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

Day 1: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on May 8, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with fresh bread, cheeses, olives, and eggs near Sultanahmet to fuel your day.
TRY75, 1h

10:30am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Visit the historic Hagia Sophia with its stunning Byzantine architecture; a must-see monument showcasing Istanbul’s rich past. Open 9am–7pm.
TRY100, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savour authentic Turkish meatballs (köfte) at this beloved local eatery near the historic district.
TRY60, 1h

2:00pm

Topkapı Palace

Explore the opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans, featuring exquisite architecture and historical artefacts. Open 9am–6:45pm.
TRY150, 2h30m

5:00pm

Walk through the Grand Bazaar

Stroll through one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. Open 9am–7pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Enjoy fresh seafood in a charming historic setting in Sultanahmet, perfect for the first night in Istanbul.
TRY200, 1h30m

Day 2: More of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a flavoursome breakfast featuring traditional eastern Turkish dishes in Cihangir.
TRY80, 1h

10:00am

Basilica Cistern

Discover the underground water reservoir with its eerie atmosphere and iconic Medusa head columns, open 9am–5:30pm.
TRY50, 1h

11:30am

Visit the Spice Bazaar

Explore the aromatic Spice Bazaar, perfect to shop for spices, nuts, and Turkish delights. Open 9am–7pm.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine at the legendary restaurant inside the Spice Bazaar, known for its Ottoman cuisine classics.
TRY150, 1h

3:00pm

Cruise on the Bosphorus

Take a scenic 2-hour boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait to see Istanbul's landmarks from the water. Tours run until late afternoon.
TRY120, 2h

6:00pm

Leisure in Karaköy

Relax with a coffee or early dinner at one of Karaköy’s trendy cafes and bars.
TRY100, 1h30m

Day 3: Travel to Hisarlik (Troy)

Hisarlik, Turkey on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel in Istanbul

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your journey south.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Hisarlik (approx. 5 hours)

Travel by car or bus from Istanbul to the archaeological site of Troy, arriving early afternoon.
TRY200 (bus fare), 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at nearest town restaurant

Try regional cuisine near Hisarlik to refresh after travel.
TRY80, 1h

3:30pm

Tour Ancient Troy Ruins

Explore the remains of the ancient city, including the famous Trojan Horse and museum. Open 8am–7pm.
TRY50, 2h

6:00pm

Check into local accommodation

Settle into a nearby hotel or guesthouse to relax.
TRY300, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at a local tavern

Enjoy fresh Mediterranean dishes and local wines near Troy.
TRY120, 1h30m

Day 4: Hisarlik to Antalya

Hisarlik to Antalya, Turkey on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Breakfast before travel along the coast southwards.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Hisarlik to Antalya (approx. 5 hours)

Journey to Antalya with scenic views of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
TRY250 (bus/taxi fare), 5h

2:00pm

Lunch in Antalya Old Town

Enjoy traditional Turkish dishes at a restaurant in Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic centre.
TRY90, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Kaleiçi (Old Town)

Wander the cobbled streets, visit Hadrian’s Gate, and browse local shops. Open all day.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Relax on Konyaaltı Beach

Unwind on the beautiful beach with clear Mediterranean waters. Public access, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at 7 Mehmet Restaurant

Dine on upscale Turkish cuisine with excellent local ingredients and views.
TRY180, 1h30m

Day 5: Antalya Adventures

Antalya, Turkey on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vanilla Lounge

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries in a relaxed garden setting.
TRY70, 1h

9:30am

Visit Antalya Museum

Explore extensive archaeological exhibits highlighting the region's ancient past. Open 8:30am–6pm.
TRY50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pasa Bey Kebap

Taste delicious kebabs in the heart of Antalya’s old town.
TRY80, 1h

2:00pm

Boat Tour of Antalya Coast

Take a 2-hour boat tour to admire Antalya’s stunning coastline and the Düden Waterfalls from the sea.
TRY150, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Düden Waterfalls

Walk through natural beauty just outside Antalya, perfect for photos and relaxation. Park open until sunset.
TRY20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant

Enjoy contemporary Turkish cuisine in an elegant setting within a historical building.
TRY220, 1h30m

Day 6: Day Trip to Perge and Aspendos

Antalya, Turkey on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for a day of exploring ancient ruins.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Visit Perge Ancient City

