Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

3 Day Istanbul and Bursa Itinerary May 9 to 11 2026

Day 1 · Sat, May 9
Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Arrival at Boss Hotel Sultanahmet and Historic Heart Walking Tour

8:30 AM:

Arrive and drop your bags at the Boss Hotel Sultanahmet before heading out to enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at the nearby Sultanahmet Köftecisi.

9:30 AM:

Begin your historical exploration at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, where you can see the ancient Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column.

10:30 AM:

Step inside the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture featuring a massive dome and stunning Christian mosaics alongside Islamic calligraphy.

11:30 AM:

Walk across the manicured gardens of Sultanahmet Square to visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and thousands of blue Iznik tiles.

12:30 PM:

Enjoy a flavorful lunch of traditional Turkish meatballs at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta, a legendary eatery serving locals and travelers since 1920.

1:30 PM:

Descend into the cool, subterranean depths of the Basilica Cistern to admire the forest of marble columns and find the mysterious upside-down Medusa Heads.

2:30 PM:

Explore the opulent courtyards of the Topkapi Palace Museum, where you can gaze at the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the sacred relics of the Ottoman Empire.

4:00 PM:

Walk through the ornate gates to enter the Harem section of the palace, a labyrinth of exquisitely tiled rooms and golden corridors once home to the royal family.

5:00 PM:

Take a tranquil stroll through the ancient trees of Gülhane Park, once the outer gardens of the palace, leading you toward scenic views of the Bosphorus.

6:00 PM:

Return to the Boss Hotel Sultanahmet to freshen up and enjoy the golden hour views of the Blue Mosque from the hotel's terrace.

7:00 PM:

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine, where you can savor authentic palace recipes like slow-cooked lamb and stuffed quince.

8:30 PM:

Walk to the nearby Hodjapasha Cultural Center to witness the spiritual and hypnotic Whirling Dervish Ceremony performed in a converted 15th-century hamam.

10:00 PM:

Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk through the illuminated Sultanahmet Square to see the fountains glowing between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque before retiring to your hotel.

Day 2 · Sun, May 10
Bursa and Istanbul

Scenic Day Trip to Bursa via Marmara Sea Ferry and Uludağ Teleferik

6:30 AM:

Wake up early at the Boss Hotel Sultanahmet and enjoy a quick breakfast to fuel up for your intercity adventure across the Sea of Marmara.

7:15 AM:

Take a short taxi ride or the T1 Tram from Sultanahmet Square to the Yenikapı Ferry Terminal to catch the morning sea bus.

8:00 AM:

Board the IDO Ferry for a relaxing 95-minute cruise; grab a seat by the window to watch the historic peninsula fade into the distance as you sail toward Mudanya Pier.

9:45 AM:

Upon arrival at Mudanya Pier, transfer to the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality yellow buses (Line F3) or a taxi for a scenic drive toward the city center.

10:30 AM:

Start your exploration at the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), an iconic 14th-century landmark famous for its twenty domes and beautiful interior ablution fountain.

11:30 AM:

Walk to the adjacent Koza Han, the historic silk cocoon market, to admire the Ottoman architecture while browsing for high-quality silk scarves in the courtyard.

12:30 PM:

Head to the nearby Kebapçı İskender, the birthplace of the world-famous İskender Kebap, to enjoy thinly sliced lamb over pita bread with hot tomato sauce and melted butter.

1:45 PM:

Take a quick taxi ride to the Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) and the Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) to admire the stunning turquoise Iznik tilework and Ottoman calligraphy.

2:45 PM:

Travel by taxi or local bus to the Teferrüç Station to board the Bursa Teleferik, one of the longest cable car rides in the world.

3:30 PM:

Glide over the lush pine forests as you ascend Mount Uludağ, taking in the breathtaking aerial views of the Bursa city center and the surrounding valley.

4:30 PM:

Disembark at the Sarıalan station to explore the scenic walking trails and mountain observation decks before grabbing a warm tea at a local hillside cafe.

5:30 PM:

Begin your descent from Mount Uludağ via the Bursa Teleferik, enjoying the panoramic views as the golden hour light illuminates the valley below.

6:30 PM:

Take a taxi or use the yellow municipality bus to return to the Mudanya Pier in time for your evening ferry departure.

7:30 PM:

Board the IDO Ferry for the return voyage across the Sea of Marmara, where you can relax on deck and watch the sunset over the horizon.

9:00 PM:

Disembark at the Yenikapı Ferry Terminal and take the T1 Tram back toward the historic district of Sultanahmet.

10:00 PM:

Stop for a late dinner at Ortaklar Kebap Lahmacun, a local favorite known for its crispy lahmacun and flavorful skewers near the Theodosius Cistern.

11:00 PM:

Return to the Boss Hotel Sultanahmet for a well-deserved rest after your full day of exploration in Bursa.

Day 3 · Mon, May 11
Karaköy and Eminönü, Istanbul

Public Transport Adventure through Bosphorus Views and Galata District

8:30 AM:

Start your final morning with a leisurely breakfast at the Boss Hotel Sultanahmet before checking out and leaving your luggage with the concierge for your final day of exploration.

9:30 AM:

Walk to the Sultanahmet Tram Station to catch the T1 Tram Line, enjoying the short, scenic ride as it descends the hill past the Sublime Porte toward the waterfront.

10:00 AM:

Disembark at Eminönü and dive into the sensory explosion of the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), where the scent of saffron and roasted coffee fills the air of the 17th-century L-shaped market.

11:00 AM:

Sneak away from the crowds to the nearby Rüstem Pasha Mosque, a hidden architectural masterpiece by Mimar Sinan famous for being covered in the most intricate Iznik tiles in the city.

11:45 AM:

Stroll across the iconic Galata Bridge, stopping to watch the local fishermen and admiring the panoramic views of the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) and the Galata Tower across the water.

12:30 PM:

Arrive in the trendy district of Karaköy and enjoy a traditional lunch at Karaköy Lokantası, famous for its turquoise-tiled walls and authentic mezes.

2:00 PM:

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the world-renowned Karaköy Güllüoğlu to sample the finest pistachio and walnut Baklava in the city.

2:45 PM:

Begin a scenic uphill walk toward the Galata Tower, exploring the narrow alleys filled with street art, independent galleries, and boutique craft shops.

3:30 PM:

Scale the Galata Tower to reach its panoramic balcony, offering a breathtaking bird's-eye perspective of the Golden Horn, Sultanahmet, and the Bosphorus.

4:30 PM:

Stroll down the charming Serdar-ı Ekrem Street, known for its historic architecture and quirky design stores, as you head toward the Tünel District.

5:15 PM:

Board the historic Tünel Funicular, the world's second-oldest underground railway, for a short ride that connects the shore of Karaköy to the start of Istiklal Avenue.

6:00 PM:

Stroll down the vibrant Istiklal Avenue, making sure to capture a photo of the iconic red Nostalgic Tram as it navigates through the bustling crowds and historic buildings.

7:00 PM:

Enjoy a sophisticated farewell dinner at Yeni Lokanta, where you can savor modern Anatolian dishes and celebrate your final night in the heart of the Pera District.

8:30 PM:

Make your way back to the waterfront to catch the T1 Tram at Karaköy, crossing the Galata Bridge one last time as the city lights reflect off the Golden Horn.

9:15 PM:

Return to the Boss Hotel Sultanahmet to collect your luggage from the concierge and enjoy a final view of the illuminated Blue Mosque from the lobby area.

10:00 PM:

Board your private transfer or a taxi for the journey to Istanbul Airport (IST), bringing an end to your incredible 3-day adventure through the historic wonders of Turkey.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version