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8 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the Mysteries of the East

Yasin Altin

15 Dec 2023

0

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the vibrant streets of Istanbul, where ancient wonders and rich cultural heritage await. Discover hidden gems, immerse yourself in the bustling bazaars, and savor the flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the East!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Mosaics, Cisterns, and Byzantine Marvels

+

$74

Great Palace Mosaics Museum

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$16

7 - 10 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

•

$32

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Hagia Irene

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

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$26

Day 2From Byzantine Glory to Ottoman Splendor

+

$0

·

$ 2

Hagia Sophia

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3A Glimpse into Turkish Art and Royalty

+

$76

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$22

12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$54

Day 4Miniatures, Mosques, and Historical Panoramas

+

$52

·

$ 3

Miniaturk

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$16

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Kariye Mosque

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

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

•

$6

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum

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

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

•

$30

Day 5Unveiling the Treasures of Rahmi M. Koç Museum

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$30

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$30

Day 6Exploring Palaces and Ottoman Opulence

+

$68

·

$ 3

Sadberk Hanım Museum

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$4

30 - 36 min

~

Directions

Beylerbeyi Palace

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$16

17 - 21 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

•

$48

Day 7Spice Scents, Tower Views, and Artistic Wonders

+

$74

·

$ 2

Egyptian Bazaar

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower

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

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

•

$68

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Pera Museum

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

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

•

$6

Day 8Immerse in Modern Art at Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

+

$22

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$22

Budget breakdown: $403 In total

Activities & Food:$396

Transport:$7