Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road worth booking?
Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road is a 1.5-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $20 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (19)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $20 per person
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
What you get
About this experience
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.
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
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
Response from the operator: Have a nice trip with Lavander Oil in The Ocean :)
via Tripadvisor
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 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
via Tripadvisor
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 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.
via Viator
Our favorite Instanbul experience - unlike anything else and incredibly fun!
One 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!
Response from the operator: It was great to experience this with you. Thank you very much for your visit. Maybe in the future we will try Turkish delight again :)
via Tripadvisor
A top notch experience
Among 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.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your kindly comment, it was a very nice experience for us.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road cost?
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Prices start at $20 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Aromatherapy Workshop / Aromatic Oils of Spice Road start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour, Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Asian Side Stop, ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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