10 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the City's Timeless Charms

Gama Rays

15 Jan 2024

Embark on a captivating journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. From awe-inspiring mosques to enchanting museums, immerse yourself in the city's ancient marvels and modern delights. Discover hidden treasures at bustling bazaars, marvel at panoramic views from towering landmarks, and unwind in serene parks. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Turkey.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Miniaturk, Kariye Mosque, Panorama 1453 History Museum

$52

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$16

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

•

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

•

$30

Day 2Rahmi M. Koç Museum

$30

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$30

Day 3Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Pera Museum, The Museum of Innocence, Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

$46

$ 2

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

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

8 - 12 min

Directions

19th-century home displaying everyday objects featured in the eponymous novel by Orhan Pamuk.

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$18

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$22

Day 4Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern

$32

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

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Free

11 - 16 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$32

Day 5Galata Tower, Istanbul Archaeological Museums

$94

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

•

$68

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

9:15 AM - 12:15 PM

•

$26

Day 6Hagia Sophia, Tiled Pavilion Museum, Gülhane Park, Suleymaniye Mosque

$22

$ 2

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

Directions

Palace pavilion from 1472 & museum for Islamic art with Greek & Persian architectural elements.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$22

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace

$86

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$22

20 - 24 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$48

18 - 22 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$16

Day 8Topkapi Palace Museum, İBB Emirgan Korusu

$54

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$54

38 - 46 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Day 9Sadberk Hanım Museum, Yıldız Park

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

35 - 42 min

Directions

Suburban public park with cafes & a hilltop museum in an Ottoman palace dating from the 1880s.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 10VIALAND Tema Park

$110

Theme park featuring amusement rides for all ages & a shopping center with dining & entertainment.

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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$110

Budget breakdown: $540 In total

Activities & Food:$530

Transport:$10