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8 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the Secrets of the East ✨

Raziye Topsakaloglu

Raziye Topsakaloglu

3 Jan 2024

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. Discover ancient marvels, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the East. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Trip to Istanbul

Day 1Mosques, Towers, and Spiritual Serenity
+

$68

·

$ 3

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
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
•
$68
Day 2Miniaturk and Galata Bridge: A Glimpse into the Past
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$46

·

$ 4

Miniaturk
Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$16
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Galata Bridge
Bustling bridge across the Golden Horn with pedestrian walkways & street vendors, with cafes below.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Beyazit Square
Large public square featuring the main gate to Istanbul University, a big mosque & street vendors.
No time set
•
Free
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Museum on transportation, industry & communications with a car collection & some hands-on exhibits.
No time set
•
$30
Day 3Gülhane Park, Hagia Sophia, and the Mysterious Cistern
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$32

Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$32
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

The Blue Mosque
Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.
No time set
•
Free
0
Day 4Suleymaniye Mosque, Egyptian Bazaar, and Royal Opulence
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$48

·

$ 2

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$48
Day 5The Grand Bazaar: A Shopper's Paradise
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$0

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
Day 6Topkapi Palace Museum and Emirgan Korusu: A Royal Retreat
+

$54

·

$ 2

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$54
42 - 51 min

~

Directions

İBB Emirgan Korusu
Lush public park featuring an array of plants, 2 ponds, jogging paths & play equipment for kids.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
Day 7Yıldız Park: Nature's Tranquil Haven
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$0

Yıldız Park
Suburban public park with cafes & a hilltop museum in an Ottoman palace dating from the 1880s.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
Day 8Farewell to Istanbul: A City of Dreams
+

$0

Budget breakdown: $256 In total

Activities & Food:$248
Transport:$8