Enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul from the top of Galata Tower, an iconic landmark in the city followed by a visit to Taksim Square, a bustling hub filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Visit Suleymaniye Mosque, an impressive Ottoman architecture followed by an adventure in Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where you can shop for clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Relax at a traditional Turkish bath and experience the cultural bathing ritual. Take a tour of Spice Bazaar, where you will see a range of herbs spices, nuts, teas, sweets, and so much more.
Explore Balat, an old and colorful neighborhood filled with street art, trendy cafes, and boutique shops. Take a memorable 1.5-hour cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, where you will see iconic landmarks such as the Istanbul Lady and the Bosphorus Bridge.
Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands, a cluster of nine islands that provide visitors an opportunity to cycle or horse ride around, enjoy the scenic beauty, and historic buildings. Enjoy fresh seafood at the fish market before heading back to Istanbul.
Explore the ancient and mysterious Basilica Cistern, an underground palace that dates back to the 6th century followed by a visit to Topkapi Palace, one of the most visited sites and museums in the city.
Visit Dolmabahce Palace museum and witness the glittering decoration of the palace buildings and antique furnishing as well as enjoy the panoramic views of Sea of Marmara. Hang out at Ortakoy, a colorful and trendy neighborhood, famous for its nightlife, pubs, and street food.
Take the ferry again to Princes’ Island, but this time, rent a horse and embark on a journey along the lush green forests, charming old wooden houses, and stunning beaches.
Drive to Antalya Aerial Forest Adventure Park to experience a series of high rope adventures through the forest canopy. Wrap up the day with a visit to Antalya's amazing beaches.
Explore the natural beauty of Antalya by jeep, and witness off-road adventures in Taurus Mountains. Make a pit stop at Düden Waterfall, a breathtaking natural wonder, for stunning views.
Visit Aspendos, a well-preserved ancient Roman theater in Turkey with a stunning acoustic design. End the trip with Hidirlik Tower, a dominant coastal tower fort that served as a defensive mechanism against pirates.
Public transportation such as trams, buses, and ferries are available and are the most affordable and efficient way of getting around Istanbul. A pre-loaded electronic Istanbulkart can be used for all forms of public transportation. Renting a car is also a reasonable option for traveling outside of Istanbul. Antalya is 3 hours 50 minutes drive from Istanbul, and rented cars are available from Atatürk or Sabiha Gökçen airport, but driving can be challenging in Istanbul.
If you have more time, consider taking a hot air balloon ride and viewing the mesmerizing scenic beauty of Cappadocia. If you have less time, prioritize visiting the most popular activities, such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. If you're a history buff, extend your stay to explore the Roman cities of Turkey or the ruins of Troy.
Istanbul has two international airports: Atatürk Airport (IST) located in the European part of Istanbul and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) located on the Asian side. Atatürk Airport is 24 kilometers west of the city center, and Sabiha Gökçen is 35 kilometers southeast from the city center.