10 Days in Istanbul: A Journey Through History and Culture

leen fazeeh

8 Dec 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure to Istanbul, Turkey, where ancient marvels and vibrant culture await. Explore iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, immerse yourself in the city's rich history at museums and mosques, and indulge in the flavors of the Egyptian and Grand Bazaars. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Istanbul!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Miniaturk and the Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George

$16

$ 4

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

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

•

$16

12 - 15 min

Directions

Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George

Principal Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in Istanbul, with religious relics, mosaics & public hours.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Day 2Unveiling History at Panorama 1453 and Rahmi M. Koç Museum

$60

$ 4

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

Depart from your stay 🏨

23 - 28 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$30

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$30

Day 3Discovering Spiritual Wonders at Eyüp Sultan, Mihrimah Sultan, and Kariye Mosques, and Galata Tower

$74

$ 5

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

Depart from your stay 🏨

20 - 24 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

Imposing, 16th-century mosque complex designed by Mimar Sinan, with 4 corner towers & tall minaret.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

•

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

•

$68

Day 4Majestic Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Serene Gülhane Park

$86

$ 3

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

Depart from your stay 🏨

18 - 22 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$54

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$32

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Sensory Delights at the Egyptian and Grand Bazaars, and the Timeless Hagia Sophia

$ 4

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 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 6Immersing in Art at Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Pera Museum

$28

$ 4

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$22

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Day 7Unearthing Ancient Treasures at Istanbul Archaeological Museums

$26

$ 3

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$26

Day 8Exploring Beylerbeyi Palace and Cruising the Bosphorus

$16

$ 4

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

Depart from your stay 🏨

25 - 30 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$16

52 - 63 min

Directions

Boat tours provide visitors with unique city views from this strait separating Europe & Asia.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 9Unveiling History at Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum and Anadoluhisarı

$12

$ 4

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

Depart from your stay 🏨

29 - 35 min

Directions

Museum in a 1925 mansion with temporary & permanent exhibits, plus Islamic calligraphy & sculptures.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

17 - 21 min

Directions

At the narrowest part of the Bosphurus, this imposing fort gives its name to the surrounding area.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Day 10Experiencing Opulence at Dolmabahçe Palace, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and Little Hagia Sophia

$70

$ 4

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

Depart from your stay 🏨

6 - 8 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$48

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$22

5 - 8 min

Directions

Landmark domed mosque in a former 6th century Byzantine church with an Ottoman-style interior.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $419 In total

Activities & Food:$388

Transport:$31