13-Day Discoveries: Istanbul & Azerbaijan Cultural and Scenic Journey

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

Transfer to Istanbul Airport and Fly to Baku

Catch an afternoon flight to Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, for the start of your 10-day Azerbaijan adventure.
Variable, 2h30m flight + transfer
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Day 4: Historical Baku

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café City

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this popular café known for Azerbaijani specialties and fresh coffee.
AZN15, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore the Old City (Icherisheher)

Walk through Baku’s UNESCO-listed walled city featuring the Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah Palace, and cobblestone streets.
AZN10, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Şirvanşah Museum Restaurant

Dine inside a historic building serving delicious Azerbaijani dishes like piti stew and kebabs.
AZN25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Carpet Museum

See a stunning collection of traditional Azerbaijani carpets and learn about craftsmanship; open 10am-7pm.
AZN7, 1h30m

4:30pm

Stroll along Baku Boulevard

Walk the Caspian Sea promenade, enjoy parks, fountains, and views of Flame Towers.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nargiz Restaurant

Taste traditional Azerbaijani cuisine including dolma and kebabs in a lovely setting near Fountain Square.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Gobustan and Mud Volcanoes

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast before your day trip.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Day Trip to Gobustan National Park

Explore ancient rock carvings, archaeological sites, and mud volcanoes approximately 65km from Baku; park open 9am-6pm.
AZN15 + transport, 5h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant near Gobustan

Enjoy regional dishes from Azerbaijan’s countryside.
AZN20, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Baku and Relax

Rest or take a casual walk along the Caspian coast.
Free, Varies

7:00pm

Dinner at Chinar

Try modern Azerbaijani cuisine with a fusion twist in an elegant city setting.
AZN50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Cultural Museums & Flame Towers

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Paul Bakery & Cafe

Start your morning with French style pastries and coffee.
AZN15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Azerbaijan National Museum of Art

View rich collections highlighting Azerbaijani art and history; open 10am-6pm.
AZN10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mumtaz Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of Azerbaijani home-style meals in the heart of Baku.
AZN30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Heydar Aliyev Center

Admire the futuristic architecture and explore cultural exhibitions; open 10am-7pm.
AZN12, 2h0m

4:00pm

Climb or View Flame Towers

Enjoy iconic views of Baku from near these famous skyscrapers, especially striking at sunset.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Scalini Italian Restaurant

Relish Italian cuisine with local influences amid atmospheric surroundings.
AZN45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Sheki Historical Town

Sheki, Azerbaijan on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day ahead with a wholesome breakfast.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Sheki

6-hour scenic drive or comfortable coach ride through the Caucasus foothills to Sheki, a historic town known for its craftsmanship and architecture.
AZN50, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Sheki Khan’s Palace Cafe

Savor local specialties near the famous Sheki Khan’s Palace.
AZN25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Tour Sheki Khan’s Palace

Visit the beautifully decorated 18th-century palace renowned for its stained glass windows and frescoes; open 9am-7pm.
AZN10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Local Crafts and Bazaar

Browse Sheki’s traditional markets famous for silk and handmade crafts.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chinar Restaurant Sheki

Dine on local Sheki cuisine like piti and local bread in a cozy setting.
AZN30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Nature & Culture in Sheki

Sheki, Azerbaijan on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Start the day with fresh local ingredients at your accommodation.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Kish Village and Church

Take a half-hour trip to Kish, an ancient Albanian church and archaeological site surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery.
AZN5, 3h0m including travel

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Farmhouse Restaurant

Enjoy homemade Azerbaijani dishes prepared with fresh farm ingredients.
AZN20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at the Kish Mountain Landscape

Spend a leisurely afternoon hiking or photographing the natural beauty of the mountain area.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Sheki

Travel back and rest before dinner.
Included, Varies

7:00pm

Dinner at Khan Saray Restaurant

Enjoy a refined meal with views of the town and mountains.
AZN35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Return to Baku

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a filling breakfast before the journey.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive back to Baku

Return trip back to Baku with scenic stops on the way for photos and short walks.
AZN50, 6h0m

3:30pm

Rest and Refresh at Hotel

Relax and recharge in preparation for your final days in Baku.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Firuze Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani dishes with live folk music in a vibrant atmosphere.
AZN45, 1h30m
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Day 10: Absheron Peninsula Tour

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast before departure.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Day trip to Absheron Peninsula

Visit sites such as Ateshgah Fire Temple, Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), and local beaches; all sites typically open by 9am.
AZN30 + transport, 7h0m

5:00pm

Return to Baku

Arrival back in Baku and time to relax.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sumakh

Sample delicious Azerbaijani cuisine with emphasis on spices and fresh herbs.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Cultural Day & Shopping

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Paul Café

Enjoy French pastries with coffee to start the day.
AZN15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Museum of Modern Art

Explore contemporary Azerbaijani and international art in a gorgeous setting; open 10am-6pm.
AZN8, 1h30m

11:30am

Shopping at Nizami Street

Shop for souvenirs, clothes, and local crafts along this lively pedestrian shopping street.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Nakhchivan Restaurant

Enjoy traditional dishes from the Nakhchivan region with rich flavors and spices.
AZN30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tea at Mandarin Lounge

Relax with fine teas and light snacks in an elegant environment.
AZN20, 1h0m

5:00pm

Leisure Time

Relax at your hotel or visit any sights you missed.
Free, Varies

7:30pm

Dinner at Chinar

Celebrate your last night with exquisite Azerbaijani cuisine fused with international styles.
AZN50, 1h30m
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Day 12: Departure Preparations

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pack.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Last-minute Shopping or Walk along Caspian Sea

Take a final walk or pick up gifts from local shops and markets.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Café

Enjoy one last meal of Azerbaijani flavors in a casual setting.
AZN25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hotel Check-out and Transfer to Airport

Prepare for your flight back or onward journey.
Included, Varies
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Day 13: Departure Day

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 17, 2025

Early Morning

Depart from Baku

Catch your flight from Heydar Aliyev International Airport, concluding your memorable Turkey and Azerbaijan adventure.
Variable, Varies
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