10-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey through Turkey and Greece Itinerary

Delve into the heart of the old city with a guided tour of the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) and the vibrant Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi). For breakfast, enjoy the warm ambiance and freshly baked goods at Mitani Cafe.

After the mosque, visit the ancient Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani) and then indulge in a traditional Turkish lunch at Dejavu Restaurant & Bar, known for its authentic dishes. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the serene Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii), the largest mosque in the city.

Dine at Loti Roof Lounge, offering a romantic setting with a view of the historic peninsula. Afterward, witness the mesmerizing Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema at a local cultural center, a spiritual experience deeply rooted in Turkish history.

Begin with a visit to the modern art hub of Istanbul, the Istanbul Modern (Istanbul Museum of Modern Art). Enjoy a light breakfast at the museum's cafe, and then take a stroll through the trendy neighborhood of Karakoy, known for its street art and boutique shops.

For lunch, head to Yüksek Restaurant & Bar, where you can enjoy a fusion of Turkish and international cuisine. Post-lunch, participate in a hands-on workshop at the Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop, where you'll create your own unique mosaic lamp to take home.

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul with dinner at Old English Pub Cafe & Restaurant, followed by an evening walk along the lively Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi). Cap off the night with a visit to Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) and its surrounding entertainment venues.

Escape the city bustle and spend the morning in the charming neighborhood of Balat, known for its colorful houses and local cafes. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Elma Cafe & Pub, and then take a guided walking tour to discover the area's hidden gems and street art.

Head to the Asian side of Istanbul and have lunch at Queb Rooftop Restaurant, offering a blend of Turkish and international flavors with a panoramic view. Afterward, take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront of Üsküdar, soaking in the serene atmosphere and admiring the city skyline.

Return to the European side for a delightful dinner at Balkon Restaurant & Bar, where you can enjoy a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes. Conclude the evening with a Istanbul Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks, taking in the beautiful views of the city from the water.

Embark on a full-day excursion to the historic city of Bursa, known for its rich Ottoman heritage and natural beauty. Enjoy a scenic drive and a cable car ride to Uludag Mountain (Uludag), where you'll have lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the region's famous kebabs and other specialties.

Explore the highlights of Bursa, including the grand Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) and the historical Cumalikizik village with its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Take some time to shop for local silk products and sweets before heading back to Istanbul.

Return to the city and unwind with dinner at Moretenders’ Cocktail Crib & Sushi, offering a unique blend of sushi and creative cocktails. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed evening walk along the lively streets of Besiktas, a popular district for dining and entertainment.

Begin your day with a magical hot air balloon ride over the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, watching the sunrise from high above. After landing, enjoy a hearty breakfast at The House Cafe Cappadocia, surrounded by the unique rock formations.

Explore the fascinating rock-cut churches and underground cities of Cappadocia, including the Goreme Open-Air Museum (Goreme Acik Hava Muzesi) and the Kaymakli Underground City. For lunch, indulge in local specialties at Pumpkin Goreme Restaurant & Cafe.

As the day winds down, take in the panoramic views of the region during sunset from the Uchisar Castle (Uchisar Kalesi). Then, enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with live music and dance performances at Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Explore the well-preserved ruins of the Ephesus (Ephesos), one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Walk through the grand Celsus Library and the impressive Great Theatre of Ephesus, imagining the city's former glory. For breakfast, enjoy the serene setting and a light meal at Ephesus Terrace Houses Restaurant.

After Ephesus, visit the nearby Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then, immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a traditional Turkish Village Life and Handicrafts Tour from Ephesus, where you can interact with locals and learn about their crafts. Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch in the village.

Return to your accommodation and relax with a quiet evening, perhaps enjoying a private dinner with local specialties. Reflect on the day's historical and cultural experiences as you prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Begin with a guided tour of the Topkapi Palace & Harem Museum Ticket & Audio Guide, delving into the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans. For breakfast, indulge in the royal ambiance at Diamond Roof & Bar, offering a selection of morning delights with a view.

After the palace, take a short walk to the Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option departure point and enjoy a delightful cruise with commentary, witnessing the city's iconic landmarks from the water. For lunch, choose GRACE Rooftop Restaurant for its elegant setting and a fusion of Turkish and international cuisine.

Dine at James Joyce Irish Pub, a lively spot with a menu of pub favorites and a wide selection of drinks. Then, experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Istanbul Turkish Dance Show at Hodjapasha Cultural Centre, where you'll be mesmerized by traditional dances and music performances.

Discover the lesser-known treasures of Istanbul with a visit to the Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari), a historic fortress with panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Enjoy a light breakfast at Jager Pub & Bar. Istanbul, known for its cozy atmosphere and a variety of morning bites.

For lunch, head to Litera Restaurant / Lounge-Bar, a hidden gem offering a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on local ingredients. Post-lunch, take a guided tour of the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas of the exotic spices and goods.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Istanbul Private Airport Transfer with Meet and Greet, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey to the airport for your departure. Before leaving, enjoy a farewell dinner at Zihni Bar, where you can reminisce about your Turkish adventures over innovative cocktails and a modern Turkish menu.

Begin your Greek journey with a hearty breakfast at The Clumsies, a renowned Athens bar that also serves delicious morning fare. After breakfast, take a leisurely walk to the iconic Acropolis (Akropolis), the ancient citadel that symbolizes the glory of Athens. Explore the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the other significant structures with a guided tour.

After descending from the Acropolis, enjoy a traditional Greek lunch at Karamanlidika tou Fani, a hidden gem known for its authentic flavors and deli-style dishes. Post-lunch, visit the Acropolis Museum to delve deeper into the history and art of the Acropolis and its surrounding areas.

As the sun sets, take a relaxed stroll through the charming streets of Plaka, one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Athens. For dinner, indulge in contemporary Greek cuisine at Varoulko Seaside, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a stunning view of the sea. End the evening with a refreshing cocktail at Baba Au Rum, a bar known for its extensive rum selection and creative drinks.