6-Day Cultural and Historical Exploration from Riyadh to Istanbul

Day 1: Arrival and Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey on May 17, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Istanbul Airport

Land in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel in Sultanahmet, the historic heart of the city.

CURRENCY0, 1h0m

11:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Rumist

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with fresh bread, cheeses, olives, and tea to start your Istanbul adventure.

TRY150, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this iconic 6th-century architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum.

TRY200, 2h0m

3:00pm

Tour the Blue Mosque

Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque known for its stunning blue tiles and grand design, a working mosque open to visitors from 8:30am to one hour before sunset.

FREE, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk through the Hippodrome

Stroll around the historic Hippodrome, the ancient chariot racing arena featuring obelisks and monuments.

FREE, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sultanahmet Fish House

Savor fresh seafood dishes and traditional mezes in a cozy atmosphere right in Sultanahmet.

TRY250, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Old City & Bosphorus

Istanbul, Turkey on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a hearty Turkish breakfast featuring regional delights like kaymak and honey.

TRY180, 1h0m

9:30am

Topkapi Palace Tour

Explore the residence of Ottoman sultans featuring exquisite courtyards, treasury, and harem sections, open 9:00am–6:45pm.

TRY320, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Konyali Restaurant

Dine on Ottoman-inspired dishes with views of the Bosphorus within the Topkapi Palace grounds.

TRY300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a 1.5-hour cruise along the Bosphorus to see Istanbul’s skyline from the water, including palaces and bridges.

TRY150, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Spice Bazaar

Browse vibrant stalls offering spices, sweets, and souvenirs near the Galata Bridge. Open until 7:00pm.

FREE, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Sample traditional kebabs and Turkish cuisine with Bosphorus views.

TRY280, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Asian Side & Markets

Istanbul, Turkey on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Privato

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with pastries and coffee in the Karakoy district before crossing to the Asian side.

TRY120, 1h0m

9:30am

Ferry to Kadikoy

Take a scenic ferry ride from Eminonu to Kadikoy on the Asian side, soaking in views of the city from the water.

TRY50, 0h30m

10:00am

Explore Kadikoy Market

Wander through lively markets and streets filled with food stalls, boutiques, and art shops.

FREE, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Experience delicious and authentic regional Turkish dishes from all over Anatolia.

TRY180, 1h0m

2:00pm

Moda Coastal Walk

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Moda coastline, famous for its cafes and seaside views.

FREE, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return Ferry to European Side

Take the ferry back to Istanbul's European side in the late afternoon.

TRY50, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Dine at this acclaimed rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline and creative Turkish fusion cuisine.

TRY600, 2h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Palaces & Museums

Istanbul, Turkey on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Namlı Gurme

Start your day with delicious breakfast options at this vibrant market café in Karakoy.

TRY150, 1h0m

9:30am

Dolmabahce Palace

Tour the stunning Dolmabahce Palace, famous for its European-style architecture and lavish interiors, open 9:00am–4:00pm.

TRY250, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nar Lokanta

Enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine in a welcoming setting near Dolmabahce.

TRY200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Istanbul Modern Museum

Explore contemporary Turkish art at Istanbul Modern Museum, open 10:00am–6:00pm.

TRY160, 2h0m

5:00pm

Leisure time or shopping at Istiklal Avenue

Stroll along Istiklal Avenue, a bustling street full of shops, cafes and street performers.

FREE, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Dine with stunning views at this rooftop restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and lively atmosphere.

TRY400, 2h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Shopping & Modern Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Start your day in the chic Bebek neighborhood with a scenic breakfast overlooking the Bosphorus.

TRY200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Grand Bazaar

Spend the morning browsing one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, perfect for souvenirs and Turkish handicrafts. Open 9:00am–7:00pm.

FREE, 3h0m