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5 Days in Istanbul: A Journey of History and Culinary Delights

Carmelo Iglesias

7 Oct 2023

0

Join me on a thrilling adventure through the vibrant streets of Istanbul, where ancient marvels and mouthwatering cuisine await. From exploring magnificent museums to savoring succulent steaks, this itinerary is packed with excitement for solo travelers.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling the Treasures of Turkish Culture

+

$329

·

$ 4

Mest Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$77

11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Nusr-et Steakhouse

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$119

4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Mr. Cook

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$133

Day 2Captivating Views and Exotic Spices

+

$581

·

$ 11

Mest Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

11 - 14 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

•

$238

14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Miniaturk

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

9:15 AM - 11:15 AM

•

$56

17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar

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

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Tarihi Eminönü Balıkçısı - Alaettin Aktuğ'un Yeri

1:15 PM - 2:45 PM

•

$154

12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Mr. Cook

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$133

Day 3From Vintage Cars to Underground Wonders

+

$483

·

$ 8

Mest Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$105

21 - 26 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$112

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Mr. Cook

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$133

0

Mr. Cook

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$133

Day 4Icons of Istanbul: Mosques, Palaces, and Grilled Delights

+

$427

·

$ 15

Mest Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$168

19 - 23 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque

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

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Kebap Durağı

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$126

3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Fatih Baran Et & Mangal

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$133

Day 5Journey into the Past: Museums and Palatial Grandeur

+

$546

Mest Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

13 - 20 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$91

6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$189

11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Mr. Cook

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$133

0

Mr. Cook

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$133

Budget breakdown: $2403 In total

Activities & Food:$2366

Transport:$37