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8 Days in Istanbul: A Journey Through History and Culture

ROUKAYA VOYAGES

28 Nov 2023

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Join me on an unforgettable adventure as I explore the vibrant city of Istanbul. From ancient marvels to delicious cuisine, this blog will take you on a journey through history and culture. Get ready to be amazed!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Palaces and Mosques

+

$33

·

$ 2

Emirgan Sütiş

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$9

14 - 21 min

~

Directions

İBB Emirgan Korusu

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

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)

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

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$24

Day 2Royal Delights and Charming Streets

+

$8

·

$ 1

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Garde Mange Kitchen

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$8

11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Yıldız Park

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

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Çiçek Pasajı

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Books, Miniatures, and Panoramic Views

+

$31

·

$ 2

Çayistanbul Kitap&Kafe

Türkiye'nin en keyifli Kitap Kafesi. Açık ve kapalı bahçemiz 73 çeşit çayımız ile Eyüp ve Fatih'deyiz.

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$8

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Miniaturk

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

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$8

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$15

Day 4Traditional Cuisine and Historical Treasures

+

$24

·

$ 1

Lale Lokantası

50 yıldır tamamen hijyenik mutfağımızda hazırlanan zengin Türk mutfağına ait ev yemeklerimizi deneyimli personelimizle sizlerin beğenisine sunmaktayız.

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$9

2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

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

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$15

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Coffee, Towers, and Vibrant Markets

+

$59

·

$ 1

Velvet Cafe

Hatıralarla yaşayan bir cafe, Anne elinden lezzetler, Antika fincanlarda servis edilen kahve ve çay keyfi, Günün her saati kahvaltı saati :)

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$9

1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower

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

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

•

$34

6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar

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

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar

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

11:45 AM - 1:15 PM

•

Free

11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern

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

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

•

$16

Day 6Serene Cafes and Archaeological Wonders

+

$21

Çınaraltı Cafee

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$8

10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Gülhane Park

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

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$13

Day 7Breakfast Delights and Iconic Landmarks

+

$36

Saade Kahvaltı

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$9

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

The Blue Mosque

Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia

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

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum

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

11:45 AM - 1:15 PM

•

$27

Day 8Sweet Treats and Thrilling Theme Parks

+

$61

Çanga Pasta&Cafe

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$6

14 - 21 min

~

Directions

VIALAND Tema Park

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

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$55

Budget breakdown: $278 In total

Activities & Food:$273

Transport:$5