Comprehensive 10-Day Turkey and Azerbaijan Itinerary: Istanbul to Baku

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

4:00pm

Flight to Baku, Azerbaijan

Catch an afternoon flight (approximately 2 hours) from Istanbul Airport to Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku.
USD150 (estimated), Flight 2h0m

7:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Firuze Restaurant

After settling into your Baku hotel, enjoy Azerbaijani cuisine with traditional dishes like plov and kebabs in a charming setting.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Baku Old City

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nar & Sharab

Taste Azerbaijani breakfast specialties including fresh locally baked bread and tea in a traditional tea house atmosphere.
AZN15, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Icherisheher (Old City)

Wander through Baku’s UNESCO-listed Old City, visiting Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah’s Palace, and ancient mosques; open 9am-7pm.
AZN12, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Şirvanşah Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani dishes in a beautiful setting inside the Old City, featuring lamb, pilaf, and grilled meats.
AZN35, 1h30m

2:45pm

Visit Carpet Museum

Admire exquisite Azerbaijani carpets and their history in this iconic museum by the Caspian Sea; open 10am-7pm.
AZN10, 1h0m

4:00pm

Stroll along Baku Boulevard

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Caspian Sea promenade, taking in parks, cafes, and views of the Flame Towers.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nakhchivan Restaurant

Sample regional Azerbaijani specialties from Nakhchivan with fresh herbs, dairy, and hearty meals.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before an active day of exploration.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Day trip to Gobustan National Park

Explore ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs in this UNESCO World Heritage site with guided tours available; park open 9am-7pm.
AZN20, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local café near Gobustan

Try freshly prepared Azerbaijani flatbreads and kebabs at a regional spot close to Gobustan.
AZN15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Mud Volcanoes

Witness the bubbling mud volcanoes nearby, a unique geological formation rare worldwide.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Baku

Relax on the drive back to Baku and freshen up before dinner.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chinar Restaurant

Dine in a modern setting offering upscale Azerbaijani cuisine with local ingredients and fine wines.
AZN45, 1h30m
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Day 6: Sheki & Khan’s Palace

Sheki, Azerbaijan on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and depart for Sheki

Have an early breakfast before a 4-hour scenic drive west to the historic town of Sheki.
Included, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Sheki Khan’s Palace

Explore the stunning 18th-century palace with colorful stained glass and intricate frescoes; open 9am-6pm.
AZN10, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at locals’ restaurant in Sheki

Enjoy Sheki’s famous piti stew and local sweets in a traditional family-run restaurant.
AZN20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tour Sheki Old Bazaar and Caravanserai

Wander ancient streets and visit the historic caravanserai market area thriving with crafts and souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at a guesthouse or hotel

Check into accommodation in Sheki and unwind before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sheki Sarayi

Dine on regional Azerbaijani dishes featuring fresh herbs, nuts, and grains in a charming setting.
AZN30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Sheki to Lahij Village

Sheki & Lahij, Azerbaijan on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy a homemade breakfast prepared with local ingredients to start your day.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Journey to Lahij village

Take a 1.5-hour drive to Lahij, a mountain village famous for its traditional copper craftsmanship and cobbled streets.
Included, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Lahij Village and workshops

Walk through the historic streets and visit local smithies to see ancient copper-working traditions in action.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Lahij village café

Relish regional mountain dishes with fresh herbs and yogurt in a quaint village café.
AZN15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hiking nearby nature trails

Explore nearby mountain trails offering stunning views and tranquil nature.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Sheki

Drive back to Sheki to rest before the evening.
Included, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at local Sheki eatery

Enjoy light Azerbaijani fare or revisit favorites at a local spot.
AZN25, 1h0m
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Day 8: Back to Baku

Sheki to Baku, Azerbaijan on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast before the journey back to Baku.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive back to Baku

Start the approximately 4-hour drive along scenic routes back to Azerbaijan’s capital city.
Included, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch en route or in Baku

Stop for a casual lunch offering Azerbaijani cuisine or arrive early to enjoy city dining.
AZN20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and relax at hotel

Settle back in your Baku accommodation and rest.
Varies, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Flame Towers and Highland Park

Explore the iconic Flame Towers and enjoy panoramic sunset views from Highland Park overlooking the city and Caspian Sea.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sahil Bar & Grill

Experience a fusion of Azerbaijani and international dishes just steps from the waterfront.
AZN50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day trip to Quba

Quba, Azerbaijan on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before departure for a day trip to Quba.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Quba region

Travel about 2.5 hours northeast to the scenic Quba, famous for apple orchards and mountain villages.
Included, 2h30m

10:30am

Visit Qechresh Forest and Afurja Waterfall

Explore Qechresh Forest trails and enjoy the scenic waterfall picnic area.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local Quba restaurant

Savor fresh regional specialties like trout and honey-based desserts.
AZN25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Krasnaya Sloboda (Red Village)

Discover the unique Mountain Jewish community and their stunning synagogue and architecture.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Baku

Drive back to Baku to rest after a full day of exploration.
Included, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Baku restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing evening with Azerbaijani favorites at a city restaurant of your choice.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a final delicious breakfast with local tea and pastries.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Last-minute shopping or visit to local markets

If time permits, explore markets near Fountain Square for souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Check-out and transfer to Heydar Aliyev International Airport

Allow sufficient time for your international flight departure.
Included, Varies
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