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9 Days in Istanbul: A Journey Through History and Culture

John Francis

12 Dec 2023

0

Embark on a captivating adventure through the vibrant streets of Istanbul, where ancient marvels and rich cultural heritage await. Discover magnificent palaces, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems as you immerse yourself in the city's fascinating history. Join me as I explore the wonders of Istanbul, one day at a time.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling Naval Legends and Royal Splendor

+

$96

Naval Museum

Museum tracing Turkish naval history with artifacts such as Ottoman-era ships & early diving gear.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$24

16 - 23 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$72

Day 2Rubbing Shoulders with Celebrities and Artistic Inspiration

+

$57

·

$ 2

Madame Tussauds Istanbul

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$24

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Riverside museum with Turkish & international modern & contemporary art collections, plus a cinema.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$33

Day 3Unleashing the Shopaholic within the Ancient Bazaars

+

$102

·

$ 2

Grand Bazaar

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower

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

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

•

$102

Day 4A Miniature Journey through Turkey's Treasures

+

$24

Miniaturk

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$24

Day 5Spiritual Serenity and Historical Epics

+

$45

·

$ 4

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

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

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$45

20 - 24 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque

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

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 6A Glimpse into Turkey's Industrial Past

+

$45

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$45

Day 7Strolling through Tranquil Gardens and Byzantine Marvels

+

$48

Gülhane Park

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern

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

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$48

Day 8Unearthing Ancient Artifacts and Cultural Treasures

+

$39

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$39

Day 9Immersing in the Beauty of Turkish Islamic Arts

+

$33

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

Palace museum of Islamic & Turkish art, opened in 1983 & displaying ceramics, carpets & glassware.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$33

Budget breakdown: $496 In total

Activities & Food:$489

Transport:$7