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10 Days in Istanbul: A Journey through History and Culture

Halim Demir

Halim Demir

27 Dec 2023

Join me on an epic adventure through the vibrant streets of Istanbul, where ancient marvels and rich cultural experiences await. From majestic mosques to bustling bazaars, this itinerary is designed to immerse you in the city's captivating charm. Get ready to be enchanted by Istanbul's timeless beauty!

Trip to Istanbul

Day 1Unveiling the Splendor of Suleymaniye Mosque and Egyptian Bazaar
+

$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
Day 2Ascending Galata Tower, Strolling through Gülhane Park, and Discovering the Magnificence of Hagia Sophia
+

$68

·

$ 2

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
•
$68
9 - 11 min

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Directions

Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
•
Free
Day 3Delving into History at Topkapi Palace Museum and Basilica Cistern
+

$86

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$54
8 - 11 min

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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
Day 4Getting Lost in the Labyrinth of Grand Bazaar
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$0

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
Day 5Exploring the Miniature World at Miniaturk and Seeking Serenity at Eyüp Sultan Mosque
+

$16

·

$ 2

Miniaturk
Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$16
11 - 14 min

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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
Day 6Reveling in Nature's Beauty at İBB Emirgan Korusu and Admiring the Opulence of Dolmabahçe Palace
+

$48

·

$ 2

İBB Emirgan Korusu
Lush public park featuring an array of plants, 2 ponds, jogging paths & play equipment for kids.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
29 - 35 min

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Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$48
Day 7Finding Tranquility amidst the Greenery of Yıldız Park
+

$0

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
Day 8Unleashing Your Inner Explorer at Rahmi M. Koç Museum
+

$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

Budget breakdown: $252 In total

Activities & Food:$248
Transport:$4