Cultural and Scenic Highlights of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan: A September Journey

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Istanbul, Turkey on September 3, 2025

9:00am

Istanbul Arrival and Check-in

Arrive at Istanbul Airport and settle into a comfortable 3-star hotel in Sultanahmet, close to major attractions.
EUR0, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with pastries and strong coffee at this renowned historic café open from 7am to 11pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

12:00pm

Sultanahmet Square and Blue Mosque Visit

Explore the iconic Blue Mosque and the nearby Hippodrome to get immersed in Ottoman history. The mosque opens 9am-7pm daily.
EUR0, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savor traditional Turkish meatballs in an old and popular eatery open 11am-10pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

4:00pm

Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour

Visit the lavish Topkapi Palace with its rich Ottoman collections; the Harem section requires separate entry. Open 9am-6pm (closed Tuesdays).
EUR18, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Enjoy fresh seafood specialties near the old city in a 3-star ambiance known for quality and atmosphere. Open 6pm-11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Bosphorus and Historic Neighborhoods

Istanbul, Turkey on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a rich, authentic Anatolian breakfast full of cheeses, eggs, and local jams from 8am to 6pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a 2-hour scenic boat ride on the Bosphorus, offering stunning views of palaces, mosques, and bridges between Europe and Asia. Cruises run from 9am-5pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Sample diverse Anatolian dishes in the Kadıköy neighborhood, an off-the-beaten-path jewel. Open 11am-10pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Uskudar and Maiden’s Tower

Visit Uskudar’s historical mosques and take a short ferry to Maiden’s Tower, an iconic waterfront structure. Open all day.
EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Coffee at Pierre Loti Café

Relax with Turkish coffee while enjoying panoramic views over the Golden Horn, open 8am-11pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mikla

Dine at a modern rooftop restaurant with stunning city views and contemporary Turkish cuisine. Open 6pm-10:30pm. Reservation recommended.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 3: Historic Sites and Bazaars

Istanbul, Turkey on September 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Try the world-famous baklava and traditional breakfast offerings at this historic patisserie, open 7am-9pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:00am

Hagia Sophia Museum Visit

Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

11:30am

Grand Bazaar Exploration

Wander the vast historical covered market with thousands of shops selling souvenirs, spices, and textiles. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR0, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Ottoman dishes inside the historic Spice Bazaar from 11:30am-10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Rustem Pasha Mosque Visit

Visit this lovely Ottoman mosque with stunning Iznik tile decorations, open daily.
EUR0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Leisure time at hotel or walk along Galata Bridge

Take a stroll along the bridge for great views and local street food vendors.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Neolokal

Experience innovative Turkish cuisine focusing on local, sustainable ingredients. Open 6pm-11pm.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 4: Travel to Baku

Istanbul, Turkey to Baku, Azerbaijan on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hotel breakfast before airport transfer.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Flight to Baku

Take a morning direct flight from Istanbul to Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku (~3 hrs).
EUR150, 3h0m

1:30pm

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Check in to a 3-star hotel in downtown Baku close to the Old City.
EUR0, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Sahil Bar & Restaurant

Sample fresh Azerbaijani cuisine and enjoy Caspian Sea views. Open 12pm-11pm.
AZN25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Old City (Icherisheher) Exploration

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site with its ancient palaces, mosques, and the Maiden Tower. Open until sunset.
AZN15, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chinar

Enjoy modern Azerbaijani dishes with stylish decor near the Flame Towers. Open 6pm-11pm.
AZN35, 2h0m
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Day 5: Baku Architecture and Culture

Baku, Azerbaijan on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Paul Café

Start with French-style breakfast favourites, open from 7am.
AZN15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Explore intricate Azerbaijani carpet-making traditions at this riverfront museum, open 10am-7pm, closed Mondays.
AZN10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Walk along Baku Boulevard

Stroll the Caspian Sea promenade with parks, cafes, and Ferris wheel views.
AZN0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Firuza

Try authentic local Azerbaijani dishes in a historic setting inside the Old City. Open 12pm-11pm.
AZN20, 1h30m

3:30pm

Ateshgah Fire Temple Visit

Tour this ancient Zoroastrian fire temple located just outside Baku, open 9am-6pm.
AZN15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Explore Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)

Witness the natural eternal flames in action during sunset hours, open until 10pm.
AZN10, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Nakhchivan Restaurant

Experience high-quality Azerbaijani dishes with a cozy atmosphere, open 6pm-11pm.
AZN30, 2h0m
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Day 6: Day Trip to Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes

Baku, Azerbaijan on September 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast at hotel before day trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Guided Tour to Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

Visit UNESCO site with ancient petroglyphs, open 9am-7pm, guided tours recommended.
AZN20, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch picnic or local eatery nearby

Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani picnic or a casual meal near the Gobustan area.
AZN15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Mud Volcanoes

Explore the mysterious mud volcanoes, a unique natural phenomenon just a short drive from Gobustan.
AZN0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Baku; rest time

