10-Day Journey: Istanbul to Azerbaijan – Culture, History & Scenic Wonders

Day 1: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring fresh cheeses, olives, honey, and warm bread in this cozy spot known for authentic regional flavors.
TRY80, 1h0m

9:30am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Discover the rich history of this iconic Byzantine-turned-Ottoman architectural masterpiece with impressive mosaics and a stunning dome; open 9am-7pm.
TRY100, 2h0m

11:45am

Blue Mosque

Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famous for its six minarets and exquisite blue İznik tiles; open until 7pm, closed to visitors during prayer times.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Balikçi Sabahattin

Savor fresh seafood dishes in this historic restaurant near Sultanahmet, renowned for its grilled fish and meze platters.
TRY150, 1h15m

2:30pm

Topkapi Palace

Explore the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans with beautiful courtyards, treasury, and exhibitions; open 9am-6pm.
TRY120, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk through Gülhane Park

Relax in this historic urban park adjacent to Topkapi Palace, perfect for a gentle stroll among gardens and fountains.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Dine overlooking the Golden Horn with specialties like kebabs and traditional Turkish desserts at this popular eatery.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 2: Bosphorus & Modern Sights

Istanbul, Turkey on June 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Start your day with a stylish breakfast in a Bosphorus neighborhood with a view, serving fresh pastries and Turkish coffee.
TRY90, 1h0m

10:00am

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a 2-hour ferry tour along the Bosphorus Strait to see palaces, bridges, and Istanbul's skyline from the water; cruises run 10am-6pm.
TRY70, 2h0m

12:30pm

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Tour the 19th-century Ottoman palace known for its European style and lavish interiors; open 9am-4:30pm.
TRY90, 1h30m

2:15pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Enjoy rich regional Turkish dishes from Anatolia in this vibrant restaurant on the Asian side’s Kadıköy market area.
TRY100, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Istiklal Avenue & Galata Tower

Stroll this bustling pedestrian street full of shops, cafes and historic sites, then climb Galata Tower for panoramic views; tower open 9am-7pm.
TRY50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Coffee Break at Mandabatmaz

Taste some of the best traditional Turkish coffee in this cozy cafe, loved by locals for strong brews and warm atmosphere.
TRY30, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Experience fine dining with a modern twist and spectacular city views at Mikla, a top Istanbul restaurant with Nordic-Turkish fusion.
TRY350, 2h0m
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Day 3: Markets & Departure

Istanbul, Turkey on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Indulge in traditional Turkish baklava and pastries with tea in this famed dessert spot open from early morning.
TRY60, 0h45m

8:30am

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Wander through one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with thousands of shops selling carpets, jewelry, and souvenirs; open 9am-7pm.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Spice Bazaar

Discover aromatic herbs, spices, and sweets in this colorful bazaar near the Eminönü ferry docks; open 9am-7pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine at this historic eatery inside the Spice Bazaar, famous for classic Ottoman dishes and elegant ambiance.
TRY120, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Süleymaniye Mosque and Gardens

Visit this grand mosque complex with beautiful gardens and views over the Golden Horn; open until early evening.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Flight to Baku, Azerbaijan

Take an evening flight from Istanbul to Baku; the flight typically takes about 3 hours. Plan for airport transfer and check-in upon arrival.
EUR150, 3h0m

9:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a light dinner at your Baku hotel or nearby restaurant after arrival, resting up for the next day’s activities.
AZN50, 1h0m
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Day 4: Baku City Tour

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Voyage Café

Start with a hearty breakfast at this charming café known for excellent coffee and pastries in Baku’s city center.
AZN15, 1h0m

9:30am

Old City (Icherisheher) Tour

Explore Baku’s UNESCO-listed historic core, including Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah Palace, rich with medieval architecture.
AZN10, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Firuze Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani dishes like plov (pilaf) and kebabs in a beautiful setting near the Old City.
AZN40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Flame Towers and Upland Park

See the iconic Flame Towers and get panoramic views of Baku from Upland Park; a perfect photo spot.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Carpet Museum

Discover Azerbaijan’s rich carpet-weaving heritage at this architecturally impressive museum by the Caspian Sea.
AZN15, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Nakhchivan Restaurant

Sample diverse Azerbaijani cuisine featuring lamb dishes and local breads in an upscale atmosphere.
AZN50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Nature & Ancient Sites

Gobustan & Baku, Azerbaijan on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before a day trip exploring natural and historical wonders near Baku.
Included with hotel, 0h45m

