Aromatherapy Workshop / Ottoman Aromatic Distillation Craft

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Istanbul, Turkey

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

What's Included

✦ Guided exploration of Little Hagia Sophia’s peaceful courtyard
✦ Stories and historical anecdotes from ancient Istanbul
✦ Hands-on steam distillation session using traditional equipment
✦ Choose your plant: lavender, bay leaf or (seasonally) rose petals
✦ Take home a sample of your own essential oil
✦ flower water (hydrosol) bottle - as a gift
✦ Mini handmade soap made from distilled flower water
✦ Turkish coffee served with Turkish Delight

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
Küçük Ayasofya, Küçük Ayasofya Camii Sokagi No:20, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
You will meet us at our Cultural Center, in the garden of the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque. Little Hagia Sophia is an old church and mosque that gave its name to the region. It is known by everyone in the surrounding area.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0

based on 17 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Amazing and would highly recommend.

Jaspal_K, Oct 2025

Amazing experience, nestled away in the lush green garden courtyard of the little Aya Sofia mosque. The experience was run by Captain Bugra whose love of his new trade is visible. He will retell his experience of being a captain, a hotelier before terrorist attacks in Istanbul which led to a change of career and his place in the future centre where this activity runs. As we sat in the courtyard with the call to prayer, the chickens out on the grass and the sweet smell of the distilling essential oils from the fragrant lavender the experience was beautiful and away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist attractions. You will also receive a hot drink and a home made soap. We were lucky enough to be present for a monthly Sufi gathering and enjoyed listening to their collective prayers.

Excellent

Andres_N, Oct 2024

Captain Burgo was EXCELLENT! he was very excited preparing and showing us the technique process of fussing lavender into essential oil. He also did a great job explaining the history of Little Hagia Sophia prior to the aromatic presentation. I sincerely recommend this tour which focuses more on health and cleansing of the body and mind.

Awesome experience

Megan_S, Sept 2024

Wonderful time learning about the history of the Little Ayasofya, enjoying a Turkish coffee/tea and about aromatherapy with my welcoming host!

Response from Host, Sept 2024

It's great to meet people from different parts of the world who appreciate Little Hagia Sophia. Thank you so much Megan.

Unique experience in the heart of Istanbul

sheila_L, Jul 2024

Buddha was a delight, I learned about history of Istanbul and home distillation process of essential oils. Met other small local artists in a unique environment. Wonderful hospitality, great experience. Definitely recommended this for those who want something less touristy more local it’s like the best of both worlds

Response from Host, Sept 2024

It was a great moment for us to meet you too :) I hope to see you again

Making aromatic water

YU_A, Oct 2025

I learned a massage at an aroma school 20 years ago, and it was interesting to actually experience the distillation method I had heard from the teacher at the time. We had tea and water, handmade soap, four-leaf clover and distilled aromatic water. He also explained the Mini Hagia Sophia. I think it will be a good experience for the aromatherapist. Thank you very much.

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