8 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the Treasures of the East

vinod thalappalli

4 Dec 2023

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. Discover hidden gems, indulge in authentic Turkish cuisine, and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this ancient city.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Subterranean Wonders and Modern Art Delights

$168

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$64

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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$44

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

$60

Day 2Revitalizing Hamam Experiences and Majestic Masterpieces

$732

$ 3

Classic hammam with Ottoman-style marble-clad treatment areas & extras like massage & bubble baths.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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$152

8 - 12 min

Directions

Traditional bathing, exfoliation & massage services offered in a restored, dome-topped landmark.

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$280

11 - 14 min

Directions

Impressive Ottoman-empire hammam, finished in 1741, with domes supported by arches and columns.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$256

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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$44

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Sacred Mosques, Towering Views, and Miniature Marvels

$180

$ 7

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

•

$136

12 - 17 min

Directions

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

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

•

$12

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

12:15 PM - 2:15 PM

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$32

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

•

Free

Day 4Mosaics, Bazaars, and Historical Panoramas

$304

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$32

9 - 14 min

Directions

Turkish bath complex dating from 1584 offering soaks, steam baths, scrubs, massages & clay masks.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$212

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

21 - 26 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$60

Day 5Celebrity Encounters, Serene Parks, and Oriental Delights

$288

$ 5

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$32

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

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Free

12 - 15 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

8 - 11 min

Directions

This functional Turkish baths was established in the 1500s & still provides services today.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$256

Day 6Island Escapes to Heybeliada and Burgaz Island

Small island with a hilltop Greek Orthodox monastery, navy school & small harbour with cafés.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Accessibly by boat only, this island houses the Sait Faik museum & ruins of a 9th-century monastery.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7Toy Treasures, Imperial Palaces, and Archaeological Marvels

$196

$ 3

Former toy shop-turned-museum showcasing old-fashioned toys & miniatures dating back 200 years.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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$36

30 - 36 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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$108

4 - 6 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

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$52

Day 8Byzantine Beauty, Royal Palaces, and Artistic Gems

$232

$ 7

Byzantine, former Orthodox church dating from the 4th century, open as a museum.

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

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$52

5 - 8 min

Directions

Palace pavilion from 1472 & museum for Islamic art with Greek & Persian architectural elements.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

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$44

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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$96

18 - 22 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

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$32

33 - 40 min

Directions

European-style mansions home to a vast private collection of ancient & Ottoman-era artifacts & more.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Budget breakdown: $2128 In total

Activities & Food:$2100

Transport:$28