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10 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the City's Treasures

Naresh Kumar

7 Jan 2024

0

Embark on a thrilling journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. From majestic palaces to bustling bazaars, immerse yourself in the city's enchanting charm. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Palaces, Wax Figures, and Tower Views

+

$66

·

$ 2

Dolmabahçe Palace

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$24

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Madame Tussauds Istanbul

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$8

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower

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

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

•

$34

6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar

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

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

•

Free

Day 2Strolling in Parks and Exploring Hidden Gems

+

$2

·

$ 2

Gülhane Park

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Çiçek Pasajı

Historic passageway between 2 streets, featuring ornate architecture, shops & cafes.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Rumeli Fortress

Hilltop 15th-century fortress with multiple towers, walking paths & water views.

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

•

$2

Day 3Miniature Wonders and Historical Marvels

+

$23

·

$ 2

Miniaturk

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$8

12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

$15

Day 4A Journey into the Past at Rahmi M. Koç Museum

+

$15

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$15

Day 5Nature's Beauty and Ancient Mysteries

+

$16

·

$ 1

Ataturk Arboretum

Calm, expansive arboretum with collections of plants & trees, popular for nature walks & photos.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

39 - 47 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$16

Day 6Royal Residences and Serene Gardens

+

$8

·

$ 2

Beylerbeyi Palace

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$8

20 - 24 min

~

Directions

Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

24 - 29 min

~

Directions

İBB Emirgan Korusu

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

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7Parks, Iconic Landmarks, and Cultural Heritage

+

$0

·

$ 1

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

24 - 29 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Sultanahmet Square

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 8Archaeological Marvels and Spiritual Serenity

+

$13

·

$ 1

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

14 - 17 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 9Exploring Beyazit Square and Majestic Palaces

+

$27

·

$ 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

18 - 22 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

•

$27

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: $232 In total

Activities & Food:$225

Transport:$7