7-Day Cultural Immersion in Istanbul and Beyond Itinerary

Explore the stunning architecture of the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) and then descend into the mystical Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) with a skip-the-line guided tour.

Have a delightful lunch at Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi, a local favorite for its köfte. In the afternoon, take a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise with an audio guide, marveling at the city's skyline and the iconic Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi).

Enjoy a magical evening with a Bosphorus dinner cruise and Turkish night show, complete with live music and belly dancing, on the Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show.

Begin your day with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, showcasing the best of Turkish contemporary art.

For lunch, head to 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar for a panoramic view of the city. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) for a historical perspective.

Dine at Mikla, a renowned restaurant for its modern Turkish cuisine. Conclude your day with a Turkish dance show at the Hodjapasha Cultural Centre.

Experience the spiritual journey of the Whirling Dervishes at a Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Sunset Grill & Bar with a view of the Bosphorus. Then, explore the lavish Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) with a skip-the-line entry and audio guide.

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Sunset Grill & Bar, known for its exquisite cuisine. After dinner, take a private Turkish bath and spa in the Old City for a relaxing end to the day.

Take a day trip to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the historic Ulucami and the Green Mosque, marvels of early Ottoman architecture.

Enjoy a traditional Iskender kebab for lunch, a local specialty. Afterward, explore the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) and shop for silk and other Bursa specialties.

Return to Istanbul in the evening and dine at Bebek Balıkçısı, a popular seafood restaurant on the Bosphorus.

Participate in a Turkish coffee making and fortune-telling workshop, immersing yourself in the rituals of this ancient tradition.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Karaköy Lokantası, known for its modern take on Turkish cuisine. Then, take a guided tour of the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii), a masterpiece of Sinan the Architect.

Dine at Hamdi Restaurant, overlooking the Golden Horn, and savor a variety of mezes and kebabs. Conclude your day with a visit to the Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü) and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

Visit the charming neighborhood of Balat, known for its colorful houses and vibrant street art. Explore the Chora Church (Kariye Müzesi), a hidden gem of Byzantine art.

Have a farewell lunch at Nusr-Et Steakhouse, famous for its quality cuts. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps shopping for last-minute souvenirs at the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi).

Conclude your cultural immersion with a sunset yacht tour on the Bosphorus, enjoying the beauty of Istanbul's skyline as you savor local snacks and drinks.