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10 Days in Istanbul: A Journey Through History and Culture

Zaheer Hussain

Zaheer Hussain

30 Nov 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure in Istanbul, Turkey, and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this captivating city. From ancient marvels to modern art, experience the best Istanbul has to offer.

Trip to Istanbul

Day 1Discovering Miniaturk and the Panorama 1453 History Museum
+

$69

·

$ 2

Miniaturk
Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$24
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum
Historical center featuring a large panoramic painting of the conquest of Constantinople.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$45
Day 2Unveiling the Beauty of Kariye Mosque, Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Galata Tower
+

$111

·

$ 5

Kariye Mosque
Museum of religious art on the site of a church that was first built here in the 6th century A.D.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
•
$9
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George
Principal Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in Istanbul, with religious relics, mosaics & public hours.
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
•
$102
Day 3Exploring the Fascinating Rahmi M. Koç Museum and The Museum of Innocence
+

$72

·

$ 2

Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Museum on transportation, industry & communications with a car collection & some hands-on exhibits.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$45
15 - 18 min

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Directions

The Museum of Innocence
19th-century home displaying everyday objects featured in the eponymous novel by Orhan Pamuk.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$27
Day 4Delving into Art and History at Pera Museum, Salt Galata, and Basilica Cistern
+

$57

·

$ 2

Pera Museum
Art museum in an ornate former hotel with paintings, ceramics & rotating shows of modern masters.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$9
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Salt Galata
Art space in a former bank building featuring a gallery, a cafe & a library with free Wi-Fi.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$48
Day 5Immerse Yourself in the Istanbul Archaeological Museums
+

$39

Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Neoclassical museum showing the country's rich archaeological heritage within landscaped gardens.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$39
Day 6Appreciating Modern Art at Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and Topkapi Palace Museum
+

$114

·

$ 2

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Riverside museum with Turkish & international modern & contemporary art collections, plus a cinema.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$33
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$81
Day 7Uncovering Treasures at Sadberk Hanım Museum, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Naval Museum
+

$54

·

$ 4

Sadberk Hanım Museum
European-style mansions home to a vast private collection of ancient & Ottoman-era artifacts & more.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$6
37 - 45 min

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Directions

Beylerbeyi Palace
This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$24
20 - 24 min

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Directions

Naval Museum
Museum tracing Turkish naval history with artifacts such as Ottoman-era ships & early diving gear.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
•
$24
Day 8Delighting in Art and History at Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum and Dolmabahçe Palace
+

$84

·

$ 2

Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Museum in a 1925 mansion with temporary & permanent exhibits, plus Islamic calligraphy & sculptures.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$12
24 - 29 min

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Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$72
Day 9Experiencing the Great Palace Mosaics Museum, Grand Bazaar, and Egyptian Bazaar
+

$24

·

$ 2

Great Palace Mosaics Museum
Museum featuring Byzantine-period mosaics from the Great Palace of Constantinople.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$24
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
Day 10Admiring the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Hagia Sophia, and Istanbul Toy Museum
+

$60

·

$ 2

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
8 - 11 min

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Directions

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
29 - 35 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Toy Museum
Former toy shop-turned-museum showcasing old-fashioned toys & miniatures dating back 200 years.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$27

Budget breakdown: $703 In total

Activities & Food:$684
Transport:$19