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5 Days in Istanbul: A Journey of History and Delights

Tony GH

Tony GH

7 Dec 2023

Embark on a 5-day adventure in Istanbul, Turkey, exploring ancient marvels and indulging in authentic cuisine. Discover the rich history of the city as you visit iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Museum. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar and enjoy traditional Turkish delights at Hafız Mustafa. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Istanbul!

Day 1Serene Parks and Majestic Palaces
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$94

·

$ 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
30 - 36 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
16 - 23 min

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Directions

Blum Coffee House
Speciality Coffee and Healthy Food
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$20
2 - 3 min

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Directions

Vogue
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$26
Day 2Aromatic Spices and Hidden Wonders
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$88

·

$ 2

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
12 - 15 min

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Directions

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$32
8 - 11 min

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Directions

Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
11 - 16 min

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Directions

Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$26
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Fuego Restaurant
Fuego brings together over 25 years of international culinary experience and provides authentic hospitality to local and international guests.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$30
Day 3From Tower Views to Historic Mosques
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$118

·

$ 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
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Free
18 - 22 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
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Fuego Restaurant
Fuego brings together over 25 years of international culinary experience and provides authentic hospitality to local and international guests.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$30
2 - 3 min

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Directions

Hafız Mustafa (Hafız Mustafa 1864)
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$20
Day 4Miniature Marvels and Cultural Delights
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$68

·

$ 3

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
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Gülistanbul Nargile Cafe & Aile Cay Bahcesi
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$26
9 - 11 min

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Directions

Halat By Divan
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$26
Day 5Shopping Extravaganza and Sweet Treats
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$92

·

$ 2

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Free
16 - 20 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
$54
9 - 14 min

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Directions

Hafız Mustafa (Hafız Mustafa 1864)
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$20
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Çiğdem Pastanesi
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$18

Budget breakdown: $468 In total

Activities & Food:$460
Transport:$8