Scenic Istanbul and Antalya: A 10-Day Cultural and Coastal Journey

Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your morning with an authentic Turkish breakfast featuring a variety of cheeses, olives, honey, and fresh bread in this cozy and popular spot, open from 8:00am to 10:30pm.
TRY70, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a magnificent architectural marvel with a rich history as a basilica and mosque, now a museum showcasing Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
TRY150, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs (köfte) and other classic dishes at this historic and affordable restaurant, open 11:00am-10:30pm.
TRY90, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Topkapi Palace

Discover the grandeur of the Ottoman sultans’ residence, exploring its lavish rooms, treasury, and beautiful gardens. Open 9:00am-6:45pm, closed Wednesdays.
TRY200, 3h0m

5:15pm

Relax at Gülhane Park

Take a leisurely stroll or relax in Istanbul’s oldest public park located near Topkapi Palace, providing a peaceful green retreat.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Dine on fresh seafood dishes in a charming historic building; reservations recommended. Open 6:00pm-11:00pm.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Namlı Gurme

Enjoy a diverse breakfast selection with quality Turkish delicacies in a vibrant atmosphere, open 7:30am-10:30pm.
TRY80, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Blue Mosque

Explore the stunning Blue Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six minarets; open from 8:30am-6:30pm, closed during prayer times.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Basilica Cistern

Discover the ancient underground water reservoir with impressive columns and atmospheric lighting. Open 9:00am-5:30pm.
TRY50, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Experience traditional Ottoman cuisine in the historic Spice Bazaar setting, open 11:00am-11:00pm.
TRY150, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Grand Bazaar

Shop or browse through one of the largest and oldest covered markets featuring thousands of shops selling souvenirs, textiles, and jewelry. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

Visit this impressive Ottoman mosque with panoramic city views, open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Meze By Lemon Tree

Savor refined meze dishes and Turkish delights in a cozy restaurant setting, open 6:00pm-11:00pm.
TRY200, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu

Start with a hearty traditional Turkish breakfast in this popular local eatery, open 7:00am-11:00am.
TRY60, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Visit three museums showcasing artifacts from various historical periods of Turkey and the world. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
TRY85, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Taste world-famous Turkish baklava and light Turkish snacks in the historic Karaköy neighborhood, open 8:30am-8:00pm.
TRY70, 1h0m

3:00pm

Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a scenic 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus Strait to see Istanbul’s skyline, palaces, and bridges. Cruises generally operate from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
TRY120, 2h0m

6:00pm

Walk Istiklal Avenue

Experience vibrant street life on this famed pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and historic architecture.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Relish panoramic city views with fusion Turkish cuisine in a rooftop restaurant open 7:00pm-12:00am.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 4: Final Istanbul Day

Istanbul, Turkey on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mangerie

Enjoy breakfast with Bosphorus views in this stylish café in Bebek, open 8:00am-6:00pm.
TRY100, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Chora Church (Kariye Museum)

Admire exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in this historic church museum. Open 9:00am-5:00pm, closed Mondays.
TRY100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Taste diverse Anatolian cuisine in Kadıköy market, open 11:00am-11:00pm.
TRY120, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Antalya by flight

Catch an afternoon domestic flight from Istanbul Airport to Antalya Airport, around 1.5-hour flight duration; allow time for airport transfers and check-in.
TRY600 approx., 4h including transfer

6:00pm

Check-in and Relax at Hotel in Antalya

Settle into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure by the Mediterranean coast.
Varies, Evening

8:00pm

Dinner at 7 Mehmet

Try authentic Antalya and Mediterranean cuisine at one of the city’s most renowned restaurants, open 6:00pm-11:00pm.
TRY200, 1h30m
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Day 5: Antalya Historic Core

Antalya, Turkey on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasa Bey Kebap

Taste traditional Turkish breakfast items in a relaxed setting, open 7:00am-11:00am.
TRY60, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Kaleiçi (Old Town)

