10 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the Magic of the East 🕌✨

Aicha GASRI

25 Nov 2023

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Istanbul's rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landmarks. From majestic palaces to iconic mosques, bustling bazaars to serene parks, this 10-day itinerary will immerse you in the enchanting allure of the East. Get ready to be captivated by the magic of Istanbul!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Palaces, Cisterns, and Timeless Beauty

$192

$ 9

Taksim Square Hotel

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

•

$96

18 - 22 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$32

40 - 48 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$64

Day 2Fortresses, Squares, and the Labyrinth of the Bazaar

$144

$ 9

Taksim Square Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

28 - 34 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

•

45 - 54 min

Directions

Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

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

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$136

Day 3Bridges, Mosques, and the Magnificence of Hagia Sophia

$ 9

Taksim Square Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

13 - 16 min

Directions

Bustling bridge across the Golden Horn with pedestrian walkways & street vendors, with cafes below.

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

•

Free

21 - 32 min

Directions

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

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4Wax Figures and Tranquil Gardens

$32

$ 5

Taksim Square Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

8 - 12 min

Directions

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$32

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Day 5Mosques, Museums, and the Aroma of Spices

$60

$ 9

Taksim Square Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

15 - 18 min

Directions

Huge hilltop mosque rebuilt in the 1700s, with 4 semi-domes around a central dome, plus 2 minarets.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$60

15 - 18 min

Directions

Large public square featuring the main gate to Istanbul University, a big mosque & street vendors.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

13 - 20 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 6Sacred Mosques, Royal Gardens, and Ottoman Splendor

$108

$ 7

Taksim Square Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

22 - 27 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

20 - 24 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$108

Day 7Unveiling Ancient Treasures

$52

$ 5

Taksim Square Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$52

Day 8Miniature Wonders and Serene Parks

$32

$ 7

Taksim Square Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$32

25 - 30 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 9A Journey through Industrial Heritage

$60

$ 5

Taksim Square Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$60

Day 10Thrills and Adventures at VIALAND

$220

$ 5

Taksim Square Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

35 - 42 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$220

Budget breakdown: $963 In total

Activities & Food:$900

Transport:$63