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

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.
USD8, 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.
USD10, 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.
USD15, 1h15m

2:30pm

Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent former home of Ottoman sultans with lavish courtyards and treasury exhibitions; open 9am to 6pm.
USD12, 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.
USD18, 1h30m

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.
USD9, 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.
USD7, 2h0m

12:30pm

Dolmabahçe Palace

Tour the lavish 19th-century Ottoman palace showcasing European architectural styles and ornate interiors; open 9am to 4:30pm.
USD9, 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.
USD10, 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.
USD5, 2h0m

6:00pm

Coffee Break at Mandabatmaz

Enjoy some of Istanbul’s best traditional Turkish coffee in a cozy café favored by locals.
USD3, 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.
USD35, 2h0m

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.
USD6, 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.
USD12, 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.
USD15 (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

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.
USD9, 1h0m

10:30am

Icherisheher (Old City)

Explore Baku’s UNESCO-listed historic core, including Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs’ Palace; open daily 10am-6pm.
USD6, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Mangal Steak House

Enjoy delicious grilled meats and traditional Azerbaijani dishes in a modern setting near the Old City.
USD18, 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.
USD24, 1h30m

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.
USD9, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gobustan Visitor Center Cafe

Light lunch offering local snacks and drinks before heading back to Baku.
USD6, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mud Volcano Tour

Explore the nearby mud volcanoes unique to the region, a fascinating natural phenomenon.
USD12, 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.
USD21, 1h30m

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.
USD42 (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.
USD7, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant in Sheki

Enjoy Sheki specialties like piti stew and fresh bread in a traditional restaurant.
USD12, 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.
USD24, 1h30m

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.
USD5, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Scalini Italian Restaurant

Take a break with quality Italian cuisine in central Baku, a favorite among visitors.
USD13, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Modern Art Museum

Discover pieces from Azerbaijani and international modern artists housed in a beautiful building; open 10am-6pm.
USD4, 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.
USD30, 1h30m

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.
USD3.50, 1h30m

11:30am

Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)

Witness the natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside, a fascinating natural wonder nearby Ateshgah.
USD5, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Surakhani

Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani dishes like kebabs and pilaf at a local eatery near these landmarks.
USD12, 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.
USD27, 1h30m

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.
USD18, 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.
USD36, 2h0m

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.
USD12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Transfer to Baku Airport

Prepare and travel to Heydar Aliyev International Airport for your onward journey.
USD12 (taxi), 1h0m

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

Connectivity Info

Turkey generally offers good cellular coverage in urban areas like Istanbul, with widespread availability of Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Buying a local SIM card is affordable and easy at the airport or local shops, providing reliable internet access throughout your stay. Power outlets use the European standard 230V with type C and F plugs, so bringing a compatible adapter is recommended to keep your electronics charged.

Accepted Currency + Payment Types

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While you can exchange major currencies like USD and EUR at banks and exchange offices, it's best to do so in Istanbul to get better rates. ATMs are widely available throughout the city and typically offer good exchange rates, but notify your bank before traveling to avoid card issues. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but smaller vendors may prefer cash. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming more common, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for markets and local vendors.