Exploring Istanbul: A Cultural Journey

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on July 20, 2024

3:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and freshen up for the adventure ahead.
Use a taxi or hotel shuttle service to reach your accommodation.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its authentic flavors and variety of dishes.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
USD 20, 2 hours

8:00PM

Explore Istiklal Street

Take a leisurely stroll down Istiklal Street, the bustling pedestrian avenue filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Walk from the restaurant to Istiklal Street.
USD 0, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Sultanahmet District

Istanbul, Turkey on July 21, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Start your day with a delicious Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi, known for its fresh ingredients and cozy atmosphere.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the breakfast spot.
USD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Hagia Sophia

Explore the stunning Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site blending Christian and Islamic architectural elements.
Walk from the breakfast place to Hagia Sophia.
USD 14, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Balikci Sabahattin

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Balikci Sabahattin, a popular restaurant offering fresh fish and traditional Turkish dishes.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Blue Mosque

Marvel at the beauty of the Blue Mosque with its intricate tile work and grand domes.
Walk from the restaurant to the Blue Mosque.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in Ottoman cuisine at Matbah Restaurant, offering a culinary journey through history.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
USD 30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

Istanbul, Turkey on July 22, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Start your day with a delightful Turkish pastry breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu, famous for its baklava.
Take a taxi or walk to the bakery.
USD 10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Get lost in the maze of shops at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
Walk to the Grand Bazaar.
USD 0, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Deraliye Restaurant

Savor Ottoman cuisine for lunch at Deraliye Restaurant, located near the Grand Bazaar.
Walk to the restaurant.
USD 20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Spice Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Spice Bazaar, filled with aromatic spices, teas, and Turkish delights.
Walk from the lunch spot to the Spice Bazaar.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Horn while dining at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its traditional Turkish kebabs and mezes.
Walk to Hamdi Restaurant.
USD 35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Bosphorus Cruise

Istanbul, Turkey on July 23, 2024

10:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise to admire the Istanbul skyline and historic landmarks from the water.
Join a guided cruise tour from Kabatas Pier.
USD 25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Kebap

Enjoy a delicious kebab lunch at Ciya Kebap, known for its flavorful meat dishes.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Ortakoy

Stroll through the charming neighborhood of Ortakoy, known for its waterfront cafes and the iconic Ortakoy Mosque.
Walk from the restaurant to Ortakoy.
USD 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Experience a fine dining sunset dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar with panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
Walk or take a taxi to the restaurant.
USD 50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Topkapi Palace

Istanbul, Turkey on July 24, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Mangerie

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Mangerie, overlooking the Bosphorus.
Walk or take a taxi to the restaurant.
USD 20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Ottoman sultans and home to priceless artifacts.
Take a short taxi ride or public transport to reach the palace.
USD 15, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Tarihi Karadeniz Pidecisi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish pide (pita) at Tarihi Karadeniz Pidecisi, a cozy spot near Topkapi Palace.
Walk to the pide restaurant for lunch.
USD 10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Gülhane Park

Relax in the peaceful Gülhane Park, located next to Topkapi Palace, offering a serene escape from the city buzz.
Walk to Gülhane Park from the restaurant.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Indulge in a gastronomic experience at Mikla, a renowned restaurant offering modern Turkish cuisine with a view.
Walk or take a taxi to Mikla for dinner.
USD 40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

Istanbul, Turkey on July 25, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Start your day with another delicious Turkish breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu before heading to the mosques.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the bakery.
USD 10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Hagia Sophia

Marvel at the historical and architectural wonders of Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
Walk from breakfast to Hagia Sophia.
USD 14, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fuego Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion meal at Fuego Restaurant, offering a mix of Mediterranean and Turkish flavors.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Blue Mosque

Visit the iconic Blue Mosque and admire its intricate tile work and stunning architecture.
Walk from the restaurant to the mosque.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Return to Mikla for another delightful dining experience in the heart of Istanbul.
Walk or take a taxi to Mikla restaurant.
USD 40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Galata Tower

Istanbul, Turkey on July 26, 2024

10:00AM

Visit Galata Tower

Ascend the historic Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait.
Take a short taxi ride or public transport to reach the tower.
USD 10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bayramoglu Doner

