Ultimate 10-Day Antalya and Istanbul Itinerary: Top Sightseeing and Shopping Experiences

Day 1: Arrival & Leisure

Antalya, Turkey on May 28, 2025

5:00pm

Arrival in Antalya

Check into your hotel and relax after your journey. Ease into your Antalya experience by exploring the nearby old town area in the evening.
0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pasa Bey

Enjoy an authentic Turkish dinner at Pasa Bey, renowned for its delicious local dishes and charming atmosphere. Open 12pm-11pm.
TRY150, 1h30m

Day 2: Historic & Bazaar Tour

Antalya, Turkey on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring fresh bread, cheeses, olives, and tea.
Included or TRY30, 1h

9:30am

Explore Kaleici (Old Town)

Wander through Antalya’s historic old town with narrow cobbled streets, Ottoman architecture, and quaint shops. Ideal for early sightseeing before crowds.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Hadrian’s Gate

See this impressive Roman-era gate which is one of Antalya’s iconic landmarks and perfect for photo opportunities.
Free, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local cafe in Kaleici

Try Turkish pide or kebabs at one of the popular old town cafes.
TRY50, 1h

2:00pm

Old Bazaar Shopping

Enjoy browsing the vibrant old bazaar stalls selling souvenirs, textiles, and local crafts. Great for finding unique gifts and experiencing local life.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Duden Waterfalls visit

Head to the stunning Duden Waterfalls, a natural oasis just outside the city. Enjoy peaceful walks and scenic views.
TRY20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Luna Garden

Dine at Luna Garden, a lovely spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and tasty Turkish cuisine. Open 6pm-11pm.
TRY100, 1h30m

Day 3: Marina & Beach Day

Antalya, Turkey on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local cafe

Grab a quick and tasty breakfast with simit and tea near the marina.
TRY25, 45m

9:00am

Boat Trip from Antalya Marina

Embark on a scenic boat trip exploring the coastline around Antalya. Typically lasts around 3-4 hours, enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
TRY120, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch by the Marina

Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the marina-side restaurants with beautiful views of the harbor.
TRY80, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Antalya Beach

Spend your afternoon unwinding at Konyaalti or Lara Beach soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at a beachfront restaurant

Dine with a view of the sunset at one of Antalya’s beachside eateries serving fresh Mediterranean dishes.
TRY100, 1h30m

Day 4: Leisure & Departure to Istanbul

Antalya to Istanbul, Turkey on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before packing for your trip to Istanbul.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Free time or last-minute shopping in Kaleici

Use your morning for any last visits or shopping in the old town or bazaars before transfer.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at local cafe

Have a light lunch with Turkish wraps or salads close to your accommodation.
TRY50, 1h

2:00pm

Transfer to airport for flight to Istanbul

Depart for Antalya Airport to catch your flight to Istanbul, ready to start the next phase of your adventure.
VARIES, 3h

Day 5: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Start with a hearty Turkish breakfast near Sultanahmet to fuel your day of sightseeing.
TRY40, 1h

9:30am

Sultanahmet Square

Explore the historic Sultanahmet Square, the heart of old Istanbul surrounded by major landmarks.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Visit Hagia Sofia

Visit the breathtaking Hagia Sofia, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its architecture and history. Open 9am-7pm.
TRY100, 1h30m

12:00pm

Blue Mosque

Step inside the iconic Blue Mosque with its stunning blue tiles and grand domes. Open 8:30am-6:30pm.
Free (donation suggested), 1h

1:00pm

Lunch near Sultanahmet

Enjoy traditional Turkish dishes like lamb kebab or meze at a nearby restaurant.
TRY70, 1h

2:30pm

Basilica Cistern

Discover the ancient underground Basilica Cistern, an atmospheric and historic site beneath the city. Open 9am-7pm.
TRY50, 45m

4:00pm

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Explore the vast Grand Bazaar offering everything from carpets to jewelry. Ideal for souvenirs and unique finds. Open 9am-7pm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner near Grand Bazaar

Dine at a traditional restaurant serving Turkish grills and hearty dishes.
TRY90, 1h30m

Day 6: Bosphorus & Balat

Istanbul, Turkey on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Enjoy a Turkish breakfast at your hotel or a cafe in Taksim.
TRY40, 1h

9:00am

Turkish Bath (Hammam)

Experience a traditional Turkish bath providing relaxation and cultural insight. Recommended: Cemberlitas Hammam. Open 9am-9pm.
TRY150, 1h30m

11:00am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a scenic Bosphorus cruise to see the city from the water and views of Europe and Asia. Cruises usually last 1.5-2 hours.
TRY70, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch along the Bosphorus

Enjoy fresh seafood or Turkish pide at a waterfront restaurant.
TRY90, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Balat Neighborhood

Explore the colorful, historic Balat area with its unique architecture, small shops, and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Ferry Ride

Take a short ferry ride along the Golden Horn for more scenic views and relaxation.
TRY15, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Taksim

Head to Taksim Square for dinner and enjoy vibrant nightlife and shopping.
TRY100, 1h30m

Day 7: Shopping & Views

Istanbul, Turkey on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a busy day with traditional Turkish breakfast offerings.
TRY40, 1h

9:00am

Taksim Shopping

Explore Istiklal Street's many shops, boutiques, and local designer stores for a modern shopping experience.
Free to browse, 2h

11:30am

Spice Market

Visit the historic Spice Market to experience vibrant colors, aromas, and taste samples of Turkish delights and spices.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch near Spice Market

Enjoy traditional dishes like lahmacun or manti in nearby eateries.
TRY60, 1h

2:00pm

Galata Tower

Ascend the Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul and photo opportunities. Open 9am-7pm.
TRY50, 1h

3:30pm

Leisure Time/Shops Nearby

Use this time to revisit favorite spots or relax at a café.
Variable, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner in Karakoy or nearby

Try innovative Turkish cuisine in trendy Karakoy neighborhood to end your day.
TRY110, 1h30m

Day 8: Cultural Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or nearby cafe.
TRY40, 1h

9:00am

Optional revisit to favorite site or relaxed shopping

Use your morning to visit any must-see you missed or enjoy slow shopping at a local market.
Variable, 2h

11:30am

Lunch in Sultanahmet area

Indulge in a scenic meal near Hagia Sofia or the Blue Mosque.
TRY80, 1h

1:00pm

Relax at hotel or prepare for departure

Prepare for your onward journey while resting up from your exciting trip.
0, Rest Of Day