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![5-Day Istanbul Cultural and Culinary Journey](https://storage.googleapis.com/bd-app-dev-375714.appspot.com/itineraries/018e33bb-3bce-7f04-bfce-1045ae7881ca/location845.jpg)
5-Day Istanbul Cultural and Culinary Journey Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jun 14Iconic Istanbul Highlights
Morning
Begin your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi, a local favorite. After breakfast, visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Explore the palace grounds, including the Harem, and marvel at the priceless treasures on display.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant offering authentic Anatolian cuisine. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia, three of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the city's rich history.
Evening
In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner cruise on the Bosphorus with a Turkish Night Show and private table, a unique experience that combines delicious cuisine, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of the city. Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
Bedtime
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![Visit Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/59/40.jpg)
Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)
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![Visit Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/59/40.jpg)
Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)
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![Visit Istanbul Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia Tour in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/6477b225d9b33.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.23Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia
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![Visit Istanbul Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia Tour in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/6477b225d9b33.jpeg/21.jpg)
Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/d45f40745dc8d18a1e48967b1a23508f4fb79653120313b26bf7b6d03fb21424.png/21.jpg)
4.78Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/d45f40745dc8d18a1e48967b1a23508f4fb79653120313b26bf7b6d03fb21424.png/21.jpg)
Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
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Historical Wonders and Culinary Delights
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant architectural wonders of the world. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic Sultanahmet District.
Afternoon
For lunch, savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, located near the Chora Church. Afterward, explore the stunning mosaics and frescoes at the Chora Church (Kariye Museum), a hidden gem of Istanbul.
Evening
In the evening, experience the mystical art of the Whirling Dervishes at the Istanbul Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show. After the performance, enjoy a delightful dinner at Maiden's Tower Restaurant, located on a small islet in the Bosphorus.
Bedtime
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![Visit Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/63/16.jpg)
4.68Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
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![Visit Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/63/16.jpg)
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
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![Visit Sultanahmet District in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/5c/62.jpg)
4.73Sultanahmet District
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![Visit Sultanahmet District in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/5c/62.jpg)
Sultanahmet District
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![Visit Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/8d4efa03c571cffc992620aeb4f362db76a66242e61a347bf5154cb14d714480.jpg/21.jpg)
4.34Istanbul Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
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![Visit Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/8d4efa03c571cffc992620aeb4f362db76a66242e61a347bf5154cb14d714480.jpg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
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Cultural Immersion and Culinary Exploration
Morning
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi), an underground marvel with a mysterious atmosphere. Afterward, visit the vibrant Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) to discover a variety of exotic spices, teas, and Turkish delights.
Afternoon
For lunch, indulge in fresh seafood at Balikci Sabahattin, a beloved restaurant near the Grand Bazaar. Afterward, take a leisurely cruise on the Bosphorus and enjoy the stunning views of Istanbul's skyline and waterfront palaces.
Evening
In the evening, embark on a culinary journey through the city's diverse neighborhoods with the Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour. Sample a variety of local dishes and learn about the culinary traditions that have shaped Istanbul's gastronomy.
Bedtime
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![Visit Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/54/1a.jpg)
4.73Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)
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![Visit Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/54/1a.jpg)
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)
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![Visit Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/56/a4.jpg)
4.69Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi)
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![Visit Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/56/a4.jpg)
Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi)
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![Visit Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/63213ce9c9551.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.91Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour
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![Visit Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/63213ce9c9551.jpeg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour
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Art, Architecture, and Gastronomy
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum (Istanbul Modern Sanat Muzesi), a leading contemporary art institution in Turkey. Afterward, explore the trendy neighborhood of Karakoy and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the local cafes.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Karakoy Lokantasi, a popular restaurant known for its modern take on Turkish cuisine. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
Evening
In the evening, dine at Sunset Grill & Bar, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Bosphorus. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.
Bedtime
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![Visit Istanbul City Walls (Walls of Constantinople) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/82/30.jpg)
4.36Istanbul Modern Art Museum (Istanbul Modern Sanat Muzesi)
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![Visit Istanbul City Walls (Walls of Constantinople) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/82/30.jpg)
Istanbul Modern Art Museum (Istanbul Modern Sanat Muzesi)
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![Visit Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/56/8b.jpg)
4.74Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
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![Visit Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/56/8b.jpg)
Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
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Day of Relaxation and Reflection
Morning
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Princes' Islands (Adalar), a peaceful archipelago in the Sea of Marmara. Explore the charming streets of Buyukada and take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the island.
Afternoon
For lunch, dine at Bebek Balıkçısı, a seafood restaurant with a picturesque waterfront setting. Afterward, visit the Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi), a magnificent Ottoman palace on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Evening
Conclude your trip with a relaxing Turkish bath experience at Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City. Indulge in a traditional hammam treatment and unwind in the serene atmosphere of the spa.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
![Visit Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/86/f7.jpg)
4.52Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi)
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![Visit Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/86/f7.jpg)
Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi)
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![Visit Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/f27bb127d474be4edf9425f7014e282bce7a23326c1dafc8bcb096958f33bf31.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.58Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City
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![Visit Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/f27bb127d474be4edf9425f7014e282bce7a23326c1dafc8bcb096958f33bf31.jpeg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City
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