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10 Days in Istanbul: A Journey Through History and Culture

mohamed safa ben rhouma

mohamed safa ben rhouma

1 Dec 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure in Istanbul, Turkey, where ancient marvels and vibrant culture await. Explore magnificent palaces, awe-inspiring mosques, and fascinating museums. Immerse yourself in the bustling bazaars and indulge in the flavors of Turkish cuisine. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Istanbul.

Trip to Istanbul

Day 1Palaces and Towers
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$66

·

$ 2

Beylerbeyi Palace
This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$8
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$24
12 - 15 min

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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
Day 2Art and History
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$7

·

$ 1

Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Museum in a 1925 mansion with temporary & permanent exhibits, plus Islamic calligraphy & sculptures.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$4
25 - 30 min

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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
•
$3
Day 3Mysteries Beneath the Surface
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$24

Basilica Cistern
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

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Directions

Great Palace Mosaics Museum
Museum featuring Byzantine-period mosaics from the Great Palace of Constantinople.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$8
Day 4Icons of Istanbul
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$11

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
Palace museum of Islamic & Turkish art, opened in 1983 & displaying ceramics, carpets & glassware.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$11
Day 5Mosques and Markets
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$0

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
12 - 17 min

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Directions

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 6Artistic Gems of Istanbul
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$3

Salt Galata
Art space in a former bank building featuring a gallery, a cafe & a library with free Wi-Fi.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
14 - 21 min

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Directions

Pera Museum
Art museum in an ornate former hotel with paintings, ceramics & rotating shows of modern masters.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$3
Day 7Miniatures and Historical Panoramas
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$23

·

$ 1

Miniaturk
Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$8
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum
Historical center featuring a large panoramic painting of the conquest of Constantinople.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$15
Day 8A Journey Through Industrial Heritage
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$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 9Modern Art and Royal Splendor
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$38

·

$ 1

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Riverside museum with Turkish & international modern & contemporary art collections, plus a cinema.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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$11
13 - 16 min

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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 10Unveiling Ancient Treasures
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$13

Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Neoclassical museum showing the country's rich archaeological heritage within landscaped gardens.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$13

Budget breakdown: $203 In total

Activities & Food:$200
Transport:$3