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5-Day Istanbul & Ankara Itinerary from Dubai (22–26 Nov 2025) — Trains, Flights, Hotels & Costs (AED)

Viewed by 110 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey on November 22, 2025

1:20pm

Arrive Istanbul Airport (FZ751) & Immigration

Touch down at Istanbul; allow ~45–75 minutes for passport control and luggage. This starts your trip — collect local sim/cash if needed.
AED0, 1h0m

2:30pm

Transfer to Miss Istanbul Hotel (Sultanahmet) — private taxi

Private taxi from airport to Sultanahmet for fastest transfer and luggage handling; efficient for three travellers.
AED250, 1h0m

3:45pm

Hotel check‑in at Miss Istanbul Hotel

Check in and drop bags; typical early check‑in depends on availability — request luggage hold if room not ready.
AED350, 30m

4:30pm

Late lunch — Eminönü / Balık Ekmek or Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Casual local meal (fish sandwich near the Galata/Eminönü ferry area or traditional meatballs at Sultanahmet Köftecisi) to recharge after the flight.
AED120, 1h0m

5:45pm

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) exterior / visit (mosque open to public)

Historic 6th‑century landmark; now functioning as a mosque — free to enter, incredible architecture and mosaics (note: closed during prayer times).
AED0, 45m

6:30pm

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) — quick visit

Iconic Ottoman mosque opposite Hagia Sophia; free entry but closed to tourists during prayer times — check prayer schedule before entering.
AED0, 30m

7:15pm

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)

Underground Byzantine cistern with atmospheric lighting — a compact, atmospheric stop close to Sultanahmet.
AED90, 45m

8:15pm

Dinner — Hamdi Restaurant (near Spice Bazaar) or rooftop kebab

Enjoy classic Turkish mezze and kebabs with views; restaurants near the Spice Bazaar offer easy access back to the hotel.
AED210, 1h15m

9:45pm

Return to hotel / optional evening walk at Sultanahmet Square

Evening stroll to see Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque lit up; return to hotel to rest before early train next day.
AED0, 45m
Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul → Ankara

Istanbul → Ankara, Turkey on November 23, 2025

6:00am

Early check‑out & quick hotel breakfast (or packed)

Breakfast at the hotel (confirm included breakfast) or grab a takeaway — you need to be at the station early for the YHT.
AED0, 30m

6:20am

Transfer to Istanbul High‑Speed Train Station (Pendik / Söğütlüçeşme area/assigned station)

Private taxi to the station given luggage and early departure time; allow time for ticket check and platform access.
AED80, 40m

7:20am

High‑Speed Train Istanbul → Ankara (YHT)

Depart on the scheduled high‑speed train; comfortable 1st/2nd class options. Enjoy scenery and relax en route to Ankara. (Arrive ~11:46am).
AED900, 4h26m

11:50am

Arrival Ankara — transfer to central 3‑star hotel (Kızılay/Ulus)

Taxi from Ankara high‑speed train station to your centrally located three‑star hotel in Ankara main city.
AED100, 30m

12:30pm

Hotel check‑in & lunch in Kızılay (local kebab / pide)

Check in, freshen up and have a relaxed lunch in a busy central district — sample pide or local dishes.
AED150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Anıtkabir (Atatürk Mausoleum)

Turkey’s national mausoleum dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk; large site and museum areas, open ~09:00–17:00 — allow time to explore.
AED30, 1h30m

3:45pm

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Highly regarded archaeology museum near the citadel showcasing Anatolian history — open roughly 09:00–17:00 (check seasonal hours).
AED120, 1h30m

5:30pm

Explore Ankara Castle & Old Quarter (Ulus)

Wander the historic castle area and small streets for views of Ankara; mostly outdoor and free — great for photos and light shopping.
AED0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Hamamönü or local meyhane (traditional Turkish tavern)

Try regional Anatolian meze and grilled dishes in the atmospheric restored Ottoman quarter of Hamamönü.
AED150, 1h0m

9:00pm

Return to hotel — rest

Relax at your Ankara hotel; prepare for the day and evening flight back to Istanbul tomorrow.
AED0, 1h0m

Overnight

Hotel in Ankara (3‑star, central)

Overnight stay in a centrally located, comfortable 3‑star hotel in Ankara (Kızılay/Ulus).
AED300, Overnight
Find Hotels in Istanbul → Ankara

Day 3: Ankara day & return

Ankara → Istanbul, Turkey on November 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Hotel breakfast included or a nearby café; fuel up for a relaxed sightseeing morning.
AED0, 45m

