10 Days in Istanbul: A Journey Through History and Culture

Omar Bahroune

9 Dec 2023

Join me on a thrilling 10-day adventure through the vibrant streets of Istanbul, where ancient marvels and rich cultural experiences await. From majestic palaces to iconic mosques, bustling bazaars to fascinating museums, this itinerary is packed with excitement and discovery. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this enchanting city!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Royalty and Nature's Delight

$48

$ 10

Hilton Mall of Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

39 - 47 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$48

29 - 35 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Day 2Palaces, Towers, and Exotic Delights

$348

$ 16

Hilton Mall of Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

28 - 34 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$144

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

•

$204

6 - 8 min

Directions

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

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Unveiling Istanbul's Ancient Treasures

$78

$ 7

Hilton Mall of Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

33 - 40 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$78

Day 4Serenity in the Heart of the City

$162

$ 7

Hilton Mall of Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

31 - 38 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$162

Day 5Miniaturk and the Epic 1453 Battle

$138

$ 10

Hilton Mall of Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

20 - 24 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$48

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$90

Day 6A Journey Through Industrial History

$90

$ 7

Hilton Mall of Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

21 - 26 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$90

Day 7Spiritual Serenity and Grand Shopping

$ 10

Hilton Mall of Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

21 - 26 min

Directions

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

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 8Iconic Landmarks and Subterranean Wonders

$96

$ 7

Hilton Mall of Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

35 - 42 min

Directions

Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

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

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$96

Day 9Exploring the Vibrant Beyazit Square

$ 7

Hilton Mall of Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

24 - 29 min

Directions

Large public square featuring the main gate to Istanbul University, a big mosque & street vendors.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

Day 10Thrills and Fun at VIALAND Tema Park

$330

$ 7

Hilton Mall of Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

25 - 30 min

Directions

Theme park featuring amusement rides for all ages & a shopping center with dining & entertainment.

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$330

Budget breakdown: $1372 In total

Activities & Food:$1290

Transport:$82