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

Radwan Mohammad

15 Dec 2023

Embark on a captivating journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. From ancient marvels to hidden gems, this 10-day itinerary will immerse you in the magic of the East. Get ready for a whirlwind adventure filled with breathtaking sights, mouthwatering cuisine, and unforgettable experiences.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Miniaturk and Panorama 1453: A Glimpse into History

$23

$ 2

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$15

Day 2Rahmi M. Koç Museum and Kariye Mosque: Unveiling Treasures

$18

$ 2

Somerset Maslak 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

•

$15

10 - 12 min

Directions

Museum of religious art on the site of a church that was first built here in the 6th century A.D.

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

•

Day 3Basilica Cistern, Great Palace Mosaics Museum, and Hagia Irene: Mysteries Beneath the Surface

$37

$ 2

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

41 - 50 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$16

6 - 9 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

Day 4Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, and Hagia Sophia: A Shopper's Paradise

$ 2

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

28 - 34 min

Directions

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

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Suleymaniye Mosque, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and Galata Tower: Majestic Heights

$45

$ 3

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

30 - 36 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$11

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

•

$34

Day 6Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and Salt Galata: Contemporary Delights

$11

$ 2

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

33 - 40 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$11

13 - 20 min

Directions

Art space in a former bank building featuring a gallery, a cafe & a library with free Wi-Fi.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Day 7Topkapi Palace Museum, Tiled Pavilion Museum, and Pera Museum: Royal Extravaganza

$41

$ 2

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

40 - 48 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$27

5 - 8 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$11

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Day 8Istanbul Archaeological Museums: Unearthing Ancient Wonders

$13

$ 2

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

39 - 47 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

Day 9Sadberk Hanım Museum, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Yıldız Palace: A Glimpse of Ottoman Splendor

$11

$ 3

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

21 - 26 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

30 - 36 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

16 - 20 min

Directions

Opulent 19th-century Ottoman palace, with grand interiors, pavilions & courtyards.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Day 10Naval Museum, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Istanbul Toy Museum: Nautical Tales and Childhood Delights

$41

$ 2

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Depart from your stay 🏨

29 - 35 min

Directions

Museum tracing Turkish naval history with artifacts such as Ottoman-era ships & early diving gear.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

16 - 23 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$24

26 - 32 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Budget breakdown: $256 In total

Activities & Food:$240

Transport:$16