Aromatherapy Botanical Distillation & Hydrosol Workshop

5.0
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Recommended by 100% travellers
100% of guests rated this experience 4 stars or higher
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5.0  (19)
Recommended by 100% travellers
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5.0
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19
Reviews
Recommended by 100% travellers
100% of guests rated this experience 4 stars or higher
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5.0  (19)
Recommended by 100% travellers
Available TodayReserve your spot now and join the experience today.
Free CancellationCancel for free up to 1 day before your experience
Food for HappinessFor every guest in your booking, we donate 10 meals to children around the world
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Location
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group size
Max 14 guests
Language
English
Location
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group size
Max 14 guests
Language
English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
•19 reviews
 US$20.46  per guest
Instant Confirmation
Select Options
Available TodayReserve your spot now and join the experience today.
Free CancellationCancel for free up to 1 day before your experience
Food for HappinessFor every guest in your booking, we donate 10 meals to children around the world
Why book with byFood?
Japan's #1 food travel platform
Trusted by 50,000+ travelers worldwideCurated by food lovers, for food loversFeatured in CNN, Forbes & NYT
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.
✦ 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
✦ Guided exploration of Little Hagia Sophia’s peaceful courtyard
✦ Stories and historical anecdotes from ancient Istanbul
✦ Turkish coffee served with Turkish Delight
✦ flower water (hydrosol) bottle - as a gift
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.
Meeting Point

Küçük Ayasofya Cami, Fatih İstanbul, Türkiye, TR, 34122

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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 experience ends at the meeting point.

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 1 day before for a full refund.
No refund within 1 day of the experience or no-shows.
5.0
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19 reviews
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19 reviews
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Paradise64200150584August 2026 • TripAdvisor
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A journey into aroma therapy oils

It was as a wonderful experience even though I booked as a solo participant my husband was with me and was made feel so welcome, we both did with lovely Turkish tea and interesting stories and it was great to witness the process of making lavender aroma therapy. A peaceful garden and a great experience I highly recommend it if you are looking for something different

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Tamas_ZMay 2026 • Viator
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One can experience the culture,...

One can learn about the culture and history of Turkey firsthand. Experience the hospitality in this country.

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Cruiser64443414634October 2025 • TripAdvisor
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Best workshop in Istanbul ✨️

We 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 coffe...read more

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YU_AOctober 2025 • Viator
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Making aromatic water

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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Jaspal_KOctober 2025 • Viator
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Amazing and would highly recommend.

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...read more

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