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Comprehensive 11-Day Turkey and Azerbaijan Tour: Istanbul to Baku Highlights

Viewed by 270 travelers

Day 1: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with regional specialties like fresh cheeses, olives, honey, and warm bread in a cozy and authentic setting.
TRY80, 1h0m

9:30am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore this world-famous Byzantine masterpiece with its stunning dome and impressive mosaics; open daily from 9am to 7pm.
TRY100, 2h0m

11:45am

Blue Mosque

Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque renowned for its six minarets and exquisite blue İznik tiles; open until 7pm except prayer times.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Balikçi Sabahattin

Savor fresh and expertly grilled seafood near Sultanahmet in this historic spot loved for its meze platters.
TRY150, 1h15m

2:30pm

Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent former home of Ottoman sultans with lavish courtyards and treasury exhibitions; open 9am to 6pm.
TRY120, 2h0m

5:00pm

Gülhane Park Leisure

Relax with a gentle stroll through this historic urban park featuring beautiful gardens and fountains next to Topkapi Palace.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Turkish kebabs and desserts with views of the Golden Horn at this popular and atmospheric eatery.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 2: Bosphorus and Modern Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Relax with a Bosphorus view breakfast serving fresh pastries, eggs, and authentic Turkish coffee in the charming Bebek neighborhood.
TRY90, 1h0m

10:00am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a scenic 2-hour ferry ride along the Bosphorus Strait to admire Ottoman palaces, bridges, and city views; cruises operate from 10am to 6pm.
TRY70, 2h0m

12:30pm

Dolmabahçe Palace

Tour the lavish 19th-century Ottoman palace showcasing European architectural styles and ornate interiors; open 9am to 4:30pm.
TRY90, 1h30m

2:15pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Sample authentic Anatolian regional dishes in a lively café on Istanbul’s Asian side in Kadıköy market area.
TRY100, 1h0m

3:30pm

Istiklal Avenue and Galata Tower

Walk the bustling pedestrian street full of shops and cafes then climb Galata Tower for panoramic city views; tower open 9am to 7pm.
TRY50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Coffee Break at Mandabatmaz

Enjoy some of Istanbul’s best traditional Turkish coffee in a cozy café favored by locals.
TRY30, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Dine on modern Turkish-Nordic fusion cuisine with spectacular views of the city skyline at this acclaimed restaurant.
TRY350, 2h0m
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Day 3: Markets and Departure

Istanbul, Turkey on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Start your day with delicious baklava and Turkish pastries at this world-famous sweet shop open early morning.
TRY60, 0h45m

8:30am

Grand Bazaar

Explore one of the largest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops for carpets, jewelry, and souvenirs; open 9am to 7pm.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Spice Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the scents and colors of spices, dried fruits, and sweets near the Eminönü ferry docks; open 9am to 7pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine inside the Spice Bazaar on Ottoman-style dishes in a beautifully restored historic venue.
TRY120, 1h0m

2:00pm

Süleymaniye Mosque and Gardens

Visit one of Istanbul’s grandest mosques with beautiful architecture and views over the Golden Horn; open till evening.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Transfer to Istanbul Airport

Prepare and travel to the airport for your evening flight to Baku, Azerbaijan.
TRY150 (taxi), 1h0m

6:30pm

Flight to Baku

Catch an evening flight from Istanbul to Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku (approx. 2.5 hours flight).
USD150 (estimate), 2h30m
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Day 4: Arrival and Old City

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Nar & Sharab

Taste traditional Azerbaijani breakfast dishes with fresh bread, herbs, and cheeses in this charming local restaurant.
AZN15, 1h0m

10:30am

Icherisheher (Old City)

Explore Baku’s UNESCO-listed historic core, including Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs’ Palace; open daily 10am-6pm.
AZN10, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Mangal Steak House

Enjoy delicious grilled meats and traditional Azerbaijani dishes in a modern setting near the Old City.
AZN30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Baku Boulevard Walk

Stroll along the Caspian Sea promenade, visit the Carpet Museum and enjoy views of the Flame Towers.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Firuze

Experience authentic Azerbaijani cuisine in an atmospheric restaurant famed for its local flavors and ambiance.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes

Near Baku, Azerbaijan on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local and international options to prepare for the day of exploration.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Gobustan National Park

