Comprehensive 8-Day Istanbul Cultural and Historical Tour

Day 1: Historic Highlights

Istanbul, Turkey on June 6, 2024

8:30am

Breakfast at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Start your day with traditional Turkish breakfast including fresh bread, olives, cheese, and tea at this iconic local restaurant near Sultanahmet Square.
TRY100, 1h

9:30am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, showcasing a fascinating history as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. Open 9:00am - 7:00pm daily.
TRY200, 2h

11:45am

Blue Mosque

Visit the impressive Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue İznik tiles and six minarets. It is still an active mosque, so plan your visit outside prayer times. Open 24/7 but closed briefly during prayers.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Seven Hills Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood dishes on the terrace overlooking the Bosphorus and Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet.
TRY250, 1h

2:30pm

Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulence of the Ottoman Empire by touring the Topkapi Palace, including the Harem section with spectacular views over the Bosphorus. Open 9:00am - 6:45pm.
TRY300, 2h30m

5:15pm

Basilica Cistern

Experience the atmospheric underground Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century water reservoir featuring ancient columns and soft lighting. Open 9:00am - 5:30pm.
TRY150, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Ottoman cuisine in a historic setting near Hagia Sophia for an authentic dining experience.
TRY300, 1h30m
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Day 2: Markets and Waterfront

Istanbul, Turkey on June 7, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Taste the rich flavours of Eastern Turkish breakfast, including kaymak and honey, in Karakoy's popular café.
TRY130, 1h

9:30am

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Browse vibrant spices, dried fruits, and local delicacies at this historic market that epitomizes Istanbul's lively trade heritage. Open 9:00am - 7:00pm.
Free entry, 1h

11:00am

Rustem Pasha Mosque

Visit this small, beautiful mosque known for its exquisite Iznik tile work, a hidden gem near the Spice Bazaar.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy classic Turkish kebabs with views over the Golden Horn from the restaurant’s upper terrace.
TRY250, 1h

1:30pm

Galata Tower

Climb the Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosphorus. Open 9:00am - 7:00pm.
TRY150, 1h

3:00pm

Walk across Galata Bridge

Stroll across the Galata Bridge, watching fishermen and enjoying cafes lining the waterfront, connecting Karakoy and Eminonu.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Visit Eminonu waterfront

Relax in the Eminonu area, experiencing the ferry terminals, local shops and bustling street food stalls like the famous fish sandwiches.
TRY60, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Savour freshly grilled fish dishes at this acclaimed seafood restaurant in Sultanahmet’s quieter street.
TRY350, 1h30m
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Day 3: Bosphorus and Asian Side

Istanbul, Turkey on June 8, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu

Enjoy a hearty Turkish breakfast with menemen near Besiktas before the Bosphorus cruise.
TRY120, 1h

9:00am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a 2-hour scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, seeing palaces, forts and Istanbul’s skyline from the water. Ferries run frequently from Eminonu. Cruise typically lasts 2 hours.
TRY150, 2h

11:30am

Explore Kadikoy Market on Asian Side

Ferry to Kadikoy to experience Istanbul’s vibrant Asian side, with its market, cafes and relaxed atmosphere.
Ferry: TRY25, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Dine on traditional Anatolian dishes with diverse and authentic flavours in Kadikoy’s popular restaurant.
TRY200, 1h

3:00pm

Moda Promenade Walk

Walk along the seaside Moda district for charming cafes and sea views.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to European Side

Take ferry back to Eminonu for evening activities.
TRY25, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mikla Roof Restaurant

Treat yourself to a modern Turkish dining experience with spectacular views of Istanbul’s skyline, located in Beyoglu.
TRY400, 2h
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Day 4: Beyoglu and Taksim

Istanbul, Turkey on June 9, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Privato

Enjoy fresh simit and Turkish coffee near Galata Tower to start your day in Beyoglu.
TRY100, 1h

9:30am

Istiklal Street Walk

Explore the vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, galleries, historical buildings and street performers. Open all day.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Pera Museum

Discover orientalism paintings and Anatolian weights and measures collections housed in a stunning historic building. Open 10:00am - 6:00pm, closed Mondays.
TRY80, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Çukur Meyhane

