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![5-Day Istanbul Cultural and Culinary Journey](https://storage.googleapis.com/bd-app-dev-375714.appspot.com/itineraries/018d2faf-6f89-7d25-9aed-0dac23d3c01e/location739.jpg)
5-Day Istanbul Cultural and Culinary Journey Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jun 14Historic Icons and Bosphorus Delights
Morning
Begin your Istanbul adventure with a sumptuous breakfast at Karaköy Lokantası, offering a blend of traditional and modern Turkish cuisine. After breakfast, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) with a skip-the-line entry and audio guide. Explore the palace's stunning architecture and the treasures of the Ottoman Empire.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy, known for its diverse Anatolian dishes. Post-lunch, take a guided tour of the iconic Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) and the neighboring Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). Witness the harmonious coexistence of two great faiths in these architectural marvels.
Evening
As the sun sets, embark on a magical Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table. Enjoy a delectable dinner with live entertainment while cruising between Europe and Asia. Witness the city's illuminated skyline and pass under the majestic bridges. It's a perfect way to end your first day in Istanbul.
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 Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/5a/15.jpg)
4.67Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet 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 (Sultanahmet Camii)
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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 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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Ottoman Heritage and Culinary Delights
Morning
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Lokma Balıkçısı, a local favorite for its fresh seafood. Post-breakfast, visit the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) with a guided tour. Marvel at the opulent interiors and learn about the last days of the Ottoman Empire.
Afternoon
Enjoy a traditional Ottoman cuisine experience at Asitane Restaurant, located in the historic district. After lunch, take a guided tour of the mystical Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Guide. Explore the underground reservoir and discover its intriguing history.
Evening
Dine at Maiden's Tower Restaurant, set on a unique islet in the Bosphorus. After dinner, indulge in the art of Turkish mosaic making with a workshop at Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop. Create your own masterpiece to take home as a memorable souvenir of Istanbul.
Bedtime
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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 Basilica Cistern Fast-Track Entry w/ Audio Guide in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/19b46c3160248209.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.37Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Guide
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![Visit Istanbul Basilica Cistern Fast-Track Entry w/ Audio Guide in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/19b46c3160248209.jpeg/21.jpg)
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Guide
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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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Cultural Immersion and Whirling Dervishes
Morning
Savor a breakfast with a view at Sunset Grill & Bar, offering panoramic scenes of the city. Post-breakfast, visit the vibrant Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) and immerse yourself in its maze of shops and stalls. Witness the bustling trade and haggle for souvenirs.
Afternoon
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its kebabs and mezes. After lunch, explore the historic Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) and its serene surroundings. Then, witness the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show in the evening, a spiritual experience unique to Turkey.
Evening
For a post-show dinner, head to Dürümzade for some of the best dürüm wraps in the city. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely stroll around the lively Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Bedtime
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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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![Visit Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/82/77.jpg)
4.70Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)
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![Visit Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/82/77.jpg)
Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)
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![Visit Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/8d4efa03c571cffc992620aeb4f362db76a66242e61a347bf5154cb14d714480.jpg/21.jpg)
4.34Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
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![Visit Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/8d4efa03c571cffc992620aeb4f362db76a66242e61a347bf5154cb14d714480.jpg/21.jpg)
Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
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![Visit Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/84/ec.jpg)
4.74Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani)
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![Visit Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/84/ec.jpg)
Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani)
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Asian Delights and Palace Wonders
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Asian side of Istanbul. Enjoy a breakfast at Bebek Balıkçısı, a renowned seafood restaurant with a beautiful Bosphorus view. After breakfast, take a Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option to explore the city's coastal beauty.
Afternoon
Have a delightful lunch at 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar, offering a fusion of Asian and Turkish flavors. Post-lunch, visit the Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) on the Asian shore. Explore this exquisite Ottoman palace with a guided tour.
Evening
Dine at Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası, a historic fish restaurant in the vibrant Karaköy neighborhood. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the lively streets and soak in the local ambiance.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/45fdc957892f9d60.jpeg/21.jpg)
3.95Istanbul Bosphorus 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)
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option
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![Visit Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/86/f7.jpg)
4.52Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi)
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![Visit Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/86/f7.jpg)
Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi)
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Culinary Journey and Majestic Views
Morning
Enjoy a breakfast at Balıkçı Sabahattin, known for its traditional Turkish breakfast spread. Post-breakfast, take a guided tour of the serene Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) and indulge in the aromas of exotic spices and local delicacies.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Hünkar Restaurant - Topkapı Palace Hotel Istanbul and savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine. After lunch, visit the charming neighborhood of Balat and explore its colorful streets and historic landmarks.
Evening
Dine at the world-famous Nusr-Et Steakhouse, known for its exceptional cuts and lively atmosphere. After dinner, take a relaxing Istanbul Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks and witness the city's skyline as the sun dips below the horizon, reflecting on the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
![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 Balat in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/86/49.jpg)
4.82Balat
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![Visit Balat in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/86/49.jpg)
Balat
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![Visit Istanbul Small-Group Sunset or Day Yacht Cruise with Snacks in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/43152da2944b426fd392b372f655a736905323cc92d1887f4ac65560e2f95c42.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.93Istanbul Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks
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![Visit Istanbul Small-Group Sunset or Day Yacht Cruise with Snacks in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/43152da2944b426fd392b372f655a736905323cc92d1887f4ac65560e2f95c42.jpeg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks
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