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A Week in Istanbul: Exploring the Rich History and Vibrant Culture

Ata S.

Ata S.

27 Sep 2023

Embark on a captivating journey through Istanbul, Turkey, as you immerse yourself in its fascinating history and vibrant culture. Discover magnificent mosques, ancient cisterns, majestic palaces, and iconic landmarks. Indulge in the beauty of the Bosphorus and explore the bustling Grand Bazaar. Join us on this unforgettable 7-day adventure in Istanbul!

Trip to Istanbul

Day 1
+

$63

·

$ 3

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Yeni Cami Mosque
Prominent mosque dating from the 17th century, featuring iconic domes & a dramatic interior.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$63
Day 2
+

$94

·

$ 3

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$94
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Mosque
Elegant, 19th-century, Ottoman-style mosque with Baroque & rococo-influenced decorative features.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
Day 3
+

$0

·

$ 3

Bosphorus
Boat tours provide visitors with unique city views from this strait separating Europe & Asia.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
47 - 57 min

~

Directions

Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
Restored Baroque Revival mosque featuring windows designed to capture the Bosphorus' changing light.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 4
+

$188

·

$ 3

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$125
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Riverside museum with Turkish & international modern & contemporary art collections, plus a cinema.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$63
Day 5
+

$0

·

$ 6

Eyüp Sultan Mosque
A friend of the prophet Muhammad is thought to be buried at this 15-century mosque rebuilt in 1800.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Fatih Mosque
Huge hilltop mosque rebuilt in the 1700s, with 4 semi-domes around a central dome, plus 2 minarets.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

The Blue Mosque
Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
Day 6
+

$125

Istanbul Aquarium
Big aquarium complex with around 1,700 species in many large tanks, plus a gift shop & eateries.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$125
Day 7
+

$0

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $485 In total

Activities & Food:$469
Transport:$16