Wander impressive ruins including baths, stadium, and colonnaded streets. Open 8am–7pm.
TRY40, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Aspendos

Short 30-minute drive to the best-preserved Roman theatre.
TRY20 (transport), 30m

11:30am

Explore Aspendos Theatre

Experience the grandeur of the Roman theatre, still used today for performances. Open 8am–7pm.
TRY40, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at nearby restaurant

Enjoy traditional Turkish lunch close to Aspendos.
TRY90, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Antalya

Head back to Antalya for late afternoon at leisure.
TRY20, 30m

4:00pm

Free time in Antalya Old Town

Explore shops, cafes, or relax before dinner.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Vanilla Lounge

Relax with dinner featuring local ingredients and international dishes.
TRY140, 1h30m

Day 7: Beach Relaxation Day

Antalya, Turkey on May 14, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Leisurely breakfast to prepare for a relaxing day.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Day on Lara Beach

Spend the day at the popular sandy beach with facilities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Free (some sports paid locally), 5h

4:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax and freshen up before dinner.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Club Arma

Dine with panoramic sea views and delicious seafood right on the harbour.
TRY200, 1h30m

Day 8: Köprülü Canyon Excursion

Antalya, Turkey on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Start early to make the most of your day trip.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Köprülü Canyon National Park

Travel to a natural park famous for river rafting and hiking (approximately 1.5 hours).
TRY150 (transport + entry), 1h30m

10:00am

Rafting or Hiking

Choose between exciting whitewater rafting or scenic hiking in this magnificent canyon.
RAFT TRY300, HIKING Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at national park café

Light lunch surrounded by nature.
TRY80, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Antalya

Travel back to the city to unwind.
Included, 1h30m

5:00pm

Rest or optional spa

Relax after your adventure with a spa or rest at hotel.
TRY200 (spa optional), 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Seraser

Celebrate your active day with fine dining in Antalya’s old town.
TRY220, 1h30m

Day 9: Day at Leisure in Antalya

Antalya, Turkey on May 16, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Visit Antalya Aquarium

Explore one of the largest aquariums in the world, perfect for families and nature lovers. Open 10am–7pm.
TRY100, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Big Man Coffee

Casual lunch with excellent coffee and light meals in Kaleiçi.
TRY60, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping & exploring local markets

Browse Antalya's markets for souvenirs and local products.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at hotel or nearby park

Rest and prepare for dinner.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Vanilla Lounge

Conclude your day with delicious local flavours and a friendly atmosphere.
TRY140, 1h30m

Day 10: Day Trip to Phaselis & Olympos

Antalya, Turkey on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast for day of exploration.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Phaselis Ancient City

Explore the ancient port city famous for its beaches and ruins. Open 8am–7pm.
TRY40, 2h

11:00am

Visit Olympos and Chimaera

Visit the ancient city ruins in Olympos followed by a short hike to see the eternal flames of the Chimaera. Open 8am–7pm.
TRY40 for site entry, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Olympos Village

Savour local food in a relaxed village atmosphere.
TRY80, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Antalya

Travel back for an evening at leisure.
TRY50, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Club Arma

Enjoy a scenic dining experience with fresh seafood.
TRY200, 1h30m

Day 11: Leisure and Shopping in Antalya

Antalya, Turkey on May 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Shopping at TerraCity Mall

Visit Antalya’s largest shopping mall for souvenirs, clothes, and gifts.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Food Court TerraCity

Wide variety of options for quick, tasty meals.
TRY70, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Karaalioglu Park

Stroll through a beautiful city park with views over the cliffs and sea.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee break at Historical Ramazanoglu Konagi

Experience a quaint café inside a historical mansion.
TRY50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Seraser

Enjoy your final gourmet dinner in Antalya with exquisite local and international dishes.
TRY220, 1h30m

Day 12: Relax in Antalya

Antalya, Turkey on May 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Leisurely breakfast.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Optional Turkish Bath (Hammam)

Relax with a traditional Turkish bath experience to rejuvenate before departure.
TRY250, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at 7 Mehmet

Last chance to savour authentic Turkish classics in Antalya.
TRY180, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon at leisure

Pack, shop last minute or relax at the beach.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant

Enjoy your final night with a quiet dinner.
TRY100, 1h30m

Day 13: Departure Day

Antalya, Turkey on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Transfer to Antalya Airport

Travel to the airport for your onward journey.
TRY100, 1h