Relax and freshen up at the hotel before dinner.
AZN0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mangal Steak House

Enjoy robust grilled meats in a lively atmosphere. Open 6pm-12am.
AZN40, 2h0m
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Day 7: Travel to Samarkand

Baku, Azerbaijan to Samarkand, Uzbekistan on September 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before travel.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Samarkand via Tashkent

Fly from Baku to Samarkand with a connection in Tashkent (~5-6 hours including layover).
EUR200, 6h0m

3:00pm

Arrival and hotel check-in

Check in to a centrally located 3-star hotel in Samarkand.
UZS0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Leisurely walk in Registan Square

Enjoy the stunning architecture of Samarkand’s main square, best visited in late afternoon light. Open all day.
UZS0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Karimbek

Experience authentic Uzbek cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. Open 6pm-11pm.
UZS150000, 2h0m
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Day 8: Samarkand Cultural Day

Samarkand, Uzbekistan on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a traditional Uzbek breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Visit the mausoleum of Tamerlane with its beautiful tile work, open 9am-6pm.
UZS30000, 1h30m

10:45am

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

Explore this stunning avenue of medieval mausoleums with intricate tile work, open 9am-7pm.
UZS25000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bibikhanum Teahouse

Dine near the historic mosque and try traditional dishes and fresh bread. Open 11am-9pm.
UZS120000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Bibi-Khanym Mosque Visit

Tour the grand mosque from the Timurid period, open all day.
UZS0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Siab Bazaar

Experience local market life with spices, fruits, and crafts, open 7am-7pm.
UZS0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Samarkand Restaurant

Enjoy an upscale meal offering modern and traditional Uzbek dishes. Open 6pm-11pm.
UZS180000, 2h0m
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Day 9: Day Trip to Shakhrisabz

Samarkand Area, Uzbekistan on September 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up on breakfast prior to day trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Guided Day Trip to Shakhrisabz

Explore the birthplace of Tamerlane with notable sites including Ak-Saray Palace ruins and Dorut Tilavat Complex, open 9am-6pm.
UZS60000, 8h0m

5:00pm

Return to Samarkand; rest

Relax at your hotel after a long day of sightseeing.
UZS0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Old Samarkand

Casual dining with local cuisine and live music, open 6pm-10pm.
UZS120000, 2h0m
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Day 10: Travel to Tashkent

Samarkand to Tashkent, Uzbekistan on September 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before morning train ride.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Afrosiyob High-Speed Train to Tashkent

Travel in comfort on the high-speed train between Samarkand and Tashkent (approx 2 hours).
UZS70000, 2h0m

11:30am

Hotel Check-in in Tashkent

Settle into a 3-star hotel in the city center.
UZS0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Plov Center

Taste Uzbekistan’s national dish, plov, in a beloved local venue. Open 10am-9pm.
UZS100000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Tashkent Metro and City Tour

Explore Tashkent’s Soviet-era metro stations and key sites including the Amir Timur Museum, open 9am-6pm.
UZS0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Cultural Walk in Broadway Alley

Stroll the creative pedestrian street with cafes and artisans, open evenings.
UZS0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Caravan

Enjoy traditional Uzbek cuisine with a modern twist in a pleasant atmosphere. Open 6pm-11pm.
UZS150000, 2h0m
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Day 11: Tashkent History and Parks

Tashkent, Uzbekistan on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin your day with a nutritious hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Khast Imam Complex visit

Visit the spiritual center with the famous Uthman Quran manuscript, open 9am-5pm.
UZS20000, 2h0m

11:30am

Chorsu Bazaar Tour

Witness vibrant local life and shop for spices, crafts, and fresh produce, open 7am-7pm.
UZS0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Baraka

Delight in Uzbek and central Asian specialties, open 12pm-10pm.
UZS120000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Tashkent TV Tower and Japanese Garden

Enjoy panoramic city views and peaceful garden settings. Open 9am-6pm.
UZS20000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relaxation time

Leisure time or optional spa visit at hotel (additional cost).
Optional, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Afsona

Savor authentic Uzbek dishes with live traditional music, open 6pm-11pm.
UZS150000, 2h0m
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Day 12: Departure or Flexible Day

Tashkent, Uzbekistan on September 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Use this day for relaxation or last-minute sightseeing and shopping.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Optional visit to State Museum of History of Uzbekistan

Discover Uzbek history and culture depicted through rich exhibits, open 9am-5pm.
UZS15000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Coffee Factory

Enjoy international and local restaurant fare open 8am-10pm.
UZS80000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping at local art and craft shops

Buy souvenirs such as silk scarves, ceramics and small textiles.
Varies, 2h0m

6:00pm

Final dinner at Plov Lounge

Celebrate your trip with a gourmet Uzbek meal in a sophisticated setting, open 6pm-11pm.
UZS180000, 2h0m
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