10-Day Adventure Itinerary for Istanbul

  • Day 1: Galata Tower
    20 minutes (5km) from Atatürk International Airport

    The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower located in the Galata district that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Istanbul's skyline. To add some adventure, venture to the top and enjoy the views via zip-lining.

  • Day 2: Bosphorus Strait Cruise
    30 minutes (11km) from Galata Tower

    Experience the thrill of jumping on board a luxury cruise ship and take a tour of Istanbul's famous waterways with The Bosphorus Strait Cruise. Along the way, uncover breathtaking views of the city's coastline, the historic Maiden's Tower and the iconic castle of Rumeli Fortress.

  • Day 3: Scuba diving
    1 hour (27km) from Bosphorus Strait Cruise

    Explore the underwaters of the iconic Princes’ Islands on this scuba diving adventure. With the option to choose between diving in the Marmara Sea or the Black Sea, take in the amazing sea life and stunning underwater landscapes that Istanbul has to offer on this once in a lifetime experience.

  • Day 4: Istanbul Paragliding
    1 hour (28km) from Scuba diving location

    Take in panoramic views across Istanbul on a paragliding tour over Fethiye. With a licensed pilot, lift off and soar above the stunning scenery below as you fly through the clouds. You will even have the chance to capture this thrilling experience on film with a GoPro.

  • Day 5: ATV Quad Biking
    1 hour 30 minutes (68km) from Paragliding Tour location

    Buckle up and prepare for some action-packed adventure in Istanbul with this ATV Quad Biking Tour. Discover Taurus Mountain's stunning rugged terrain, picturesque streams and lush forests, all while experiencing the adrenaline rush of navigating the quad bike through the rugged landscape.

  • Day 6: Ölüdeniz Lagoon
    1 hour 30 minutes (73km) from ATV Quad Biking location

    The Ölüdeniz Lagoon is one of the most famous and picturesque spots in Turkey. Swimming and relaxing at the magnificent Blue Lagoon makes for a day wonderfully spent, surrounded by nature.

  • Day 7: Bursa-Sapanca Adventure Tour
    2 hours 30 minutes (178 km) from Ölüdeniz Lagoon

    Journey to Bursa and take on the challenge of trekking Mount Uludağ, where you will witness unbelievable panoramic views of the city below. Then, relax and rejuvenate in the nearby Sapanca Lake and take some memorable photos of the picturesque town.

  • Day 8: Cappadocia Breakfast at Sunrise and Hot-Air Balloon Tour
    2 hours (304km) from Bursa-Sapanca

    Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over Cappadocia and enjoy breakfast with spectacular panoramic views. Then, take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride as you gently float above the rock formations. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that won't soon be forgotten.

  • Day 9: Jeep Safari Tour
    30 minutes (16km) from the previous day's location

    Join a thrilling Jeep Safari tour and experience a true off-road adventure in Cappadocia's unique terrain. Take great photos of the landscape while enjoying the excitement of a Jeep ride through the rocky hills and valleys.

  • Day 10: Istanbul Food Tour
    1 hour 30 minutes (295km) From the previous day's location

    After nine days of adventure, end your trip with an Istanbul Food Tour, where you can sample some of the city's most famous street food, which offers a unique blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. It is an excellent way to conclude your visit and take home some of the local taste memories back home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Galata Tower (1 hour, $10)
  • Bosphorus Strait Cruise (2 hours, $50)
  • Scuba Diving (4 hours, $150)
  • Istanbul Paragliding (1 hour, $200)
  • ATV Quad Biking (3 hours, $100)
  • Ölüdeniz Lagoon (5 hours, $20)
  • Bursa-Sapanca Adventure Tour (10 hours, $200)
  • Cappadocia Breakfast and Hot-Air Balloon Tour (4 hours, $300)
  • Jeep Safari Tour (5 hours, $120)
  • Istanbul Food Tour (3 hours, $50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $1200

Transportation

During the trip, visitors should plan to rent a car or book a private car service to get around with ease. Expect to pay approximately $50-100 per day for car rental, and $0.75-$1.25 per kilometer for a private car service. It's important to note that Istanbul's heavy traffic can lead to travel times that vary from those provided above.

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, consider exploring Istanbul's famous spice markets and hammams. Conversely, travelers short on time can reduce the number of adventure activities and instead explore Istanbul's famous cultural landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

Airports

Istanbul has two international airports - Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport is the most centrally positioned airport, located approximately 35 km north of the city center. Conversely, Sabiha Gökçen Airport is situated on the Asian side of the city, approximately 50 km from the city center

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