Luxury 7-Day Itinerary for Istanbul

1. Day 1: Topkapi Palace
   30 minutes (12.9km) from Istanbul Airport to the Palace

   Discover the grandeur of Istanbul's Ottoman Empire through the Palace's artifacts, intricate architecture, and luxurious courtyards.

2. Day 2: Grand Bazaar
   20 minutes (7.9km) from Topkapi Palace to Grand Bazaar

   Shop among the hundreds of merchants' jewelry, spices, and traditional rugs at Grand Bazaar. Don't forget to haggle!

3. Day 3: Hagia Sophia Museum
   15 minutes (3.6km) from Grand Bazaar to Hagia Sophia Museum

   This architectural feat showcases Istanbul's history with its Christian and Muslim influences. An audio guide is available.

4. Day 4: Bosphorus Cruise
   30 minutes (8.6km) from Hagia Sophia Museum to the Bosphorus Tour Boat Station

   Experience the majesty of Istanbul's cityscape by water on a cruise of the Bosphorus. Turkish food, drink, and live music are offered.

5. Day 5: Suleymaniye Mosque
   10 minutes (3.4km) from Bosphorus Cruise to Suleymaniye Mosque

   Admire the mosque's imposing exterior and intricate details before entering to enjoy its peaceful ambiance and beautiful calligraphy.

6. Day 6: Galata Tower
   20 minutes (5.2km) from Suleymaniye Mosque to Galata Tower

   Take in Istanbul's panoramas while sipping a cocktail from the observation deck of Galata Tower, then dine in the restaurant.

7. Day 7: Istanbul Modern Art Museum
   15 minutes (5.1km) from Galata Tower to Istanbul Modern Art Museum

   Walk through Istanbul Modern's galleries to explore the work of budding and established Turkish artists through a variety of mediums.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Topkapi Palace (2-4 hours, $15)
• Grand Bazaar (2-3 hours, variable prices)
• Hagia Sophia Museum (1-2 hours, $15)
• Bosphorus Cruise (2-3 hours, $30)
• Suleymaniye Mosque (1-2 hours, Free)
• Galata Tower (1-2 hours, $30)
• Istanbul Modern Art Museum (2-3 hours, $10)
• Total Estimated Costs ($115-$150)

Useful Tips

If you have more time: Visit the luxurious Ciragan Palace, get more lost in the colorful streets of the neighborhood Balat, or take a ferry to the Princess' Islands.

If you have less time: Combine Days 1 and 2 (Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar), or Days 4 and 5 (Bosphorus Cruise and Suleymaniye Mosque).