How to Plan Your Highlights of Konya Tour

Konya, the ancient capital of the Seljuk Empire, is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Turkey. The city is deeply rooted in its history, culture, and religion. The best way to explore the city’s highlights is by taking a private tour. In this article, we will guide you through planning your own Highlights of Konya tour.

Overview of the Tour

The Highlights of Konya tour is a private tour that offers a fully personalized and flexible sightseeing experience. You will visit the city’s most iconic landmarks, ancient mosques, museums, churches, and much more. The tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want to discover the city’s unique culture and history.

What’s Included in the Tour

The tour offers the following conveniences:

Private Transportation

Your tour guide will pick you up in the morning from your hotel in a private vehicle. The tour is fully customizable, and you can decide how long to stay at each site.

Lunch

You will enjoy lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant. The meal is included in the price of the tour.

All Fees and Taxes

All entrance fees to the museums and other attractions are included in the tour price. You will not have to worry about any additional costs.

Tips for the Guide and Driver

Gratuity for the guide and driver is not included in the tour price. You can tip them if you enjoyed the tour and felt they did an excellent job.

Highlights of the Tour

Mevlana Museum

The Mevlana Museum is the main attraction in Konya. The museum is dedicated to the famous Sufi mystic poet, Rumi, and his followers. The museum is housed in the ancient mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi and contains his personal belongings, manuscripts, and other religious artifacts.

Alaeddin Mosque

The Alaeddin Mosque, also known as the Alaeddin Keykubat Mosque, is one of the oldest mosques in Turkey. It was built in the 13th century during the Seljuk Empire. The mosque is an excellent example of Seljuk architecture and is still in use today.

Ancient Monasteries and Churches

Konya is an ancient city with a rich Christian history. The city has many ancient monasteries and churches that date back to the early Christian era. You will visit these churches, including the Aya Eleni Church and the Aya Yakup Church.

How to Book the Tour

To book the Highlights of Konya tour, visit the Viator website and choose the date of the tour. You can also select the number of people in your group. After booking, confirm the pickup time with the local provider in advance of your experience. Book the tour here

Book Your Tour Now

The Highlights of Konya tour is an excellent way to explore the city’s highlights in a short period. You will have a personalized tour guide who will take you to the iconic landmarks, ancient mosques, museums, and churches. Make sure you book the tour in advance, so you can enjoy the best private tour experience Konya has to offer.

FAQ for Konya, Turkey

Konya is a city located in the central region of Turkey. It is known as the home of the famous Sufi mystic Rumi and for its rich cultural heritage. This FAQ will help you navigate your trip to Konya with ease.

1. What is the best time to visit Konya?

The best time to visit Konya is during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) months. During these months, the weather is mild and ideal for exploring the city. The summer months can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. The winter months can be very cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing.

2. What are the must-visit landmarks in Konya?

Konya is home to several must-visit landmarks, including:

The Mevlana Museum

The Mevlana Museum is the mausoleum of the famous Sufi mystic Rumi, who is also known as Mevlana. The museum houses Rumi’s tomb as well as a collection of his personal items and manuscripts.

The Alaaddin Mosque

The Alaaddin Mosque is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Konya. It was built during the 13th century and features intricate tile work, calligraphy, and wood carvings.

The Karatay Medrese

The Karatay Medrese is an ancient Islamic school that was built during the 13th century. It now houses a museum of ceramics and other traditional Turkish art and crafts.

The Ince Minaret Medrese

The Ince Minaret Medrese is another ancient Islamic school that was built during the 13th century. It is known for its intricate tile work and calligraphy.

The Konya Archaeological Museum

The Konya Archaeological Museum houses a collection of ancient artifacts from Konya and its surrounding areas. The museum contains exhibits on the Bronze Age, Hittite, and Roman periods.

3. What is Konya known for?

Konya is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its ties to the Sufi mystic Rumi and its ancient Islamic architecture. It is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like etli ekmek (meat bread) and baklava.

4. How do I get around Konya?

Konya has a modern public transportation system that includes buses and trams. You can purchase a KonyaKart, which is a reloadable electronic card that allows you to ride all public transportation. Taxis are also readily available.

5. What should I wear in Konya?

Konya is a conservative city, so it is best to dress modestly, particularly when visiting mosques and other religious sites. Women should cover their heads with a scarf and wear long skirts or pants. Men should also avoid wearing shorts.

6. What are some traditional dishes to try in Konya?

Konya is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like:

Etli Ekmek

Etli Ekmek is a traditional Turkish dish that consists of a thin bread crust topped with ground meat, onions, and tomatoes.

Baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweet syrup.

Simit

Simit is a traditional Turkish bread ring that is often served with tea or coffee.

Lahmacun

Lahmacun is a Turkish flatbread that is topped with ground meat, vegetables, and spices.

7. What are some popular festivals and events in Konya?

Konya hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including:

The Mevlana Culture and Art Festival

The Mevlana Culture and Art Festival is held every December to commemorate the death of the Sufi mystic Rumi. The festival includes music, dance, and poetry performances.

The International Konya Mystic Music Festival

The International Konya Mystic Music Festival is held every June and features performances by traditional mystic musicians from Turkey and around the world.

The Konya International Festival of Whirling Dervishes

The Konya International Festival of Whirling Dervishes is held every December and features the mesmerizing whirling dances of the Sufi mystic order.

8. What are some good places to shop in Konya?

Konya has several markets and shopping areas where you can find traditional Turkish handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Some of the popular places to shop in Konya include:

The Konya Bazaar

The Konya Bazaar is the largest market in Konya and features a range of goods, including spices, textiles, and souvenirs.

The Alaeddin Hill Market

The Alaeddin Hill Market is located in the historic center of Konya and features traditional handicrafts, ceramics, and textiles.

The Mevlana Cultural Center Market

The Mevlana Cultural Center Market is located near the Mevlana Museum and features a range of crafts and souvenirs.

Book Your Tour Now

Konya is a city rich in culture, heritage, and tradition. With a wide range of landmarks, attractions, and culinary delights, there is something for everyone in Konya. Whether you are interested in exploring the historic Islamic architecture or indulging in the delicious local cuisine, Konya is a city that will leave a lasting impression on you.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Konya

Are you planning on visiting Konya soon? Situated in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, Konya is known for its rich history and culture. This city is also widely regarded as the capital of Islamic culture with many historical landmarks, religious buildings, and museums showcasing its heritage. In this guide, we’ll cover the top things to do as a tourist in Konya.

1. Visit the Mevlana Museum

One of the most famous landmarks in Konya is the Mevlana Museum, which is also known as the Mevlana Tomb. This museum is dedicated to Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, a famous Sufi poet and philosopher. The museum houses his mausoleum and a vast collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and personal items.

2. Explore the Alaeddin Mosque

The Alaeddin Mosque is another prominent religious site in Konya. It was built in the 13th century and is the oldest mosque in the city. The mosque features unique Seljuk architecture and boasts impressive domes, minarets, and intricate decorations. Visitors are welcome, but it’s best to check the prayer times beforehand to avoid disrupting worshippers.

3. See the Karatay Medrese

The Karatay Medrese is a historical landmark and one of the most iconic buildings in Konya. It was built in the 13th century as a center of knowledge and education for Islamic scholars. It’s now a museum that showcases traditional Turkish art, pottery, and calligraphy.

4. Check Out the Aziziye Mosque

The Aziziye Mosque is a relatively new addition to Konya’s religious sites, built-in 2013. It is known for its modern architecture, like a dome made of glass, and is the largest mosque in Konya with a capacity to hold over 10,000 people. The mosque is open to visitors, but it’s advised to dress appropriately and be respectful during your visit.

5. Visit the Ince Minaret Medrese

The Ince Minaret Medrese is a historical monument that was built in the 13th century. This medrese was constructed for students who were studying Islamic law and religion. The building now houses a museum that showcases a range of Turkish art and ceramics from the Seljuk period.

6. Take a Stroll in Mevlana Culture Park

The Mevlana Culture Park is a vast park that features beautifully landscaped gardens with sculptures, waterfalls, and fountains. It’s an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy nature. The park also has a playground for children, cafes where you can relax and enjoy local cuisine, and an outdoor theater that hosts cultural events.

7. Walk around the City Center

Konya’s city center is an excellent place to explore on foot, offering a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle. The city center features narrow streets, traditional Ottoman-era buildings, and local bazaars selling handicrafts, textiles, and spices. Don’t forget to try the Konya-style street food, such as Etli Ekmek (Turkish pizza), Simit (Turkish bagel), and Baklava (sweet pastry).

8. Learn About Natural History at the Konya Natural History Museum

The Konya Natural History Museum is an excellent place to learn about the local flora and fauna, mineralogy, and Paleontology. The museum features interactive exhibits, fossils of ancient animals, and rocks from different parts of the world. It’s a perfect place to take children and learn something new.

Final Thoughts

Konya is an ideal destination for those who want to explore Turkey’s rich Islamic culture and history. With its many landmarks, museums, and parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Follow this guide and make the most out of your visit to Konya, Turkey.