Wander through Antalya's charming historic district with narrow streets, Ottoman architecture, and quaint shops.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Hadrian’s Gate and Hidirlik Tower

See significant Roman-era monuments and enjoy views over the sea from Hidirlik Tower.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant

Relish a blend of traditional Turkish and international dishes in a charming courtyard restaurant, open 12:00pm-11:00pm.
TRY180, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Antalya Museum

Explore one of Turkey’s best archaeological museums featuring artifacts from the region. Open 8:30am-7:00pm.
TRY60, 2h0m

5:30pm

Relax at Mermerli Beach

Enjoy a casual beach experience near the old town with clear waters and sunset views.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Hasan

Fresh fish and seafood dishes served in a friendly atmosphere near the marina, open 6:00pm-11:00pm.
TRY160, 1h30m
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Day 6: Beach and Leisure

Antalya, Turkey on June 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The 9th Deck

Relax with breakfast on the waterfront featuring international and Turkish options, open from 8:00am.
TRY90, 1h0m

10:00am

Spend the Morning at Lara Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Lara Beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Lara Balık Evi

Savor fresh seafood with a sea view near Lara Beach, open 12:00pm-10:00pm.
TRY150, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Düden Waterfalls

Explore the scenic Düden Waterfalls located just a short drive from Antalya city center, with opening hours 9:00am-7:00pm.
TRY30, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return and Rest at Hotel

Time to relax and refresh before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Vanilla Lounge

Enjoy contemporary dishes with a modern ambiance and good service, open 7:00pm-12:00am.
TRY190, 1h30m
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Day 7: Antalya and Surrounds

Antalya, Turkey on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a hotel breakfast to get an early start for your day-long excursion.
Varies, 1h0m

8:30am

Day Trip to Perge and Aspendos

Visit the ancient Roman city of Perge and the Aspendos Theatre, renowned for its remarkable preservation. Opening hours 9:00am-7:00pm.
TRY130, 6h0m

3:00pm

Return to Antalya

Return to the city and rest at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at 7 Mehmet

Enjoy another delightful meal at this iconic Antalya restaurant, offering rich local flavors.
TRY200, 1h30m
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Day 8: Natural Beauty

Antalya, Turkey on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kaleiçi

Breakfast in an atmospheric café in Antalya’s old town.
TRY70, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Termessos Ancient City

Explore the spectacular ancient city set in the Taurus Mountains, about a 30-minute drive. Open 8:30am-7:00pm.
TRY40, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant near Termessos

Sample local dishes in a restaurant situated near the archaeological site.
TRY100, 1h0m

3:30pm

Free Time at the Beach

Return to Antalya and enjoy leisure time at the beach of your choice, such as Konyaaltı Beach.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Vanilla Lounge

Relax with a delicious meal with a modern twist and great ambiance.
TRY190, 1h30m
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Day 9: Leisure Day

Antalya, Turkey on June 30, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a slow start to your day.
Varies, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Antalya Aquarium

Visit one of the largest aquariums in the world featuring themed displays and activities. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
TRY120, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Big Chefs

Enjoy international cuisine in a modern setting close to the aquarium, open 11:00am-11:00pm.
TRY130, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Konyaaltı Beach

Spend your afternoon enjoying Antalya’s most popular beach offering clear waters and numerous cafes.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Seraser Fine Dining

Celebrate your last night in Antalya with refined Turkish and international cuisine in an elegant setting.
TRY200, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Prep

Antalya, Turkey on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relax with your final breakfast in Antalya preparing for your journey home.
Varies, 1h0m

10:00am

Morning Leisure and Shopping

Pick up last-minute souvenirs or enjoy a casual walk around Antalya’s town center.
Variable, 2h0m

12:30pm

Check-out and Transfer to Airport

Prepare for your departure and transfer to Antalya Airport for your flight, allowing sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.
Transport cost varies, 1h0m
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