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10 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the City's Hidden Gems

gophier sol

gophier sol

27 Dec 2023

Embark on a captivating journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. Discover awe-inspiring museums, majestic palaces, and iconic landmarks. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Miniaturk and Panorama 1453 History Museum. Marvel at the intricate architecture of Kariye Mosque and Mihrimah Sultan Mosque. Explore the treasures of Topkapi Palace Museum and Hagia Sophia. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar. Uncover the secrets of Dolmabahçe Palace and Suleymaniye Mosque. Join us on this unforgettable adventure!

Day 1Miniaturk and Panorama 1453 History Museum - A Glimpse into the Past
+

$23

·

$ 2

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Miniaturk
Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$8
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum
Historical center featuring a large panoramic painting of the conquest of Constantinople.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$15
Day 2Kariye Mosque, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, and More - Architectural Wonders Await
+

$6

·

$ 3

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Depart from your stay 🏨

18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Kariye Mosque
Museum of religious art on the site of a church that was first built here in the 6th century A.D.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
$3
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Imposing, 16th-century mosque complex designed by Mimar Sinan, with 4 corner towers & tall minaret.
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George
Principal Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in Istanbul, with religious relics, mosaics & public hours.
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Pera Museum
Art museum in an ornate former hotel with paintings, ceramics & rotating shows of modern masters.
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
$3
Day 3Rahmi M. Koç Museum - A Fascinating Journey through Innovation
+

$15

·

$ 2

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Depart from your stay 🏨

14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Museum on transportation, industry & communications with a car collection & some hands-on exhibits.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$15
Day 4Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern - Icons of Istanbul
+

$43

·

$ 2

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Depart from your stay 🏨

26 - 32 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$27
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$16
Day 5Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, Egyptian Bazaar, and Galata Tower - A Fusion of Art and Culture
+

$45

·

$ 3

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Depart from your stay 🏨

18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Riverside museum with Turkish & international modern & contemporary art collections, plus a cinema.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$11
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
$34
Day 6Istanbul Archaeological Museums - Unearthing Ancient Treasures
+

$13

·

$ 2

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Depart from your stay 🏨

23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Neoclassical museum showing the country's rich archaeological heritage within landscaped gardens.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$13
Day 7Sadberk Hanım Museum, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Naval Museum - A Glimpse into Istanbul's Heritage
+

$18

·

$ 3

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Depart from your stay 🏨

34 - 41 min

~

Directions

Sadberk Hanım Museum
European-style mansions home to a vast private collection of ancient & Ottoman-era artifacts & more.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$2
36 - 44 min

~

Directions

Beylerbeyi Palace
This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$8
23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Naval Museum
Museum tracing Turkish naval history with artifacts such as Ottoman-era ships & early diving gear.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
$8
Day 8Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum and Great Palace Mosaics Museum - A Blend of Art and History
+

$12

·

$ 2

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Depart from your stay 🏨

24 - 29 min

~

Directions

Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Museum in a 1925 mansion with temporary & permanent exhibits, plus Islamic calligraphy & sculptures.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$4
33 - 40 min

~

Directions

Great Palace Mosaics Museum
Museum featuring Byzantine-period mosaics from the Great Palace of Constantinople.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$8
Day 9Grand Bazaar and Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum - A Shopper's Paradise
+

$11

·

$ 2

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Depart from your stay 🏨

25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Free
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
Palace museum of Islamic & Turkish art, opened in 1983 & displaying ceramics, carpets & glassware.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
$11
Day 10Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul Toy Museum, Little Hagia Sophia, and Suleymaniye Mosque - A Grand Finale
+

$33

·

$ 3

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$24
26 - 32 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Toy Museum
Former toy shop-turned-museum showcasing old-fashioned toys & miniatures dating back 200 years.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$9
30 - 36 min

~

Directions

Little Hagia Sophia
Landmark domed mosque in a former 6th century Byzantine church with an Ottoman-style interior.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $236 In total

Activities & Food:$219
Transport:$17