Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST). Allow 60–90 minutes for passport control and baggage; buy a Turkish SIM or top up if needed. Holiday queues can be longer on 25 December — factor extra time.
Private transfer or taxi to Sultanahmet (approx 45–75 minutes depending on traffic). Check in and drop luggage; rooms usually available after 2:00pm but confirm early check-in with hotel.
Walk the illuminated Sultanahmet area to see the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia from outside — both are particularly atmospheric at night. Note: Blue Mosque may have restricted access during prayer times; exterior viewing is always possible.
Classic Istanbul seafood restaurant near Sultanahmet, well suited for a first-night dinner; open evenings but book in advance for Christmas Day. Expect classic meze and grilled fish.
Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia to see its architecture and mosaics; opening times vary — typically open early morning until late afternoon but check for any prayer closures or special hours on winter dates.
Explore the palace complex, Harem (ticketed separately) and imperial collections; Topkapı usually opens c.09:00 and closes mid-to-late afternoon — buy tickets early to avoid lines.
Rooftop tea or early dinner with panoramic views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque; open in the afternoon and evenings — book a window seat at sunset.
Morning visit to the Grand Bazaar for shopping and to the Spice Bazaar for sights and flavours; Grand Bazaar typically opens 09:00–19:00 except Sundays/holidays — double-check on 27 Dec.
Take a scenic public ferry or a short private cruise along the Bosphorus to see palaces and waterfront mansions; public ferries run year-round but timings vary in winter — expect 1–1.5 hours round trip.
Pandeli (inside Spice Bazaar) or Karaköy Lokantası for classic Turkish dishes — both popular and usually open for lunch; Pandeli can be busy so book if possible.
Climb (or take lift) the Galata Tower for views then stroll Istiklal Avenue to Taksim for shops and cafés; tower opening hours often from 09:00–20:00 but check seasonal times.
Check out of Hampton by Hilton Old City and take scheduled ferry + bus or private transfer to Bursa (ferry from Yenikapı/Eminönü or fast ferry from Bostancı depending on service); journey typically 2.5–4 hours — confirm schedules in advance.
Drive or take the cable-car/transfer up to Uludağ resort (cable-car available from Bursa to the lower station in good weather; lifts on the mountain run seasonally). Check lift operating hours in advance — winter ski season normally active in late December.
Check in and rent ski equipment if you plan to ski; afternoon is good for familiarisation, short runs or snowshoeing. Ski lift hours vary (often 09:00–16:00) so check locally for night skiing or slope closures.
Check in to Almira Bursa (Almira Hotel) and leave bags; central location makes walking to main sites easy. Standard check-in time applies; luggage hold available if arriving early.
Visit Bursa's Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) and the adjacent historic silk market Koza Han for local crafts and tea; mosques are open during the day but closed during prayer times for non-worshippers entering — be respectful of timings.
Explore the ornamental Green Mosque complex and the nearby Bursa City Museum to learn Ottoman history and local crafts; museums usually open c.09:00–17:00 but check seasonal hours.
Take the historic Bursa cable car for panoramic views of Bursa and the Marmara plain. In winter the lower sections typically operate from morning; confirm times and any weather closures in advance.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch with local soups or pide; opening hours of mountain cafés can be limited in off-peak hours — better to check or eat in the city centre.
Explore Bursa's silk heritage at Koza Han and nearby ateliers; shops generally open c.09:00–19:00 but some workshops may close on specific days — check ahead for demonstrations.
Book a local hamam for a relaxing 1–2 hour experience — many hamams operate until early evening but check availability for gender-separated or private sessions.
Private transfer or public ferry+taxi back to Istanbul and check in at Millennium Golden Horn near the Golden Horn; allow 3–4 hours depending on route and traffic.
Rest at the hotel, freshen up and make sure NYE dinner/cruise reservations are confirmed — many venues require prepayment and will be fully booked on 31 December.
Choose a Bosphorus cruise (if booked) for fireworks and a party atmosphere, or a hotel/nearby restaurant gala. Both options are popular and often include set menus and live entertainment; confirm boarding times and transport.
Visit Eyüp Sultan Mosque and take the cable car up to Pierre Loti hill for panoramic views over the Golden Horn; these sites are open year-round but may have altered hours on New Year’s Day.
For a memorable evening try Asitane (historic Ottoman cuisine) or Çiya in Kadıköy (rich regional dishes) — both are popular and may have limited New Year schedules so book ahead.
Early breakfast then head to Kabataş or Bostancı ferry terminal for the island ferry — winter ferry services run but frequency is reduced, so check schedules and allow time.
Büyükada is car-free and popular for cycling or carriage tours (note that horse carriages have restrictions in recent years; bicycles are recommended). Enjoy historic wooden mansions and sea views.
Choose Istanbul Modern (contemporary art) or Pera Museum (orientalist and Ottoman art exhibits); typical opening hours c.10:00–18:00 but verify seasonal times and any holiday closures.
Book a traditional hamam for a 60–90 minute treatment to relax before travel — hamams typically operate most days but reserve in advance for preferred time slots.
Buy souvenirs at the Spice Bazaar or shops in Karaköy and enjoy the sunset views from Galata Bridge; shops often close by 20:00 but many cafés stay open later.
Enjoy a final hotel breakfast, settle bills and confirm airport transfer time. Hotel check-out times typically around 12:00; request late check-out if needed for a comfortable schedule (may incur extra cost).
Depart hotel to arrive at IST 2.5–3 hours before your international flight (recommended for EU/non-EU travellers in winter) for check-in and security — aim to be at the airport by 3:30pm for your 5:10pm flight.
Depart Istanbul at 17:10 on Turkish Airlines; arrival in Kuala Lumpur at 08:25 local time on 05/01/2026. Ensure boarding passes and travel documents are in order.