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8 Days in Istanbul: A Journey Through History and Culture

Wajdi Ayadi

17 Dec 2023

0

Embark on a mesmerizing adventure through the vibrant streets of Istanbul. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this enchanting city as you explore ancient marvels and indulge in authentic Turkish cuisine. From the bustling Grand Bazaar to the majestic Hagia Sophia, each day holds a new discovery and a chance to create unforgettable memories.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling the Secrets of the Grand Bazaar

+

$64

·

$ 3

Benler Otel Laleli

Depart from your stay 🏨

9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

11 - 16 min

~

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

•

$64

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Sultanahmet Square

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Journey into the Past at Istanbul Archaeological Museums

+

$52

·

$ 5

Benler Otel Laleli

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$52

7 - 10 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

•

Free

Day 3Exploring the Royal Heritage of Topkapi Palace

+

$108

·

$ 5

Benler Otel Laleli

Depart from your stay 🏨

8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Beyazit Square

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Gülhane Park

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$108

Day 4A Glimpse of Istanbul's Iconic Landmarks

+

$136

·

$ 5

Benler Otel Laleli

Depart from your stay 🏨

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower

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

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

•

$136

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Galata Bridge

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

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar

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

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

•

Free

Day 5From Palaces to Parks: Discovering Istanbul's Serenity

+

$96

·

$ 9

Benler Otel Laleli

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$96

7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Yıldız Park

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

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

24 - 29 min

~

Directions

İBB Emirgan Korusu

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Embracing the Spiritual Side of Istanbul

+

$32

·

$ 9

Benler Otel Laleli

Depart from your stay 🏨

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Fatih Mosque

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

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

A friend of the prophet Muhammad is thought to be buried at this 15-century mosque rebuilt in 1800.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Miniaturk

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

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$32

Day 7Unleashing Your Inner Engineer at Rahmi M. Koç Museum

+

$60

·

$ 5

Benler Otel Laleli

Depart from your stay 🏨

15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$60

Day 8Farewell to Istanbul: A City of Endless Wonders

+

$0

Benler Otel Laleli

Depart from your stay 🏨

Budget breakdown: $584 In total

Activities & Food:$548

Transport:$36