13-Night Coastal and Cultural Journey from Istanbul to Hisarlik and Antalya

Day 1: Istanbul Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on May 8, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring a variety of cheeses, olives, eggs, and fresh bread in this cosy café, open from 8am to 11am in Cihangir.
TRY120, 1h

10:45am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site blending Byzantine and Ottoman architecture; open 9am to 5pm daily.
TRY200, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs and sides at this famous local spot, conveniently near major sites, open 11am to 9pm.
TRY75, 1h

2:30pm

Topkapi Palace Tour

Visit the opulent Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans; experience its grand courtyards and treasury, open 9am to 6:30pm.
TRY300, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Walk at Sultanahmet Square

Stroll the picturesque Sultanahmet Square, absorbing views of the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome.
FREE, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Savour freshly grilled seafood in a charming historic building; open from 6pm to 11pm.
TRY250, 1.5h
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Day 2: Istanbul to Hisarlik

Istanbul to Hisarlik (Troy), Turkey on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty hotel breakfast before the journey to Hisarlik, preparing for a day rich in ancient history.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Hisarlik (Troy)

Embark on a scenic 5-hour drive southwest from Istanbul to Hisarlik, the site of ancient Troy.
Variable (transport), 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at a Local Restaurant near Troy

Refuel with traditional Turkish dishes like lamb kebabs and fresh salads at a nearby rural restaurant, open until 4pm.
TRY80, 1h

3:30pm

Explore the Ancient City of Troy

Tour the legendary archaeological site of Troy, walk through layers of history including the famous ‘Wooden Horse,’ open until 6pm.
TRY40, 2h

6:00pm

Check-in and relax at accommodation in Hisarlik area

Unwind at a comfortable guesthouse or hotel near Troy, soaking in rural tranquillity.
Variable, overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel or Nearby Restaurant

Enjoy homemade style Turkish dinners featuring fresh local ingredients, a perfect end to the day.
TRY100, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Hisarlik to Antalya

Hisarlik to Antalya, Turkey on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Start with a locally sourced breakfast at your guesthouse before heading to Antalya.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Antalya

Set off on a 5-hour scenic drive along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts to Antalya, Turkey’s sun-soaked resort city.
Variable (transport), 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at 7 Mehmet

Dine at one of Antalya’s premier seafood restaurants, famed for innovative Mediterranean cuisine, open from 12pm to 11pm.
TRY200, 1.5h

3:00pm

Check-in and relax at hotel in Antalya

Settle into your hotel near the old town or coast to enjoy comfort and stunning views.
Variable, 1h

4:30pm

Explore Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi)

Wander the historic cobbled streets, admire Ottoman era architecture and visit landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate; shops generally close by 7pm.
FREE, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Seraser Fine Dining

Indulge in a refined Turkish and Mediterranean dinner in a charming old mansion, open from 7pm onwards.
TRY270, 2h
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Day 4: Antalya Historical & Cultural

Antalya, Turkey on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast with fresh local produce and Mediterranean flavours at the hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Antalya Museum Visit

Visit one of Turkey’s largest museums with important archaeological finds, open 8:30am to 6pm.
TRY50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pasa Bey Kebap

Taste traditional kebabs and Turkish meze in a friendly local eatery open daily 11am to 10pm.
TRY90, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Düden Waterfalls

Explore the stunning Düden Waterfalls just outside Antalya, a refreshing natural escape open daylight hours.
TRY30, 2h

4:00pm

Relax on Konyaaltı Beach

Spend the late afternoon lounging or walking along the pebble-stone Konyaaltı Beach with views of the Taurus Mountains.
FREE, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at 7 Mehmet (repeat if liked)

Option to revisit this favourite restaurant or try new dishes; open 12pm to 11pm.
TRY200, 1.5h
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Day 5: Antalya Ruins & Nature

Antalya, Turkey on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Buffet breakfast to energise for the day ahead.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Day trip to Perge and Aspendos

Visit Perge ancient city ruins and Aspendos amphitheatre, key archaeological sights within easy driving distance. Open hours roughly 8am to 7pm.
TRY70 Perge + TRY100 Aspendos, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch near Aspendos

Enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant near the Aspendos site, open till late afternoon.
TRY90, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Antalya and relax

Free time for a rest or optional hotel spa treatments.
Variable, Afternoon

7:30pm

Dinner at Vanilla Lounge

Try contemporary Turkish and international dishes in a stylish setting, open evenings until 11pm.
TRY220, 1.5h
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Day 6: Relaxation & Coastal Leisure

Antalya, Turkey on May 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a day of relaxation.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Boat tour of Antalya Coast

Take a half-day boat tour exploring scenic bays and pristine waters along the Antalya coast, typically 9am to 3pm options available.
TRY180, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch on board or seaside cafe

