive back to Beyoğlu district and enjoy free time for shopping and dinner in a local Turkish Restaurant.
09:00-10:00 Breakfast & academic lectures.
13:00 Leave Hotel for lunch & sightseeing Tour
13:30 Lunch at Konyali Restaurant in Topkapi Palace premises.
14:30 Start sightseeing, The Topkapi Palace, the treasury, Harem, Holly Relics of Islam, the Kitchens with rich chinaware collections, Reception and Assembly rooms. If time permits visit other sections as well. Continue sightseeing visiting Saint Sophia Mosque-Museum and The Underground Cistern.
19:30 Leave Hotel for dinner
20:00 Dinner at Kumkapi Fish Tavern Restaurants at Fish Market
We say goodbye and wish you a safe flight home with a lot of good memories – and hope to welcome you again in Cyprus and Turkey!
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