Cultural and Scenic Highlights of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan for Seniors

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction

Istanbul, Turkey on September 3, 2025

10:00am

Check-in and Relax at Hotel

Settle into a centrally located hotel such as the Sultanahmet Palace Hotel, ideal for seniors with easy access to major sites.
TRY800, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs in a historic eatery open 11am-8pm, perfect for light, flavorful lunch.
TRY100, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore this iconic Byzantine marvel that offers stunning mosaics and architectural grandeur, open 9am-7pm.
TRY200, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll through Sultanahmet Square

Leisurely walk around this historic heart of Istanbul, viewing the Blue Mosque and ancient Hippodrome ruins.
FREE, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

Dine on fresh seafood in a charming Ottoman-era house, open 6pm-11pm, providing peaceful ambiance suitable for seniors.
TRY250, 1.5h
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Day 2: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on September 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a Turkish breakfast including cheese, olives, fresh bread, and tea, perfect for starting a full day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Topkapi Palace

Visit the opulent former Ottoman residence, including treasury and harem sections, open 9am-6pm, with accessible paths and shaded gardens.
TRY250, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Taste classic Ottoman cuisine in this historic spice market location, open 12pm-4pm, renowned for its ambiance and flavors.
TRY150, 1h

2:30pm

Basilica Cistern

Discover the ancient underground water reservoir with atmospheric lighting, open 9am-5pm.
TRY150, 1h

4:00pm

Grand Bazaar

Explore the vast covered market, ideal for cultural souvenirs and light walking, open 9am-7pm.
FREE, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy Anatolian flavors and a view of the Golden Horn, open 5pm-11pm, with comfortable seating for seniors.
TRY220, 1.5h
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Day 3: Scenic Bosphorus and Travel to Baku

Istanbul, Turkey / Baku, Azerbaijan on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light and hearty breakfast served early to start the Bosphorus cruise.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a 2-hour scenic boat trip along the Bosphorus Strait offering views of Istanbul’s skyline, palaces, and bridges; cruises run until 5pm.
TRY150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kiyi Restaurant

Enjoy seafood with waterfront views, perfect for enjoying fresh fish dishes in Istanbul’s Asian side.
TRY200, 1.5h

3:00pm

Transfer to Airport and Fly to Baku

Fly from Istanbul to Baku (flight approx. 3 hours). Book a direct flight for convenience.
USD150, 4h

8:00pm

Check-in at Baku Hotel and Dinner

Stay at the historic Four Seasons Baku and dine at their Azerbaijani cuisine restaurant, offering gentle ambiance suitable for seniors.
AZN60, 1.5h
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Day 4: Baku Cultural Tour

Baku, Azerbaijan on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani breakfast at the hotel with fresh local bread and cheeses.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Icherisheher (Old City)

Explore Baku’s UNESCO-listed Old City featuring the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah Palace, open 9am-7pm.
AZN10, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mugam Club

Savor Azerbaijani and Mediterranean dishes in a charming courtyard open 12pm-4pm.
AZN25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit the Carpet Museum and Boulevard Park

View exquisite Azerbaijani carpets and take a gentle stroll along the Caspian Sea promenade; Carpet Museum open 10am-6pm.
AZN8, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nargiz Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani cuisine in a historic setting in the city center.
AZN35, 1.5h
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Day 5: Gobustan and Fire Temples

Baku and Surroundings, Azerbaijan on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for a day of gentle exploration outside the city.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Day Trip to Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

Visit the petroglyphs and mud volcanoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with opportunities for slow walks; open 9am-6pm.
AZN15 plus transport, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant near Gobustan

Enjoy Azerbaijani dishes with home-style flavors in a rural setting.
AZN20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Ateshgah Fire Temple

Explore this historic Fire Temple, symbolizing Zoroastrian heritage, open daylight hours.
AZN8, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Baku and Rest

Relax at hotel with time to freshen up before dinner.
FREE, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Chinar Restaurant

Dine on modern Azerbaijani cuisine with views of the Flame Towers, open 6pm-11pm.
AZN40, 1.5h
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Day 6: Travel to Samarkand

Baku, Azerbaijan to Samarkand, Uzbekistan on September 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Early meal to prepare for flight to Uzbekistan.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Flight from Baku to Tashkent

Fly direct or with one connection to Tashkent, approximately 3-4 hours flight time.
USD200, 4h

