10 Days in Istanbul: A Journey of Rich History and Exquisite Delights

MOHAMMED ABUJAZAR

27 Nov 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure through the enchanting city of Istanbul, where ancient marvels and exquisite delights await. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Topkapi Palace Museum and Hagia Sophia, stroll through the vibrant Gülhane Park, and marvel at the grandeur of Suleymaniye Mosque. Indulge in the flavors of Turkish cuisine at Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant, Saade Kahvaltı, and Tarihi Temiz Köftecisi. Explore the bustling Grand Bazaar, cruise along the Bosphorus, and savor the breathtaking views from Galata Tower. Get ready for an unforgettable journey in the heart of Turkey!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Majestic Palaces and Hidden Wonders

$88

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$54

8 - 12 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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$32

5 - 8 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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Day 2Unveiling Ancient Treasures and Culinary Delights

$40

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$26

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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$14

Day 3Serenity in Sacred Spaces and a Shopper's Paradise

$30

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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$22

6 - 9 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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Day 4Artistic Inspiration and Gastronomic Adventures

$92

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$22

15 - 22 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

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$68

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

11:15 AM - 11:45 AM

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Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

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

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

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Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

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Day 5A Cultural Extravaganza and Coffee Delights

$68

$ 2

Art museum in an ornate former hotel with paintings, ceramics & rotating shows of modern masters.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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6 - 9 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

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$48

8 - 11 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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$14

Day 6Miniature Marvels and Historical Revelations

$66

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$16

13 - 16 min

Directions

Museum of religious art on the site of a church that was first built here in the 6th century A.D.

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

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8 - 10 min

Directions

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

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

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$30

12 - 17 min

Directions

1:15 PM - 2:45 PM

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$14

Day 7A Journey Through Innovation and Spiritual Serenity

$38

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$30

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

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Free

2 - 3 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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Day 8Royal Residences and Bosphorus Bliss

$28

$ 3

This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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$16

52 - 63 min

Directions

Boat tours provide visitors with unique city views from this strait separating Europe & Asia.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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$12

Day 9Exploring Historic Landmarks and Natural Beauty

$14

$ 2

At the narrowest part of the Bosphurus, this imposing fort gives its name to the surrounding area.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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31 - 38 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

Laledan Restaurant, on the hotel building’s ground floor, serves the richest breakfast buffet in town with over 250 delicious items, 80 percent of which are made with locally sourced organic ingredients. The Legendary Çırağan Brunch on Sundays is from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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$10

Day 10Thrilling Rides and Local Delicacies

$120

$ 2