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8 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the Mysteries of the East

Sambhav Luniya

15 Jan 2024

0

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. Discover hidden treasures, ancient marvels, and indulge in the flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the East!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Delving into the Depths of Basilica Cistern and Istanbul Archaeological Museums

+

$58

Basilica Cistern

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$32

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

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

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$26

Day 2The Majestic Suleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and the Iconic Hagia Sophia

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$0

·

$ 2

Suleymaniye Mosque

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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Free

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Gülhane Park

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Exploring the Opulent Topkapi Palace Museum, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and the Exotic Egyptian Bazaar

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$76

·

$ 2

Topkapi Palace Museum

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$54

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$22

12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4A Journey through Miniaturk, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Kariye Mosque, and the Panorama 1453 History Museum

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$52

·

$ 4

Miniaturk

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$16

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

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Kariye Mosque

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

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

•

$6

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum

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

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

•

$30

Day 5Unveiling the Fascinating Exhibits at Rahmi M. Koç Museum and Pera Museum

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$36

·

$ 2

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$30

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Pera Museum

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$6

Day 6Ascending the Galata Tower, Immersing in Contemporary Art at Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, and Meeting Celebrities at Madame Tussauds Istanbul

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$122

·

$ 3

Galata Tower

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

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

•

$68

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

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

9:15 AM - 10:45 AM

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$22

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Madame Tussauds Istanbul

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

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$16

27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Beylerbeyi Palace

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

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

•

$16

Day 7Embracing Nature at İBB Emirgan Korusu, Exploring the Mighty Rumeli Fortress, and Admiring the Grand Mecidiye Mosque

+

$52

·

$ 4

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

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Rumeli Fortress

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

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

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$4

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)

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

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace

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

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

•

$48

Day 8The Grand Finale at Dolmabahçe Palace: A Glimpse into Ottoman Splendor

+

$0

Budget breakdown: $408 In total

Activities & Food:$396

Transport:$12