9:00am

Museum/Walking: Ethnography Museum or local markets

Visit the Ethnography Museum (or street markets) depending on interest; opens typically ~09:00.
AED0, 1h0m

10:30am

Stroll through Seğmenler Park / Kızılay square

Relaxed walk through central parks and shopping streets; easy orientation before departure preparations.
AED0, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch in Cankaya / Tunalı area

Modern cafés and restaurants in Cankaya offer varied menus and a pleasant urban lunch environment.
AED120, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to hotel & rest / pack

Back to hotel to pack and check out later; relax ahead of evening transfer to Esenboğa Airport.
AED0, 3h0m

6:30pm

Early dinner / airport transfer to Esenboğa

Light dinner and taxi transfer to Ankara Esenboğa Airport; allow ~45–60 minutes travel time depending on traffic.
AED160, 1h0m

10:25pm

Flight Ankara → Istanbul (PC2683)

Evening flight returning to Istanbul; flight time ~1h05m. You arrive in Istanbul ~11:30pm local time — transfer to Taksim hotel afterwards.
AED600, 1h5m

11:45pm

Transfer to Taksim area 3‑star hotel (late check‑in)

Taxi from Istanbul airport to Taksim; ask hotel for late check‑in arrangements (expected arrival close to midnight).
AED200, 45m

Overnight

Hotel in Taksim (3‑star)

Two‑night stay planned in Taksim area (this entry is first night charge).
AED450, Overnight
Find Hotels in Ankara → Istanbul

Day 4: Bosphorus & Taksim

Istanbul (Bosphorus & Taksim), Turkey on November 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel (Taksim)

Hotel breakfast to start a full day exploring modern Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
AED0, 45m

9:30am

Dolmabahçe Palace visit

19th‑century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus — guided sections and ornate rooms; generally open 09:00–16:00 (check seasonal hours).
AED300, 1h30m

11:30am

Short Bosphorus Cruise or public ferry (1–1.5 hours)

Take a scenic Bosphorus cruise (short public or private cruise) to see waterfront palaces and bridges from the water.
AED180, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — Karaköy / Galata seafood or mezzes

Trendy Karaköy area offers fresh seafood and modern twists on Turkish cuisine; quick walkable from the ferry piers.
AED180, 1h0m

2:45pm

Galata Tower visit & Istiklal Street stroll

Panoramic views from Galata Tower (open ~09:00–19:00) then walk the historic and lively Istiklal Avenue up to Taksim Square.
AED180, 1h30m

4:30pm

Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar (shopping and exploring)

Historic covered markets — free to enter; shop for spices, textiles, ceramics and souvenirs. Note closing times vary; many shops open until early evening.
AED0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Optional Turkish Bath (Hamam) experience

Traditional hamam experience for relaxing after walking; plan 60–90 minutes depending on chosen package.
AED540, 1h30m

8:15pm

Dinner — rooftop restaurant in Taksim (meze + main courses)

Enjoy evening views over the city and a selection of mezzes and mains in Taksim's rooftop eateries.
AED270, 1h30m

10:00pm

Return to hotel — pack for departure tomorrow

Leisurely return to the hotel; finalise packing and confirm airport transfer for departure day.
AED0, 30m

Overnight

Hotel in Taksim (2nd night)

Second night in your centrally located Taksim hotel for easy access to the airport transfer morning.
AED450, Overnight
Find Hotels in Istanbul (Bosphorus & Taksim)

Day 5: Departure Day

Istanbul → Dubai (via IST) / Dubai on November 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel & last minute shopping

Enjoy hotel breakfast and a short walk in Taksim for any last coffee or quick shopping before check‑out.
AED0, 1h0m

10:30am

Check‑out from hotel

Settle hotel bill, store luggage if you want a last stroll, or prepare for airport transfer.
AED0, 30m

11:00am

Transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) — private taxi

Private taxi to IST; allow 45–75 minutes depending on traffic and time of day — leave early for FlyDubai check‑in.
AED300, 1h15m

12:30pm

Airport lunch / last minute duty‑free

Have lunch and final checks at the airport; be at the gate at least 90 minutes before international departure.
AED150, 1h0m

3:55pm

FlyDubai departure FZ754 to Dubai

Board your flight back to Dubai. Ensure passports and boarding passes are ready and be at the gate per airline instructions.
AED0, —
Find Hotels in Istanbul → Dubai (via IST) / Dubai
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