10 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the Mysteries of the East

Mejda Ben maryem

19 Dec 2023

Embark on a captivating journey through Istanbul's vibrant streets, ancient marvels, and hidden gems. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this enchanting city as you explore iconic landmarks, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and uncover the secrets of the East. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Delving into the Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, and Galata Bridge

$16

$ 2

Hamam Hostel 1469

Depart from your stay 🏨

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

11 - 16 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$16

5 - 6 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2The Majestic Hagia Sophia and the Enigmatic Maiden's Tower

$17

$ 2

Hamam Hostel 1469

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

27 - 33 min

Directions

Structure linked with legend & once used as a lighthouse, housing a small museum & a restaurant.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$17

Day 3Strolling through Gülhane Park, Topkapi Palace Museum, and the Exotic Egyptian Bazaar

$27

$ 2

Hamam Hostel 1469

Depart from your stay 🏨

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$27

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Experiencing the Charming Çiçek Pasajı and Ascending the Galata Tower

$34

$ 2

Hamam Hostel 1469

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

Directions

Historic passageway between 2 streets, featuring ornate architecture, shops & cafes.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 21 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

•

$34

Day 5Discovering the Serene Suleymaniye Mosque and Istanbul Archaeological Museums

$13

$ 2

Hamam Hostel 1469

Depart from your stay 🏨

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$13

Day 6Unveiling History at the Panorama 1453 History Museum and Exploring Miniaturk

$23

$ 2

Hamam Hostel 1469

Depart from your stay 🏨

18 - 22 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$15

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Day 7Immerse in the Fascinating Rahmi M. Koç Museum

$15

$ 2

Hamam Hostel 1469

Depart from your stay 🏨

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$15

Day 8Embracing the Spiritual Beauty of Eyüp Sultan Mosque, İBB Emirgan Korusu, and Dolmabahçe Palace

$24

$ 3

Hamam Hostel 1469

Depart from your stay 🏨

14 - 17 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

31 - 38 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

29 - 35 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$24

Day 9Unwinding in the Tranquil Yıldız Park

$ 2

Hamam Hostel 1469

Depart from your stay 🏨

22 - 27 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

Day 10A Day of Serendipity and Exploration

Hamam Hostel 1469

Depart from your stay 🏨

Budget breakdown: $181 In total

Activities & Food:$169

Transport:$12