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10 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the Secrets of the East 🕌

Waiel Awad

26 Nov 2023

0

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. From majestic palaces to ancient mosques, immerse yourself in the allure of the East. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Turkey!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Majestic Wonders of Topkapi Palace and Sultanahmet Square

+

$43

Topkapi Palace Museum

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$27

8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$16

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Sultanahmet Square

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Beyazit Square

+

$0

·

$ 1

Beyazit Square

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

~

Directions

The Blue Mosque

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

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 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

Gülhane Park

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

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

•

Free

Day 3Maiden's Tower, Galata Bridge, and the Exotic Egyptian Bazaar

+

$17

·

$ 1

Maiden's Tower

Structure linked with legend & once used as a lighthouse, housing a small museum & a restaurant.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$17

23 - 28 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

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Galata Tower, Grand Bazaar, and the Magnificent Mosques

+

$34

·

$ 2

Galata Tower

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

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

•

$34

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar

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

9:15 AM - 10:45 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque

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

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Fatih Mosque

Huge hilltop mosque rebuilt in the 1700s, with 4 semi-domes around a central dome, plus 2 minarets.

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

•

Free

Day 5Serenity at İBB Emirgan Korusu and Dolmabahçe Palace

+

$24

·

$ 2

İBB Emirgan Korusu

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)

Restored Baroque Revival mosque featuring windows designed to capture the Bosphorus' changing light.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$24

Day 6Yıldız Park, Vodafone Stadium, and Eyüp Sultan Mosque

+

$15

·

$ 2

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

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Vodafone Stadium

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$15

20 - 24 min

~

Directions

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Discover the World in Miniaturk

+

$8

Miniaturk

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$8

Day 8Dive into the Istanbul Aquarium and Rahmi M. Koç Museum

+

$38

·

$ 1

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

•

$23

26 - 32 min

~

Directions

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

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

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

$15

Day 9Unearth History at Istanbul Archaeological Museums

+

$13

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

Day 10Thrills and Fun at VIALAND Tema Park

+

$55

VIALAND Tema Park

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

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$55

Budget breakdown: $252 In total

Activities & Food:$247

Transport:$5