A Week of Splendor in Istanbul: Palaces, Bazaars, and Bosphorus Delights Itinerary

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at Sultanahmet Koftecisi before embarking on a guided tour of the Sultanahmet District. Explore the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), and the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi).

For lunch, head to Durumzade for a taste of the famous Istanbul street food, the "durum". Afterward, continue your exploration with a visit to the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) and the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi).

Dine at Karakoy Lokantasi, a modern restaurant with a focus on Turkish mezes and seafood. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the lively streets of Karakoy.

Begin your day with a rich Turkish coffee at Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası. Then, visit the Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) with a skip-the-line entry and audio guide to learn about the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans.

For lunch, enjoy a seafood feast at Balikci Sabahattin, a renowned fish restaurant. In the afternoon, relax and rejuvenate with a private Turkish bath, sauna, and massage experience at Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, and Massage.

Conclude your day with a dinner at Asitane Restaurant, known for its Ottoman cuisine. Afterward, take a leisurely evening stroll in the charming neighborhood of Balat.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Ciya Sofrasi, a place that offers a wide range of authentic Turkish dishes. Then, spend the morning exploring the vibrant art scene in Istanbul, with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum and the Pera Museum.

For lunch, head to Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi for a taste of traditional Turkish köfte. Afterward, take a walk through the trendy neighborhood of Karakoy, known for its street art and hip cafes.

Dine at 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city. After dinner, explore the vibrant nightlife of Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani).

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Karakoy Lokantasi, a modern restaurant that offers a unique twist on traditional Turkish dishes. After breakfast, take a leisurely walk along the shores of the Bosphorus in the charming neighborhood of Ortaköy.

For lunch, indulge in the culinary masterpieces at Mikla, a renowned restaurant that combines Turkish and Scandinavian influences. In the afternoon, visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum or take a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus.

In the evening, experience the mystical Istanbul Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show at a historic venue. After the show, enjoy a late dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar, a fine dining restaurant with breathtaking views of the city.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast at Bebek Balıkçısı, a popular seafood restaurant with a view of the Bosphorus. After breakfast, take a walk in the lush gardens of the Yildiz Park or visit the Istanbul Sapphire Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city.

For lunch, savor the flavors of the Ottoman cuisine at Hünkar Restaurant - Topkapı Palace Hotel Istanbul. In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional Turkish tea experience at Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi), with a view of the Golden Horn.

Conclude your day with a dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse, a world-renowned restaurant known for its quality steaks. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk along the lively streets of Beyoglu.

Start your last day in Istanbul with a delightful breakfast at Durumzade, a local favorite for its delicious Turkish breakfast. After breakfast, take a leisurely walk in the historic Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) complex and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

For lunch, head to Hamdi Restaurant, a classic Istanbul restaurant known for its kebabs and mezes. In the afternoon, take a relaxing Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht to bid farewell to the city and enjoy the last moments of your trip.

Conclude your week in Istanbul with a memorable dinner at Mikla, a rooftop restaurant that offers stunning views of the city. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the lively streets of Karakoy and savor the vibrant atmosphere of the city.