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8 Days in Istanbul: History, Culture, and Culinary Delights

8 Days in Istanbul: History, Culture, and Culinary Delights Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

Iconic Istanbul Landmarks

Morning
Start your journey with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi, a local favorite. Afterward, visit the majestic Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) and explore its rich history and stunning architecture.
Afternoon
For lunch, savor authentic Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant. Then, continue to the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) and the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), two of Istanbul's most famous landmarks.
Evening
Enjoy a delightful dinner with a view of the city at Maiden's Tower Restaurant. Afterward, take a leisurely evening walk around the historic Sultanahmet District.
Bedtime
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Visit Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) in Istanbul

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)

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Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

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Bosphorus Discovery and Turkish Bath Experience

Morning
Indulge in a relaxing Turkish bath experience at Cagaloglu Hamam, one of the oldest and most renowned hamams in the city. Afterward, enjoy a light lunch at Lokma Balıkçısı.
Afternoon
Take a cruise on the Bosphorus with a guided audio tour, admiring the city's skyline and iconic landmarks. Visit the Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) and witness the opulence of the Ottoman Empire.
Evening
For dinner, savor a variety of local flavors on the Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour. End the day with a Bosphorus sunset cruise on a yacht with a live guide.
Bedtime
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Cagaloglu Hamam

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Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi)

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Culinary and Cultural Immersion

Morning
Start your day with a cup of Turkish coffee at Karakoy Lokantasi, a modern take on traditional Turkish cuisine. Then, explore the vibrant Beyoglu district, including Istiklal Street and Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi).
Afternoon
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Durumzade, known for its delicious kebabs. Visit the Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü) and the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) for a true taste of Istanbul.
Evening
Immerse yourself in the local culture with a Turkish Dance Show at Hodjapasha Cultural Centre. For dinner, experience a modern twist on Turkish cuisine at 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar.
Bedtime
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Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

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Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü)

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Art, History, and Panoramic Views

Morning
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Bebek Balıkçısı in the charming neighborhood of Bebek. Then, visit the Istanbul Modern for a dose of contemporary Turkish art.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Sunset Grill & Bar and savor a meal with panoramic views of the city. Spend the afternoon exploring the Pera Museum and the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi).
Evening
Dine at the iconic Mikla, known for its innovative take on Turkish cuisine. End the day with a leisurely walk along the Golden Horn (Haliç).
Bedtime
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Visit Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) in Istanbul
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Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

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Visit Golden Horn (Haliç) in Istanbul
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Golden Horn (Haliç)

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Sultanahmet Wonders and Whirling Dervishes

Morning
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Sultanahmet Koftecisi, a local institution. Then, explore the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani) and the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi).
Afternoon
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Hamdi Restaurant with a view of the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi). Visit the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) and experience the serenity of this historic site.
Evening
Witness the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show at the Galata Mevlevi House Museum. For dinner, savor the flavors of the Ottoman Empire at Hünkar Restaurant - Topkapı Palace Hotel Istanbul.
Bedtime
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Visit Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani) in Istanbul
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Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani)

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Visit Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) in Istanbul
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Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)

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Palatial Grandeur and Culinary Delights

Morning
Explore the Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu) and the Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari), two iconic structures on the Bosphorus. Enjoy a light breakfast at Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası.
Afternoon
Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Balikci Sabahattin. Spend the afternoon at the Küçüksu Palace (Küçüksu Kasri).
Evening
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Nusr-Et Steakhouse. End the day with a leisurely Bosphorus dinner cruise and a Turkish night show.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
Visit Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu) in Istanbul
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Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu)

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Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari)

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Historic Treasures and Culinary Gems

Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) and enjoy a Bosphorus view breakfast at Pandeli Restaurant. Explore the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) for a unique shopping experience.
Afternoon
For lunch, savor the flavors of the Black Sea region at Hünkar Restaurant - Topkapı Palace Hotel Istanbul. Visit the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) and the Chora Church (Kariye Museum).
Evening
Dine at Asitane Restaurant and taste the dishes inspired by the Ottoman palace cuisine. End the day with a private Turkish bath and spa experience in the Old City.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
Visit Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) in Istanbul
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Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi)

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Visit Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) in Istanbul
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Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)

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Farewell to Istanbul

Morning
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi and take a final stroll through the Sultanahmet District. Visit the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) for a last glimpse of its beauty.
Afternoon
For lunch, savor the flavors of the Ottoman Empire at Hünkar Restaurant - Topkapı Palace Hotel Istanbul. Spend the afternoon at the Kariye Museum (Chora Church) and the Istanbul Archaeology Museums.
Evening
Dine at Asitane Restaurant and taste the dishes inspired by the Ottoman palace cuisine. End the day with a private Turkish bath and spa experience in the Old City.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
Visit Sultanahmet District in Istanbul
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Sultanahmet District

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Visit Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul
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Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

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