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site to see prehistoric rock carvings and mud volcanoes; open 9am-7pm.
AZN15, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gobustan Visitor Center Cafe

Light lunch offering local snacks and drinks before heading back to Baku.
AZN10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mud Volcano Tour

Explore the nearby mud volcanoes unique to the region, a fascinating natural phenomenon.
AZN20, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Baku, Rest

Rest and freshen up at your hotel after an active day of sightseeing.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Nargiz Restaurant

Sample classical Azerbaijani dishes such as plov and kebabs in a comfortable, traditional setting.
AZN35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Sheki Day Trip

Sheki, Azerbaijan on June 10, 2025

6:00am

Departure to Sheki

Begin early morning drive or guided tour (about 4-5 hours) to Sheki, a scenic town famous for its crafts and architecture.
AZN70 (transport), 5h0m

11:00am

Visit Sheki Khan's Palace

Tour the ornate 18th-century palace known for its stunning stained glass and intricate decorations; open 10am-6pm.
AZN12, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant in Sheki

Enjoy Sheki specialties like piti stew and fresh bread in a traditional restaurant.
AZN20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Sheki’s Caravanserai and Bazaar

Discover local crafts, silk production, and handicrafts in the historic bazaar area.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Baku

Drive back to Baku for the evening, rest, or explore nearby areas at leisure.
Included, 5h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Art Garden Restaurant

Relax after travel with well-prepared Azerbaijani dishes in a charming garden setting.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Baku Museums and Culture

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a filling breakfast featuring local and continental options.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Azerbaijan National Museum of Art

Explore Azerbaijani art including Medieval manuscripts, carpets and contemporary works; open 10am-6pm.
AZN8, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Scalini Italian Restaurant

Take a break with quality Italian cuisine in central Baku, a favorite among visitors.
AZN25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Modern Art Museum

Discover pieces from Azerbaijani and international modern artists housed in a beautiful building; open 10am-6pm.
AZN7, 1h30m

3:30pm

Teze Bazaar Shopping

Shop fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs from this lively market emphasizing local products.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Chinar

Dine on modern Azerbaijani cuisine influenced by global trends in an elegant, contemporary restaurant.
AZN50, 1h30m
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Day 8: Ateshgah & Yanar Dag

Surakhani, Azerbaijan on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading to the outskirts of Baku.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Ateshgah Fire Temple

Visit this historic Zoroastrian fire temple known for its eternal flame and peaceful courtyard; open 9am-6pm.
AZN6, 1h30m

11:30am

Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)

Witness the natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside, a fascinating natural wonder nearby Ateshgah.
AZN8, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Surakhani

Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani dishes like kebabs and pilaf at a local eatery near these landmarks.
AZN20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Baku & Rest

Return to city center for rest or optional evening activities at leisure.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sumakh

Dine in a stylish restaurant with delicious Azerbaijani flavors emphasizing fresh herbs and spices.
AZN45, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day at Leisure in Baku

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel with a variety of options to start a relaxed day.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Optional Shopping or Spa Day

Take this day to shop for souvenirs, relax at a local spa, or explore additional museums and galleries at your own pace.
Varies, Flexible

1:00pm

Lunch at Nakhchivan Restaurant

Taste hearty Azerbaijani home-style dishes emphasizing slow-cooked specialties.
AZN30, 1h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Sky Grill

Enjoy a final sumptuous meal with panoramic views of Baku’s skyline and Caspian Sea in an elegant setting.
AZN60, 2h0m
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Day 10: Departure Preparation

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Pack

Enjoy one last hotel breakfast and pack your belongings for departure.
Included, 2h0m

10:30am

Last-minute Shopping or City Walk

Take a final stroll or shop in downtown Baku to grab any last souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chaikhana

Relax with flavorful teas and Azerbaijani snacks in a traditional tea house atmosphere.
AZN20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Transfer to Baku Airport

Prepare and travel to Heydar Aliyev International Airport for your onward journey.
AZN20 (taxi), 1h0m
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Day 11: Departure Day

Baku, Azerbaijan on June 15, 2025

Morning

Flight Departure

Check-in and depart from Baku for your flight home or onward travel.
Varies, Varies
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

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