🕌 Istanbul Adventure

Alexia Davidson

24 Dec 2023

Embark on a 10-day journey through the vibrant streets of Istanbul, where ancient marvels meet modern wonders. Discover majestic palaces, hidden mosques, and fascinating museums. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this enchanting city.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Palaces and Towers: Beylerbeyi, Dolmabahçe, and Galata

$132

$ 3

This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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$16

16 - 20 min

Directions

Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$48

12 - 15 min

Directions

Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

•

$68

Day 2Art and History: Sakıp Sabancı Museum and Kariye Mosque

$14

$ 2

Museum in a 1925 mansion with temporary & permanent exhibits, plus Islamic calligraphy & sculptures.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

25 - 30 min

Directions

Museum of religious art on the site of a church that was first built here in the 6th century A.D.

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

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Day 3Beneath the Surface: Basilica Cistern and Great Palace Mosaics

$48

Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$32

6 - 9 min

Directions

Museum featuring Byzantine-period mosaics from the Great Palace of Constantinople.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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$16

Day 4Iconic Wonders: Hagia Sophia and Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum

$22

Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

Palace museum of Islamic & Turkish art, opened in 1983 & displaying ceramics, carpets & glassware.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$22

Day 5Mosques and Markets: Suleymaniye, Egyptian Bazaar, and Grand Bazaar

Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

Day 6Artistic Delights: Salt Galata and Pera Museum

Art space in a former bank building featuring a gallery, a cafe & a library with free Wi-Fi.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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Free

14 - 21 min

Directions

Art museum in an ornate former hotel with paintings, ceramics & rotating shows of modern masters.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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Day 7Miniaturk and Historical Panorama: A Glimpse into the Past

$46

$ 2

Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$16

13 - 16 min

Directions

Historical center featuring a large panoramic painting of the conquest of Constantinople.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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$30

Day 8A Journey through Innovation: Rahmi M. Koç Museum

$30

Museum on transportation, industry & communications with a car collection & some hands-on exhibits.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$30

Day 9Modern Art and Royal Treasures: Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and Topkapi Palace

$76

$ 2

Riverside museum with Turkish & international modern & contemporary art collections, plus a cinema.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$22

17 - 21 min

Directions

Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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$54

Day 10Unveiling Ancient Treasures: Istanbul Archaeological Museums

$26

Neoclassical museum showing the country's rich archaeological heritage within landscaped gardens.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$26

Budget breakdown: $406 In total

Activities & Food:$400

Transport:$6