10 Days in Istanbul: A Journey of History, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Abdulmalik Alhamar

25 Nov 2023

Embark on a thrilling 10-day adventure through the vibrant streets of Istanbul, Turkey. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the city, marvel at iconic landmarks, and savor the delectable flavors of Turkish cuisine. From the majestic Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Breakfast Bliss and Bazaar Wonders

$66

$ 2

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$48

12 - 17 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Bustling bridge across the Golden Horn with pedestrian walkways & street vendors, with cafes below.

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

Day 2Icons of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia and Maiden's Tower

$60

$ 2

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

15 - 22 min

Directions

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

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

30 - 36 min

Directions

Structure linked with legend & once used as a lighthouse, housing a small museum & a restaurant.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$51

16 - 23 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

Day 3Palaces, Parks, and Spices

$102

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

12 - 17 min

Directions

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

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$81

8 - 12 min

Directions

Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$12

Day 4Café Hopping and Tower Views

$120

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

4 - 6 min

Directions

Historic passageway between 2 streets, featuring ornate architecture, shops & cafes.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 21 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

•

$102

1 - 2 min

Directions

Hatıralarla yaşayan bir cafe, Anne elinden lezzetler, Antika fincanlarda servis edilen kahve ve çay keyfi, Günün her saati kahvaltı saati :)

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$15

Day 5Boza Bliss and Archaeological Marvels

$60

$ 2

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$39

7 - 10 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$12

Day 6Miniatures and Panoramas

$96

$ 4

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$24

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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$45

12 - 17 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$21

Day 7Culinary Delights and Museum Marvels

$51

50 yıldır tamamen hijyenik mutfağımızda hazırlanan zengin Türk mutfağına ait ev yemeklerimizi deneyimli personelimizle sizlerin beğenisine sunmaktayız.

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

2 - 3 min

Directions

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

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$45

19 - 28 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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Day 8Books, Mosques, and Royal Residences

$93

$ 4

Türkiye'nin en keyifli Kitap Kafesi. Açık ve kapalı bahçemiz 73 çeşit çayımız ile Eyüp ve Fatih'deyiz.

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

3 - 4 min

Directions

A friend of the prophet Muhammad is thought to be buried at this 15-century mosque rebuilt in 1800.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

22 - 27 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$72

29 - 35 min

Directions

Lush public park featuring an array of plants, 2 ponds, jogging paths & play equipment for kids.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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$15

Day 9Serene Parks and Gastronomic Delights

$15

Laledan Restaurant, on the hotel building’s ground floor, serves the richest breakfast buffet in town with over 250 delicious items, 80 percent of which are made with locally sourced organic ingredients. The Legendary Çırağan Brunch on Sundays is from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$12

11 - 16 min

Directions

Suburban public park with cafes & a hilltop museum in an Ottoman palace dating from the 1880s.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

The feast begins with the ambience … rich Ottoman décor and the ever-stirring backdrop of the Bosphorus. For the full effect, ask for a table on Tuğra’s balcony, lit by the moon, a candle and the Bosphorus Bridge.

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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Day 10Farewell to Istanbul

Budget breakdown: $674 In total

Activities & Food:$663

Transport:$11