Aromatherapy Workshop / Spices of Silk Road
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the ancient art of distillation in an immersive, hands-on workshop set within the walls of Little Hagia Sophia—a hidden cultural sanctuary in Istanbul. Choose between lavender or bay leaves (seasonally, rose may be available) and experience the full process of transforming aromatic plants into pure hydrosol using traditional copper stills.
Guided by an expert host, you’ll:
– Learn the history and modern uses of plant distillation
– Participate in every step of the process, from preparation to bottling
– Smell, touch, and see the transformation of raw herbs into natural essence
– Take home a bottle of your freshly made hydrosol
This two-hour experience is ideal for curious minds, nature lovers, and those interested in wellness rituals. No prior experience is needed—just bring your senses and curiosity!
Enjoy tea, conversation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in one of the city’s most historic locations.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Experience the rare opportunity to distill aromatic plants inside the historic Little Hagia Sophia, a living monument blending Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage. Guided by a local expert, you’ll engage hands-on in traditional copper distillation methods, turning lavender or bay leaves into fragrant hydrosols. Unlike typical workshops, this one connects you deeply to Istanbul’s layered cultural past while creating your own natural essence. Perfect for wellness seekers, nature lovers, and curious travelers eager for a meaningful, sensory experience... This workshop offers more than just a crafting experience; it’s a cultural journey into the heart of Istanbul’s ancient traditions. Participants will gain insight into the botanical origins and healing properties of the plants used. The intimate group setting encourages questions and sharing stories, creating a warm community atmosphere. Plus, the historic ambiance of Little Hagia Sophia adds a magical backdrop, making each session uniquely memorable. Guests also enjoy light refreshments, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
What‘s Included
✦ Tasting of seasonal herbal tea made with hydrosol
✦ Selection of handmade Turkish cookies (kurabiye)
✦ Mini handmade soap made from distilled flower water
✦ Take home a sample of your own essential oil
✦ Choose your plant: lavender, bay leaf or (seasonally) rose petals
✦ Hands-on steam distillation session using traditional equipment
✦ Freshly brewed Turkish coffee served with delight
✦ Guided exploration of Little Hagia Sophia’s peaceful courtyard
✦ Stories and historical anecdotes from ancient Istanbul
✦ Complimentary flower water (hydrosol) bottle
Options
Little Hagia Sophia / Aromatherapy Workshop
Walk to Little Hagia Sophia: Visit and explanation of Little Hagia Sophia in the activity garden
Duration: 2 hours: Distillation Experience
Turkish Cofee time: Small Turkish Cookies and Turkish Coffee offered
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best workshop in Istanbul ✨️
Cruiser64443414634,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a wonderful time at the workshop!! The atmosphere was amazing and inspiring. It was a very special place and truly local (not commercialized / touristic like other Workshops we went to). If you want an authentic experience absolute must do! Buğra and his lovely mother are amazing hosts. It was a fun workshop and we learned many things about destilation and Istanbul. The lavendar water and rose water smell amazing. We also got lavendar oil ✨️ We got so many gifts, tea, fresh coffee, fruit. We felt so welcomed and cared for, this was the best gift. The tour through the little Hagia Sophia Mosque was a great finish. Would recommend it if you want something special and good memories to go home with
Making aromatic water
YU A,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I 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.
Amazing and would highly recommend.
Jaspal K,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing 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.
Our favorite Instanbul experience - unlike anything else and incredibly fun!
ColoradoFoodLover,,Jun 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the true highlights of our time in Istanbul. I highly recommend this! Bugra’s steam-distillation workshop at Little Hagia Sophia was hands-down one of the best times of our trip. From the moment we met over a perfectly foamy Turkish coffee, he made us feel like old friends rather than tour guests. Before we even lit the still, he gave us a mini walking tour—sharing the mosque’s layered history, pointing out hidden architectural quirks, and introducing us to the artists who now fill the courtyard with color and music. Back in the workshop we traded coffee cups for tea glasses and got down to business: 400 g of fresh lavender went into the copper still, and—like magic—about 400 mL of beautifully fragrant lavender water plus a precious 10 mL of pure oil came out. Bugra’s explanations were clear, nerdy in the best way, and sprinkled with fun stories. We left loaded down with goodies: two dainty bottles of lavender hydrosol, another of the pure oiil, a bar each of rose and lavender soap, and matching glass evil-eye charms that will definitely get prime shelf space at home. It was an intimate, hands-on experience that felt equal parts science lesson, history class, and afternoon hangout with a friend. If you’re even remotely curious about essential oils—or just want a truly authentic Istanbul memory—book this workshop. Bugra’s passion is contagious and you’ll walk away smelling amazing!
Great experience!
Tuna123,,Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The steam distillation workshop at Little Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was a wonderful experience! The combination of traditional atmosphere and practical application made learning particularly inspiring. The instructor was very competent and friendly, and you could learn a lot about extracting essential oils. The authentic surroundings and the loving design of the workshop were particularly impressive. I can highly recommend the participation!
A top notch experience
orhanefe 2025,,Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Among all the shops in the premises, this one prevails over the others. What they can do with the natural ingredients and special recipe is amazing indeed.
Special experience
晓桐 司,,Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00非常漂亮舒服的花园，这里是远离游客区的一片安静的地方，你可以在这里享受一杯茶，而且价格比其他地方都便宜，院子里还有甜美的枇杷树，这片区域现在是一些艺术家和手工艺人的工作室，也是非常意外的发现！这片区域的历史也很久了，以前就被称为学者巷 The garden is very beautiful and comfortable. This is a quiet place far from the tourist area. You can enjoy a cup of tea here, and the price is cheaper than other places. There are also sweet loquat trees in the yard. This area is now the studios of some artists and craftsmen, which is also a very unexpected discovery! This area has a long history. It used to be known as Scholar's Lane.
🤍
N3103HNpaolad,,Oct 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bura is amazing , the school and mosque beautiful and full of history, beautiful people, light and a lot of love in what they do. Memorable.
Excellent
Andres N,,Oct 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain 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.
......
g l ns2024,,Oct 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was Energy point of The City for us . Thank You Captain Bugra , Lttle Hagia Sophia is so cute building..................
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