Light lunch during or after the boat tour with fresh seafood or Mediterranean light bites.
TRY70, 1h

4:00pm

Afternoon at leisure

Relax on the beach or explore Antalya’s shops and cafés.
FREE, Afternoon

7:30pm

Dinner at Rokka

Enjoy vibrant, artfully presented Turkish fusion cuisine in a trendy spot in Kaleiçi, open until 11pm.
TRY230, 1.5h
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Day 7: Antalya Mountains & Nature

Antalya, Turkey on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day trip with a nutritious hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Day trip to Termessos National Park

Explore the ancient city of Termessos set in a national park high in the Taurus Mountains; open 8am to sunset.
TRY50, 5h

2:00pm

Picnic or light lunch in the park

Bring a packed lunch or stop at nearby village eateries for simple Turkish fare.
TRY40, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Antalya

Afternoon rest and freshen up.
FREE, Afternoon

7:30pm

Dinner at Seraser Fine Dining

Revisit this elegant dining experience to savour refined Anatolian flavours.
TRY270, 1.5h
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Day 8: Leisure & Ultiamate Beach Day

Antalya, Turkey on May 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your beach day.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Beach day at Lara Beach

Lara Beach offers sandy expanses and crystal-clear waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming; open access.
FREE, All day

1:00pm

Lunch at a beachside café

Enjoy light Mediterranean dishes and refreshing drinks with a sea view.
TRY80, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vanilla Lounge

Dine on creative dishes with local ingredients in a modern setting, open late.
TRY220, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Antalya Local Culture

Antalya, Turkey on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Buffet breakfast to start the day fresh.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Visit Antalya Bazaar

Shop and explore Antalya’s lively bazaars for local crafts, textiles, and spices; open until early evening.
FREE, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at a local meyhane

Enjoy traditional meze and drinks in a casual Turkish tavern atmosphere.
TRY100, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit Antalya Ataturk Park

Relax in this beautiful coastal park with views over the sea and marina.
FREE, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Deniz Restaurant

Seafood specialty restaurant with views of the old harbour, open evenings until 11pm.
TRY250, 1.5h
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Day 10: Antalya to Istanbul

Antalya to Istanbul, Turkey on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a wholesome early breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Flight from Antalya to Istanbul

Take a morning domestic flight to Istanbul, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes duration.
TRY400 (approx.), 1h 15m

11:00am

Check-in at Istanbul hotel

Settle into your accommodation for your final days in the city.
Variable, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası on the Asian side

Experience authentic and diverse Anatolian cuisine in Kadıköy, open 12pm to 10pm.
TRY130, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Maiden’s Tower

Take a boat trip and climb this iconic tower in the Bosphorus with panoramic city views; tours run until sunset.
TRY85, 2h

5:00pm

Return to European side and relax

Leisure time for shopping or enjoying a café in Taksim.
FREE, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Fine dining with modern Anatolian cuisine and spectacular city views from the rooftop, open from 6pm.
TRY400, 2h
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Day 11: Istanbul Art & History

Istanbul, Turkey on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Full breakfast to fuel the day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Istanbul Modern Museum

Explore contemporary Turkish and international art at Istanbul Modern, open 10am to 6pm.
TRY75, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Enjoy classic and modern Turkish dishes in a lively Karaköy setting, open until late.
TRY130, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Basilica Cistern

Discover the hauntingly beautiful underground Byzantine water reservoir, open 9am to 5:30pm.
TRY60, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll along the Galata Bridge

Enjoy sea views, fisherman spotting, and historic surroundings.
FREE, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Neolokal

Taste modern takes on traditional Anatolian recipes in an elegant setting, open from 6pm.
TRY350, 2h
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Day 12: Istanbul Grand Bazaar Day

Istanbul, Turkey on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a large breakfast to prepare for a day of exploring and shopping.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Grand Bazaar shopping

Spend the morning getting lost in the vibrant Grand Bazaar, open 9am to 7pm, for souvenirs, carpets, jewellery, and more.
FREE, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hafız Mustafa 1864

Taste delicious Turkish desserts and light meals near the bazaar, open all day.
TRY90, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Spice Bazaar

Explore fragrant spice stalls and delicacies at this historic market, open 9am to 7pm.
FREE, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee and rest at a nearby café

Relax and reflect on your journey over Turkish coffee or tea.
TRY40, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Yeni Lokanta

Enjoy a memorable final meal featuring innovative Turkish cuisine, open from 7pm.
TRY350, 2h
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Day 13: Departure Day

Istanbul, Turkey on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have your last breakfast in Istanbul to ensure a comfortable journey home.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Check-out and transfer to airport

Depart for Istanbul Airport with sufficient time for your international flight.
Variable (transport), 2h
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