Enjoy traditional meze and raki in an authentic lively setting in Beyoglu.
TRY250, 1h30m

3:00pm

Taksim Square and Gezi Park

Relax and people-watch in the central hub of Istanbul, surrounded by shops and cafes.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Take Funicular to Kabataş and walk to Dolmabahce Palace

Visit Dolmabahce Palace, the lavish Ottoman seaside palace open 9:00am - 4:30pm (closed Mondays and Thursdays).
TRY300, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Neolokal

Savour innovative local cuisine blending tradition and modernity with Bosphorus views in Karakoy.
TRY400, 2h
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Day 5: Princes' Islands Escape

Istanbul, Turkey on June 10, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast to go from Mangerie

Pick up a light breakfast and coffee from this popular spot in Bebek before heading to the ferry terminal.
TRY100, 30m

8:30am

Ferry to Buyukada Island

Catch an early ferry from Kabatas to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands. The ferry takes about 1.5 hours.
TRY60, 1h30m

10:30am

Bike or horse-drawn carriage tour

Explore the island’s beautiful pine forests, historic mansions, and scenic views with a relaxing bike or carriage tour.
TRY150, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Milto Restaurant

Enjoy fresh fish and seafood by the sea on Buyukada Island.
TRY250, 1h30m

3:00pm

Beach time and walk along the waterfront

Spend some leisure time on the island's small beaches or strolling along the waterfront.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Return ferry to Istanbul

Catch ferry back to the European side. Evening arrival around 7:00pm.
TRY60, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Kantin

Relax over a casual dinner featuring creative Turkish dishes in a cosy ambience in Karakoy.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 6: Asian Districts

Istanbul, Turkey on June 11, 2024

8:30am

Breakfast at Walter’s Coffee Roastery

Start with specialty coffee and light breakfast in the hip Moda district.
TRY130, 1h

9:45am

Çamlıca Hill

Visit the highest point in Istanbul for panoramic views of the Bosphorus and cityscape. Open daily.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Bagdat Avenue

Explore the upscale shopping street full of boutiques, cafes and restaurants in the Asian side.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Fenix Balık

Indulge in fresh seafood on Bagdat Avenue in a modern setting.
TRY300, 1h

3:00pm

Moda Park and seaside stroll

Relax by the sea and enjoy the coastal promenade with lovely views.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Return ferry to Europe

Ferry back to Kabatas.
TRY25, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Experience authentic Ottoman dishes near the Chora Church with historical recipes dating back centuries.
TRY350, 1h30m
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Day 7: Shopping and Culture

Istanbul, Turkey on June 12, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Enjoy a classic Turkish pastry and tea at this historic confectionery near Sultanahmet.
TRY120, 1h

9:30am

Grand Bazaar

Spend your morning exploring one of the world's largest covered markets with thousands of shops selling jewelry, ceramics, carpets and souvenirs. Open 9:00am - 7:00pm.
Free entry, 2h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine inside the spice bazaar with traditional Turkish dishes in a historic blue-tiled environment.
TRY250, 1h

1:45pm

Süleymaniye Mosque

Visit the grand Süleymaniye Mosque complex with stunning architecture and panoramic city views. Open 24/7 with prayer breaks.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Discover rich history through a vast collection of artifacts, including the Alexander Sarcophagus. Open 9:00am - 7:00pm, closed Mondays.
TRY150, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ulus 29

Enjoy upscale dining with spectacular Bosphorus views in a chic setting.
TRY450, 2h
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Day 8: Modern Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 13, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Start your day with breakfast by the Bosphorus in a charming café in Bebek district.
TRY130, 1h

9:30am

Visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Enjoy contemporary Turkish and international art along the waterfront at Istanbul Modern. Open 10:00am - 6:00pm, closed Mondays.
TRY100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lokanta Maya

Savour creative Turkish cuisine made with local and seasonal ingredients in Karakoy.
TRY250, 1h

1:30pm

Walk along Istinye Park Mall and Bosphorus Shore

Browse Istanbul’s upscale shopping mall and enjoy scenic views of the Bosphorus nearby.
Free entry, shopping extra, 2h

4:00pm

Return to hotel and prepare for departure

Rest and organise luggage before your onward journey or flight.
Free, Flexible
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