Savor a traditional Turkish doner kebab at Bayramoglu Doner, a local favorite near Galata Tower.
Walk to the restaurant for lunch.
USD 8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Karakoy

Discover the trendy neighborhood of Karakoy, known for its street art, boutiques, and cafes.
Walk from the lunch spot to Karakoy.
USD 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

End your day with a delightful dinner at Ciya Kebap, where you can enjoy more Turkish kebab specialties.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
USD 25, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Beyoglu District

Istanbul, Turkey on July 27, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Start your day with a delicious Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi in Beyoglu, known for its fresh ingredients and cozy atmosphere.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the breakfast spot in Beyoglu.
USD 15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Istiklal Avenue

Discover the vibrant Istiklal Avenue in Beyoglu, a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Walk from the breakfast place to Istiklal Avenue.
USD 0, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Çiçek Pasajı

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at Çiçek Pasajı, an iconic historic passage filled with restaurants and eateries.
Walk from Istiklal Avenue to Çiçek Pasajı for lunch.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore contemporary art at Istanbul Modern, Turkey's first museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
Walk from lunch to Istanbul Modern.
USD 10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Indulge in Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, known for its historical recipes and elegant ambiance.
Walk from Istanbul Modern to Asitane Restaurant.
USD 35, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Princes' Islands

Istanbul, Turkey on July 28, 2024

8:00AM

Ferry to Princes' Islands

Take a scenic ferry ride to the Princes' Islands, a peaceful oasis in the Sea of Marmara known for its horse-drawn carriages and charming architecture.
Take a ferry from Kabatas or Bostanci to the Princes' Islands.
USD 5, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Büyükada

Discover the largest of the Princes' Islands, Büyükada, by renting a bike or taking a horse-drawn carriage tour around the island.
Rent a bike or take a carriage tour upon arrival at Büyükada.
USD 10, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mavi Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Mavi Restaurant overlooking the sea on Büyükada.
Walk or take a carriage to Mavi Restaurant for lunch.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Swim at Princess Beach Club

Relax and swim at Princess Beach Club, a popular spot for a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the Sea of Marmara.
Walk or take a carriage to Princess Beach Club.
USD 10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Ferry back to Istanbul

Catch the evening ferry back to Istanbul and enjoy the sunset over the city skyline from the water.
Take a ferry back to Kabatas or Bostanci from Büyükada.
USD 5, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Turkish Cooking Class

Istanbul, Turkey on July 29, 2024

9:00AM

Visit Spice Market

Embark on a guided tour of the Spice Market to select fresh ingredients for your Turkish cooking class.
Take public transport or a taxi to the Spice Market.
USD 0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Turkish Cooking Class at Istanbul Cooking School

Learn to prepare traditional Turkish dishes at Istanbul Cooking School under the guidance of expert chefs.
Join the cooking class at Istanbul Cooking School.
USD 50, 3 hours

2:00PM

Enjoy the Lunch You Prepared

Savor the fruits of your labor by enjoying the delicious lunch you prepared during the cooking class.
Stay at the cooking school for the meal.
USD 0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

After lunch, explore the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece in Istanbul.
Take public transport or walk to the mosque.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Free Evening

Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore a neighborhood of your choice, do some shopping, or relax at a cafe.
Use public transport or take a taxi to your desired destination.
USD 20, Flexible
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Day 11: Departure Day

Istanbul, Turkey on July 30, 2024

8:00AM

Final Breakfast in Istanbul

Enjoy your final breakfast in Istanbul at a local cafe or at your hotel before check-out.
Visit a nearby cafe or have breakfast at your hotel.
USD 10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Shop for souvenirs, spices, or Turkish delights in the bustling streets of Istanbul for last-minute gifts.
Explore the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar for shopping.
USD 50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a farewell lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, reminiscing about your cultural journey through Istanbul.
Walk or take a taxi to Ciya Sofrasi for lunch.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Istanbul Airport

Head to Istanbul Airport to catch your flight, taking with you memories of the vibrant city and warm hospitality.
Take a taxi or shuttle service to the airport.
USD 20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability