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3 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling Ancient Wonders

Stephanie Fritz Muscat

3 Dec 2023

0

Embark on a thrilling journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. Immerse yourself in the mystical Basilica Cistern, marvel at the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, and indulge in the aromatic delights of the Egyptian Bazaar. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems of Istanbul!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Secrets of the Underground: Basilica Cistern & More

+

$54

Sarnıç Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Sultanahmet Square

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

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

The Blue Mosque

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

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$32

8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Cistern of Theodosius

This historical cistern, built 1600 years ago, offers beautiful columns, brick domes and arches.

No time set

•

$22

3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Column of Constantine

Recently restored column atop a stone pedestal built by the ancient Romans as a monument.

No time set

•

Free

Day 2A Shopper's Paradise: Grand Bazaar & Beyond

+

$56

·

$ 3

Sarnıç Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

13 - 16 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

•

$54

16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Tarihi Temiz Köftecisi

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$2

10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

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

4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Nuruosmaniye Mosque

Architecturally significant Ottoman mosque completed in 1755, featuring a huge dome & many windows.

No time set

•

Free

Day 3Palaces, Miniatures, and Tower Views: Istanbul's Finest

+

$132

·

$ 4

Sarnıç Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 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

•

$48

12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower

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

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

•

$68

1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Velvet Cafe

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

1:15 PM - 2:45 PM

•

$8

4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Dükkan Galata

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$8

10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Galata Bridge

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

No time set

•

Free

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar

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

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $248 In total

Activities & Food:$242

Transport:$6