1:00pm

Transfer to Samarkand by private car

Comfortable 4-hour drive ensuring a scenic route with stops and breaks for seniors.
USD100, 4h

6:30pm

Check-in at Hotel Hotel Grand Samarkand & Restaurant

Relax at a senior-friendly hotel located conveniently in the historic center.
USD80, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Plov Center Samarkand

Taste Uzbekistan’s iconic dish 'plov' in a quiet setting perfect for seniors.
USD15, 1.5h
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Day 7: Samarkand Heritage

Samarkand, Uzbekistan on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Local breads, jams, and tea to fuel the day’s exploration.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Registan Square

Visit Samarkand’s iconic plaza with stunning madrasas showcasing exquisite Islamic architecture, open 9am-7pm.
UZS150000, 2h

11:30am

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

See the resting place of Tamerlane with its beautiful tilework and peaceful gardens, open 9am-6pm.
UZS100000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bibikhanum Restaurant

Traditional Uzbek dishes in a tranquil atmosphere near historical sites.
UZS80000, 1h

2:30pm

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

Walk slowly through this mesmerizing complex of mausoleums illustrating vibrant tilework, open 9am-6pm.
UZS120000, 1.5h

5:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Afternoon rest to refresh after walking and sightseeing.
FREE, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Karimbek

Enjoy an elegant dinner of Uzbek and international cuisine in a peaceful ambiance.
UZS90000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Bukhara Transfer and Start

Samarkand to Bukhara, Uzbekistan on September 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a nutritious breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Private transfer Samarkand to Bukhara

Comfortable 4-hour car ride with breaks for seniors, through beautiful Uzbek countryside.
USD100, 4h

1:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Hotel

Rest at Hotel Majestic Bukhara and enjoy lunch in a quiet setting.
USD70, 1.5h

3:00pm

Lyabi Hauz Complex

Relax at the peaceful pond area surrounded by historic buildings, ideal for gentle strolls, open daylight hours.
FREE, 1h

4:30pm

Magoki Attori Mosque

Visit this ancient mosque in the city center with serene atmosphere, open daylight hours.
FREE, 45m

6:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Return to hotel to relax and recharge.
FREE, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Chinar

Fine dining featuring Uzbek and Central Asian specialties with senior-friendly service.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 9: Bukhara Historical Day

Bukhara, Uzbekistan on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Hearty start with Uzbek breads, eggs, and tea.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Ark Fortress

Explore this ancient walled city and palace complex, featuring museums and shaded courtyards, open 9am-6pm.
UZS130000, 2h

11:30am

Bolo Hauz Mosque

Visit this beautiful mosque across from the Ark, known for its wooden columns, open daylight hours.
FREE, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Minzifa

Try traditional Central Asian dishes with ample seating and calm atmosphere.
UZS70000, 1h

2:00pm

Samanid Mausoleum

See the striking 9th-century mausoleum, one of Central Asia’s oldest monuments, open 9am-6pm.
UZS80000, 45m

3:00pm

Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum

Visit this tranquil site known for its healing spring, open daylight hours.
FREE, 45m

4:00pm

Return to Hotel Rest

Afternoon rest after sightseeing.
FREE, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Old Bukhara

Dine in a garden setting with classic Uzbek dishes, relaxed for senior comfort.
USD20, 1.5h
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Day 10: Tashkent City Day

Tashkent, Uzbekistan on September 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Early Checkout

Breakfast followed by transfer to Tashkent by comfortable train or car, approx 4 hrs.
USD30, 4h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch

Settle at Wyndham Tashkent and enjoy lunch at the hotel restaurant with Uzbek and international choices.
USD50, 1h

2:00pm

Amir Timur Museum and Independence Square

Visit the museum detailing the history of Timur and relaxing walks in the landscaped Independence Square, open 10am-6pm.
UZS60000, 2h

5:00pm

Chorsu Bazaar

Explore this vibrant traditional market with handicrafts and fresh produce. Easy walking with many shaded resting spots.
FREE, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Caravan

Traditional Uzbek cuisine in an inviting setting with senior-friendly amenities.
UZS70000, 1.5h
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Day 11: Departure

Tashkent, Uzbekistan on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Leisurely breakfast with time to rest before transfer.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Tashkent International Airport

Comfortable transfer for departure flights home.
USD30, 1h
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