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![A Week of Splendor in Istanbul: Culture, Cuisine, and Bosphorus Magic](https://storage.googleapis.com/bd-app-dev-375714.appspot.com/itineraries/018eb51f-f01f-7156-a3ae-3d3c5cfc842a/location913.jpg)
A Week of Splendor in Istanbul: Culture, Cuisine, and Bosphorus Magic Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jun 14Iconic Istanbul Beginnings: Mosques and Bazaars
Morning
Start your journey with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi, a local favorite. Afterward, immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) with a guided tour.
Afternoon
For lunch, savor authentic Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant near the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi). Spend the afternoon exploring the opulent palace and the intriguing Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya).
Evening
In the evening, experience the vibrant energy of the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi). Afterward, enjoy a delightful dinner at Pandeli Restaurant, a historic gem known for its traditional Turkish dishes.
Bedtime
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![Visit Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/5a/15.jpg)
4.67Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)
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![Visit Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/5a/15.jpg)
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)
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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 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 Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/5a/36.jpg)
4.65Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)
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![Visit Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/5a/36.jpg)
Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)
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Bosphorus Charms and Ottoman Heritage
Morning
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a view at Sunset Grill & Bar, overlooking the Bosphorus. Then, take a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option to admire the city's skyline.
Afternoon
For lunch, indulge in fresh seafood at Balikci Sabahattin near the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi). Afterward, visit the majestic Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's last grandeur.
Evening
Dine in style at Maiden's Tower Restaurant on a small islet in the Bosphorus. After dinner, witness the enchanting Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide.
Bedtime
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/45fdc957892f9d60.jpeg/21.jpg)
3.95Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/45fdc957892f9d60.jpeg/21.jpg)
Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option
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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 Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/54/4d.jpg)
4.49Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi)
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![Visit Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/54/4d.jpg)
Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi)
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/5be1e3da0b2f0930777c670c52bc3a6ceace35a946e00a2dfa91e4fbea31add1.jpg/21.jpg)
4.86Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/5be1e3da0b2f0930777c670c52bc3a6ceace35a946e00a2dfa91e4fbea31add1.jpg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide
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Art, Culture, and Culinary Delights
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, followed by a delightful brunch at Karakoy Lokantasi in the trendy Karakoy district.
Afternoon
Explore the vibrant street art in the Karakoy District and then take a scenic walk to the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi). For a late lunch, enjoy the eclectic flavors at 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar.
![Visit Balat in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/86/49.jpg)
4.82Karakoy District
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Karakoy District
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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)
4.73Galata 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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Historic Treasures and Whirling Dervishes
Morning
Enjoy a rich Turkish breakfast at Ciya Sofrasi in the Kadikoy district. Then, cross the Bosphorus to visit the Chora Church (Kariye Museum), known for its stunning mosaics.
Afternoon
For lunch, savor the flavors of the Ottoman Empire at Hünkar Restaurant - Topkapı Palace Hotel Istanbul. Afterward, explore the lesser-known Fener and Balat Districts.
Evening
Witness the mesmerizing Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema at a historic venue. Conclude the day with a dinner at Hamdi Restaurant with a view of the Golden Horn.
Bedtime
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![Visit Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/87/98.jpg)
4.73Fener and Balat Districts
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![Visit Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/87/98.jpg)
Fener and Balat Districts
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![Visit Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/6436c185777e9.png/21.jpg)
4.28Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema
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![Visit Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/6436c185777e9.png/21.jpg)
Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema
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Sultan's Splendor and Culinary Adventures
Morning
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) and the Harem at Topkapi Palace. After the tour, enjoy a light lunch at the palace's cafe.
Afternoon
Explore the charming streets of Sultanahmet District and visit the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi). For a unique experience, join a Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop.
Evening
Indulge in a fine dining experience at Nusr-Et Steakhouse, followed by a leisurely walk around the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani).
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 Strait of Juan de Fuca in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/39/81/e4.jpg)
4.88Harem at Topkapi Palace
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![Visit Strait of Juan de Fuca in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/39/81/e4.jpg)
Harem at Topkapi Palace
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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 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 Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/5f357874822769de138024287088fb92ccfe4567a220c0a42296ef3faf0550bf.jpg/21.jpg)
4.94Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
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![Visit Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/5f357874822769de138024287088fb92ccfe4567a220c0a42296ef3faf0550bf.jpg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
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![Visit Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/88/e9.jpg)
4.69Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani)
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![Visit Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/88/e9.jpg)
Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani)
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Culinary and Cultural Immersion
Morning
Embark on a guided Istanbul Food and Culture Tour to discover the city's diverse culinary scene. Taste a variety of local delicacies and learn about the history of Turkish cuisine.
Afternoon
After the tour, take a relaxing break at Durumzade, a popular spot for authentic Turkish kebabs. Spend the afternoon exploring the Asian Side of Istanbul and the Uskudar District.
Evening
Enjoy a farewell dinner at Bebek Balıkçısı, known for its seafood, and take a leisurely stroll along the Bosphorus, soaking in the magical atmosphere of Istanbul at night.
Bedtime
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![Visit Istanbul Guided Food and Culture Tour in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/64171dbb10605.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.88Istanbul Food and Culture Tour
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![Visit Istanbul Guided Food and Culture Tour in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/64171dbb10605.jpeg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Food and Culture Tour
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![Visit Santo Niño Basilica (Basílica del Santo Niño) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/81/47.jpg)
4.07Uskudar District
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![Visit Santo Niño Basilica (Basílica del Santo Niño) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/81/47.jpg)
Uskudar District
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Relaxation and Reflection in Istanbul
Morning
On your last day, treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience at the Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely brunch at Lokma Balıkçısı.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at the Princes' Islands, taking a relaxing cruise and exploring the car-free islands. Enjoy a traditional seafood lunch with live music on the boat.
Evening
Conclude your week in Istanbul with a memorable Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table, where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal and a spectacular Turkish night show on the water.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
![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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![Visit Eyup Sultan Mosque in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/8f/03/16.jpg)
4.34Princes' Islands
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![Visit Eyup Sultan Mosque in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/8f/03/16.jpg)
Princes' Islands
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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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