8:30am

Gobustan National Park

Explore ancient petroglyphs dating back 40,000 years and unique mud volcano formations; park open 9am-6pm.
AZN8, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch Picnic Near Mud Volcanoes

Relax with a prepared picnic lunch near one of the world's rare mud volcanoes, enjoying the unique landscape.
AZN20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Mud Volcano Area

Witness bubbling mud lakes and steaming vents that make this a rare natural phenomenon.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Baku

Head back to the city with time to relax or visit additional sights.
Included, 1h30m

5:00pm

Leisure Time in Fountain Square

Enjoy cafés, shops, and street performances in Baku’s lively Fountain Square area.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chinar

Dine at this stylish restaurant featuring Azerbaijani and international fusion dishes with a lovely ambiance.
AZN60, 1h30m
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Day 6: Sheki Heritage

Sheki, Azerbaijan on June 10, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast and Early Departure

Have breakfast at your hotel and depart early for Sheki, a historic town about 4-5 hours from Baku by car or bus.
Included, 1h0m

11:30am

Sheki Khan’s Palace

Tour this stunning palace famous for colorful stained glass windows and intricate frescoes, open 9am-7pm.
AZN15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sheki Local Restaurant

Savor Sheki specialties like piti stew and sweet halva in a traditional eatery.
AZN30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sheki Caravanserai and Local Market

Explore the historic Silk Road caravanserai and browse local crafts and fresh produce at the market.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Local Workshops

See traditional silk weaving and crafts unique to Sheki, with opportunities to watch artisans and buy souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sheki Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy dinner of regional dishes in your comfortable accommodation in Sheki.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Lahij Village & Nature

Ismayilli, Azerbaijan on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Departure to Lahij

Eat breakfast then travel approx 1.5 hours to Lahij, a medieval mountain village famous for craftsmen.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Lahij Village Tour

Wander cobbled alleys, admire traditional copper workshops, and meet artisans creating metal goods; village is pedestrian-friendly.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Village Guesthouse

Taste home-cooked Azerbaijani mountain cuisine prepared by locals in a cozy guesthouse setting.
AZN30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Nature Walk and Hiking Nearby

Explore surrounding mountain landscapes with short hiking trails offering beautiful views of the Caucasus foothills.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Baku

Travel back to Baku for overnight stay and rest.
Included, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Sumakh Restaurant

Enjoy a culinary experience with rich Azerbaijani flavors and elegant presentation close to Baku city center.
AZN60, 1h30m
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Day 8: Ganja Excursion

Ganja, Azerbaijan on June 12, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Travel to Ganja

Have breakfast and embark on a 4-hour drive or train ride west to Azerbaijan’s second city, Ganja.
Included, 4h0m

11:00am

Visit Nizami Mausoleum

Explore the monument dedicated to the renowned Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi, a cultural icon of the region.
AZN5, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Khan Teref Restaurant

Enjoy Azerbaijani dishes including dolma and kebabs in a restaurant offering traditional decor.
AZN40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Ganja’s Javad Khan Street & Bottle House

Stroll this lively street with boutiques and historic architecture, then visit the unique Bottle House built of glass bottles.
AZN10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Baku

Head back to Baku ensuring timely arrival for next day’s schedule.
Included, 4h0m

9:00pm

Dinner at Nergiz Restaurant

Relish a late dinner featuring pilaf and fresh grilled meats in a popular local establishment.
AZN50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Relaxation & Spa

Naftalan, Azerbaijan on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Travel to Naftalan

Early breakfast followed by a 3-hour drive to Naftalan, famous for therapeutic petroleum spas.
Included, 3h0m

11:00am

Naftalan Spa Treatment

Experience unique oil-based spa therapies known to relieve pain and improve skin health; resorts operate 9am-7pm.
AZN150, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Spa Resort

Enjoy nutritious and local cuisine offered within the spa complex for a health-conscious meal.
AZN40, 1h0m

4:00pm

Leisure and Rest

Spend the afternoon relaxing in resort facilities or taking gentle walks in the beautiful surroundings.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Resort Restaurant

Savor a specialized dinner menu with local and international dishes before returning to Baku.
AZN50, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Baku before check-out and departure preparations.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Leisure Time or Last Minute Shopping

Spend remaining time exploring local shops or relaxing in a café near your hotel.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Transfer to Baku Airport

Head to the airport allowing enough time for international departure procedures.
Included, 1h0m
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