Ultimate 12-Day Istanbul and Bosphorus Experience Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the majestic Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), where you can explore the opulent rooms, courtyards, and gardens of the former Ottoman sultans. After the palace, take a relaxing stroll along the shores of the Bosphorus and enjoy the views of the waterway.

For lunch, indulge in a seafood feast at Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası, a renowned fish restaurant with a wide selection of fresh catch. Afterward, take a cruise on the Bosphorus to see iconic landmarks such as the Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) and the Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu).

In the evening, experience a magical Bosphorus sunset with a dinner cruise on a luxurious yacht. Enjoy a sumptuous meal as you sail past the illuminated city skyline and the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus.

Explore the lesser-known gems of Istanbul with a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) and the Chora Church (Kariye Müzesi). Afterward, enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee at a local cafe and soak in the serene atmosphere of these historic sites.

For lunch, try the famous döner kebab at Durumzade, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the colorful streets of the Fener and Balat neighborhoods, known for their charming architecture and vibrant street art.

Enjoy a traditional Ottoman dinner at Asitane Restaurant, where you can sample authentic recipes from the palace kitchens. After dinner, take a relaxing evening cruise on the Golden Horn and enjoy the views of the city's historic skyline.

Indulge in a morning of relaxation at the Cagaloglu Hamam, one of the oldest and most famous Turkish baths in Istanbul. Enjoy a traditional hammam experience and pamper yourself with a rejuvenating massage.

For a light lunch, head to Lokma Balıkçısı, a charming seafood restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. After lunch, take a leisurely walk along the shores of the Bosphorus and enjoy the cool breeze and the views of the waterway.

In the evening, experience a magical Turkish night with a dinner cruise and a traditional folk music and dance show on the Bosphorus. Enjoy a delicious meal and be entertained by the lively performances as you sail under the illuminated bridges.

Start your day with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, where you can explore a diverse collection of contemporary Turkish art. After the museum, take a walk through the trendy neighborhoods of Karakoy and Galata, known for their art galleries and street art.

For lunch, enjoy a modern twist on Turkish cuisine at 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city. After lunch, visit the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) and take in the breathtaking views of Istanbul from the top.

Dine at Nusr-Et Steakhouse, a world-renowned restaurant known for its delicious steaks and lively atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk along Istiklal Street and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Istanbul's local markets with a visit to the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) and the Kadikoy Market. Explore the stalls selling a variety of spices, teas, sweets, and other local products.

For lunch, try the famous manti (Turkish dumplings) at Hünkar Restaurant - Topkapı Palace Hotel Istanbul, a historic restaurant with a royal ambiance. After lunch, take a ferry ride to the Asian side of Istanbul and explore the Kadikoy neighborhood.

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meze dinner at , a cozy restaurant with a wide selection of small dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk along the Kadikoy waterfront and enjoy the views of the city skyline.

Spend the morning exploring the historic sites of the Istanbul's Old City, including the Sultanahmet District, the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani), and the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Visit the lesser-known gems of the area and immerse yourself in the rich history of Istanbul.

For lunch, enjoy a traditional Ottoman meal at , a charming restaurant with a historic ambiance. After lunch, visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque and the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi), where you can shop for spices, teas, and other local products.

Dine at , a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Bosphorus. Enjoy a delicious meal as you watch the sunset over the waterway. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk through the streets of the Old City and enjoy the magical ambiance of Istanbul at night.

Discover the hidden gems of Istanbul with a visit to the Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi) and the Miniaturk, where you can see miniature replicas of Turkey's most famous landmarks. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from Pierre Loti Hill.

For lunch, try the famous kumpir (stuffed baked potato) at , a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the charming neighborhoods of Eyup and Balat, known for their colorful houses and historic sites.

Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at , a family-owned restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. After dinner, take a relaxing evening cruise on the Golden Horn and enjoy the views of the city's historic skyline.

Start your day with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, where you can explore a diverse collection of contemporary Turkish art. After the museum, take a walk through the trendy neighborhoods of Karakoy and Galata, known for their art galleries and street art.

For lunch, enjoy a modern twist on Turkish cuisine at 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city. After lunch, visit the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) and take in the breathtaking views of Istanbul from the top.

Dine at Nusr-Et Steakhouse, a world-renowned restaurant known for its delicious steaks and lively atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk along Istiklal Street and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Istanbul's local markets with a visit to the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) and the Kadikoy Market. Explore the stalls selling a variety of spices, teas, sweets, and other local products.

For lunch, try the famous manti (Turkish dumplings) at Hünkar Restaurant - Topkapı Palace Hotel Istanbul, a historic restaurant with a royal ambiance. After lunch, take a ferry ride to the Asian side of Istanbul and explore the Kadikoy neighborhood.

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meze dinner at , a cozy restaurant with a wide selection of small dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk along the Kadikoy waterfront and enjoy the views of the city skyline.

Spend the morning exploring the historic sites of the Istanbul's Old City, including the Sultanahmet District, the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani), and the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Visit the lesser-known gems of the area and immerse yourself in the rich history of Istanbul.

For lunch, enjoy a traditional Ottoman meal at , a charming restaurant with a historic ambiance. After lunch, visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque and the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi), where you can shop for spices, teas, and other local products.

Dine at , a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Bosphorus. Enjoy a delicious meal as you watch the sunset over the waterway. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk through the streets of the Old City and enjoy the magical ambiance of Istanbul at night.

On your last day in Istanbul, take a leisurely Bosphorus cruise and enjoy the views of the city's skyline from the water. After the cruise, visit the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) and take in the panoramic views of Istanbul one last time.

For lunch, savor the flavors of traditional Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, located near the historic city walls. After lunch, take a walk through the charming streets of the Balat neighborhood and explore its colorful houses and street art.

End your journey with a memorable dinner at Pandeli Restaurant, a historic restaurant with stunning views of the city and the Golden Horn. Raise a glass to the end of a wonderful trip and to the memories you've made in the vibrant city of Istanbul.