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7 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling Ancient Marvels and Culinary Delights

Fabrice Verheyen

Fabrice Verheyen

19 Jan 2024

Embark on a captivating journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. Discover hidden treasures in the Basilica Cistern and Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Galata Tower and Hagia Sophia. Indulge in delectable treats at Çengelköy Börekçisi and Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant. Unveil the opulence of Dolmabahçe Palace and Topkapi Palace Museum. Immerse in the fascinating Panorama 1453 History Museum and Miniaturk. Explore the bustling Egyptian Bazaar and Grand Bazaar. Conclude your adventure with the serene beauty of Suleymaniye Mosque and a delightful meal at Karadeniz Restaurant.

Day 1Unveiling Istanbul's Hidden Gems
+

$120

·

$ 5

Element Garden Otel

Depart from your stay 🏨

19 - 23 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$48
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Riverside museum with Turkish & international modern & contemporary art collections, plus a cinema.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
$33
13 - 20 min

~

Directions

Dükkan Galata
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$39
Day 2Journey Through Ancient Artifacts
+

$78

·

$ 4

Element Garden Otel

Depart from your stay 🏨

15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Neoclassical museum showing the country's rich archaeological heritage within landscaped gardens.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$39
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$39
Day 3Captivating Views and Timeless Wonders
+

$168

·

$ 5

Element Garden Otel

Depart from your stay 🏨

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
$102
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
Palace museum of Islamic & Turkish art, opened in 1983 & displaying ceramics, carpets & glassware.
9:15 AM - 10:45 AM
$33
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$33
Day 4Palatial Splendor and Savory Delights
+

$192

·

$ 5

Element Garden Otel

Depart from your stay 🏨

7 - 9 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
$72
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
$81
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$39
Day 5Immersive History and Culinary Adventures
+

$96

·

$ 5

Element Garden Otel

Depart from your stay 🏨

23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum
Historical center featuring a large panoramic painting of the conquest of Constantinople.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$45
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Miniaturk
Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$24
15 - 22 min

~

Directions

Can 2 Dürüm Evi
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$27
Day 6A Shopper's Paradise and Gastronomic Delights
+

$45

·

$ 4

Element Garden Otel

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Rejon Kebap House
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$45
Day 7Serenity and Scrumptious Fare
+

$42

·

$ 4

Element Garden Otel

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Karadeniz Restaurant
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$42

Budget breakdown: $770 In total

Activities & Food:$741
Transport:$29