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Ultimate 13-Day Istanbul and Turkey Exploration

Ultimate 13-Day Istanbul and Turkey Exploration Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

Iconic Istanbul Welcome

Morning
Start your journey with a delightful breakfast at Karakoy Lokantasi, known for its traditional Turkish dishes with a modern twist.
Afternoon
Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the majestic Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi). Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Hamdi Restaurant with panoramic views of the city and the Golden Horn.
Evening
In the evening, take a relaxing Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht to witness the beauty of Istanbul's skyline. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board as you sail between Europe and Asia.
Bedtime
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Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)

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Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht

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Historic Treasures and Culinary Delights

Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) and the magnificent Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). Skip the lines and explore these architectural wonders with the Istanbul Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket & Audio Guide.
Afternoon
For lunch, savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, known for its authentic dishes from the palace kitchens. Afterward, discover the mystical world of the Whirling Dervishes with the Istanbul Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show.
Evening
Enjoy a sophisticated dining experience at Mikla, a renowned restaurant offering modern Turkish cuisine with a Nordic twist, located on the top floor of the Marmara Pera Hotel.
Bedtime
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Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

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Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

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Istanbul Hagia Sophia Skip the Ticket Line and Audio Guide

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Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

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Sultanahmet Marvels and Culinary Gems

Morning
Explore the historic Sultanahmet District with a guided tour that includes the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi), Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi), and the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani). For a traditional Turkish breakfast, head to Sultanahmet Koftecisi, a local favorite known for its köfte.
Afternoon
After the tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy, a restaurant famous for its authentic Anatolian dishes. Take a ferry ride to the Asian side for a unique Istanbul experience.
Evening
End your day with a dinner at Balikci Sabahattin, a seafood restaurant with a rich history and a charming ambiance.
Bedtime
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Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)

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Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)

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Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani)

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Palatial Splendors and Culinary Delights

Morning
Visit the opulent Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) and the charming Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi), two gems of Ottoman architecture.
Afternoon
Enjoy a Bosphorus-side lunch at Bebek Balıkçısı, a popular seafood restaurant in Bebek. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Bosphorus.
Evening
Dine at Sunset Grill & Bar, a fine dining restaurant with stunning views of the city and the Bosphorus. Indulge in a culinary journey with a blend of Turkish and international flavors.
Bedtime
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Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi)

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Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi)

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Artistic and Cultural Exploration

Morning
Spend the morning exploring the vibrant art scene in Istanbul. Visit the Istanbul Modern Museum and the Pera Museum for a dose of contemporary and classic art.
Afternoon
For a late lunch, head to 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar and enjoy a unique dining experience with a 360-degree view of the city. Afterward, take a walk through the trendy neighborhoods of Karakoy and Galata.
Evening
Experience the dynamic nightlife of Istanbul with a visit to the Beyoglu district. Enjoy dinner at 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar and then explore the local bars and live music venues.
Bedtime
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Relaxation and Wellness in the City

Morning
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa day at the Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City. Experience the traditional Turkish hammam and indulge in a relaxing massage.
Afternoon
After the spa, enjoy a healthy and delicious lunch at Lokma Balıkçısı, a seafood restaurant known for its fresh and flavorful dishes. Spend the afternoon at a leisurely pace, perhaps shopping for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar.
Evening
For dinner, try the famous Turkish kebabs at Dürümzade, a local favorite in the Sultanahmet area.
Bedtime
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Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City

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Culinary and Cultural Delights of Istanbul

Morning
Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi, a charming restaurant known for its köfte and mezes.
Afternoon
Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Balat and Fener, known for their colorful houses and rich history. Have a late lunch at Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası, a popular seafood restaurant with a view of the Golden Horn.
Evening
In the evening, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus with Istanbul Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table. Savor a variety of Turkish dishes while taking in the illuminated city skyline.
Bedtime
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Istanbul Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table

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Off the Beaten Path in Istanbul

Morning
Take a private guided tour to the lesser-known gems of Istanbul, including the Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi) and the Cagaloglu Hamam Experience, one of the oldest Turkish baths in the city.
Afternoon
Enjoy a traditional Ottoman meal at Asitane Restaurant, located near the Chora Church. After lunch, visit the Chora Church to admire its stunning mosaics and frescoes.
Evening
Dine at Hünkar Restaurant - Topkapı Palace Hotel Istanbul and savor the flavors of classic Ottoman cuisine in a regal setting.
Bedtime
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Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi)

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Istanbul Cagaloglu Hamam Experience

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Exploring the Asian Side

Morning
Cross the Bosphorus to the Asian side and visit the Beylerbeyi Palace and the charming neighborhood of Üsküdar. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local cafe.
Afternoon
For lunch, try the famous kebabs at Sultanahmet Koftecisi, a historic restaurant known for its köfte. Afterward, explore the Kadikoy market and enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the sea.
Evening
Dine at Balikci Sabahattin, a seafood restaurant with a rich history and a charming ambiance, located near the Spice Bazaar.
Bedtime
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Culinary and Cultural Immersion

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Spice Bazaar and a Bosphorus cruise with a stopover on the Asian side. Enjoy the sights and scents of the market and the panoramic views of the city from the water.
Afternoon
For a late lunch, head to Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy, a restaurant famous for its authentic Anatolian dishes. Afterward, explore the Kadikoy market and the charming streets of Moda.
Evening
Experience a traditional Turkish meyhane at Maiden's Tower Restaurant, located on the iconic Maiden's Tower. Enjoy mezes, raki, and live music in a unique setting.
Bedtime
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Farewell to Istanbul with a Culinary Journey

Morning
Spend your last morning in Istanbul exploring the neighborhoods of Karakoy and Galata. Visit the trendy shops and cafes in the area and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a view of the Golden Horn.
Afternoon
For lunch, savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, known for its authentic dishes from the palace kitchens. Afterward, take a walk along the Galata Bridge and enjoy the views of the city.
Evening
End your Istanbul journey with a farewell dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar, a fine dining restaurant with stunning views of the city and the Bosphorus. Indulge in a culinary journey with a blend of Turkish and international flavors.
Bedtime
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Magical Cappadocia Adventure

Morning
Fly to Cappadocia and check into your cave hotel. Start your Cappadocia adventure with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, a truly magical experience.
Afternoon
After breakfast at the hotel, explore the unique landscape of Cappadocia with a tour of the fairy chimneys, underground cities, and rock-cut churches. Enjoy a traditional Cappadocian lunch in a cave restaurant.
Evening
In the evening, relax at your hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner featuring local specialties.
Bedtime
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Farewell to Turkey with a Taste of Cappadocia

Morning
Spend your last morning in Cappadocia visiting the Goreme Open-Air Museum and the Uchisar Castle. Enjoy a leisurely brunch with a view of the fairy chimneys.
Afternoon
Take a pottery or carpet weaving workshop to learn about the traditional crafts of the region. Enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the airport for your departure.
Evening

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