16-Day Turkey Adventure: Istanbul, Bursa, and Beyond Itinerary

Fuel up for the day with a breakfast at Arch Bistro, known for its modern take on Turkish classics. Post-breakfast, visit the ancient Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) with a skip-the-line entry and audio guide, exploring the eerie underground reservoir.

Have a cultural lunch experience at James Joyce Irish Pub, and then continue to the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) for a guided tour, followed by a visit to the vibrant Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) for some traditional shopping.

Witness the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show at a historic venue, experiencing the spiritual dance performance. Conclude the evening with dinner at 360 Istanbul, enjoying a 360-degree view of the city from the restaurant's terrace.

Start with a visit to the Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop, where you'll learn the art of creating traditional mosaic lamps. Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast at Red River Pub.

Indulge in a hands-on experience at the workshop, and then head to From Istanbul Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch for a serene escape from the city. Enjoy the boat ride and explore the car-free islands, savoring a delightful lunch with a view.

Return to the city and dine at Diamond Roof & Bar, known for its elegant ambiance and fine dining. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the lively Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) and explore the nearby vibrant streets.

Begin with a hearty breakfast at The Junction Pub, and then embark on a day trip to the nearby city of Bursa. Explore the historical sites and enjoy a cable car ride to Uludag Mountain, with lunch included.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Uludag, and then visit the grand Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) upon returning to Istanbul. Enjoy the palace's architecture and serene surroundings.

Dine at Vogue Restaurant & Bar, offering a stylish setting and a diverse menu. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Golden Horn (Haliç) and enjoy the evening views of the city.

Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi), where you can explore a wide array of spices, teas, and local products. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at the bazaar's cafe.

After the bazaar, have lunch at Vamos Estambul Restaurant & Cafe, known for its authentic Turkish cuisine. Spend your afternoon exploring the charming neighborhood of Balat, known for its colorful houses and rich history.

Dress up for an elegant evening at Sunset Grill & Bar, one of the city's finest dining establishments. Enjoy a sophisticated dinner with panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the city lights.

Explore the lesser-known sites of Istanbul, starting with a visit to the serene Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi). Enjoy a light breakfast at the tower's cafe while taking in the views.

Head to the historic Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari) and immerse yourself in its ancient walls and strategic location. For lunch, visit Moretenders’ Cocktail Crib & Sushi for a unique dining experience.

Conclude your day with a delightful Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour on the Bosphorus, accompanied by informative commentary and light snacks. After the cruise, enjoy dinner at GRACE Rooftop Restaurant, offering a blend of international flavors and a chic atmosphere.

Enjoy a breakfast with a view at Byzantion Bistro Restaurant, and then set off on a day trip to the nearby Bursa. Visit the famous Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) and the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), and savor a traditional lunch in the city.

After lunch, take the cable car to Uludag Mountain and enjoy the alpine scenery. Return to Istanbul in the late afternoon.

Experience the spiritual Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema in the evening, and then have a relaxed dinner at Bleu Lounge & Grill, known for its sophisticated ambiance and Mediterranean cuisine.

Begin your day with a guided tour of the Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), skipping the line with your entry ticket. Marvel at the grandeur of the palace and learn about its significance in Ottoman history.

For lunch, visit Loti Roof Lounge and enjoy a meal with a view. Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk through the charming neighborhood of Ortaköy, known for its artsy vibe and the iconic Ortaköy Mosque.

Dine at Restaurant 24, where you can indulge in a variety of international cuisines. After dinner, take a guided Sunset Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus, admiring the city's landmarks as they are beautifully illuminated at night.

Start with a visit to the Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop, where you'll create your own unique lamp. Enjoy a light breakfast at the workshop, and then proceed to the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani) to explore the ancient chariot racing track and its surrounding monuments.

Have lunch at GAR PUB Cafe & Restaurant&Sport Bar, and then immerse yourself in the intricate designs of the Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table. Enjoy a private table with a 4-course meal and live entertainment as you cruise along the Bosphorus.

Conclude the day with a visit to the Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show, where you'll experience the vibrant Turkish culture through music, dance, and a sumptuous dinner. The cruise also offers stunning views of the city's illuminated skyline.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast at Jager Pub & Bar. istanbul, known for its cozy atmosphere. Take a stroll along the Galata Bridge (Galata Koprusu) and capture the beautiful views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

For lunch, head to Red River Pub and savor their signature dishes. Spend the afternoon exploring the trendy neighborhood of Karakoy, known for its hip cafes, street art, and boutique shops.

Indulge in a culinary journey at Moretenders’ Cocktail Crib & Sushi, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and a selection of fresh sushi. After dinner, experience the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul in the Nevizade Street area, famous for its lively bars and restaurants.

Begin with a sumptuous breakfast at Balkon Restaurant & Bar, and then embark on the Istanbul Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch. Explore the city's top attractions with a knowledgeable guide, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and more.

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch as part of the guided tour, and then continue your exploration with visits to the Suleymaniye Mosque (Suleymaniye Camii) and the historic Eyup Sultan Mosque (Eyup Sultan Camii).

Dine in style at 360 Istanbul, where you can savor a gourmet meal with panoramic views of the city. After dinner, take a romantic Sunset Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus, admiring the glittering skyline and the illuminated landmarks.

Enjoy a breakfast with a view at Byzantion Bistro Restaurant, and then set off on a day trip to the nearby Bursa. Visit the famous Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) and the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami), and savor a traditional lunch in the city.

After lunch, take the cable car to Uludag Mountain and enjoy the alpine scenery. Return to Istanbul in the late afternoon.

Experience the spiritual Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema in the evening, and then have a relaxed dinner at Bleu Lounge & Grill, known for its sophisticated ambiance and Mediterranean cuisine.

Begin your day with a guided tour of the Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), skipping the line with your entry ticket. Marvel at the grandeur of the palace and learn about its significance in Ottoman history.

For lunch, visit Loti Roof Lounge and enjoy a meal with a view. Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk through the charming neighborhood of Ortaköy, known for its artsy vibe and the iconic Ortaköy Mosque.

Dine at Restaurant 24, where you can indulge in a variety of international cuisines. After dinner, take a guided Sunset Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus, admiring the city's landmarks as they are beautifully illuminated at night.

Start with a visit to the Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop, where you'll create your own unique lamp. Enjoy a light breakfast at the workshop, and then proceed to the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani) to explore the ancient chariot racing track and its surrounding monuments.

Have lunch at GAR PUB Cafe & Restaurant&Sport Bar, and then immerse yourself in the intricate designs of the Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table. Enjoy a private table with a 4-course meal and live entertainment as you cruise along the Bosphorus.

Conclude the day with a visit to the Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show, where you'll experience the vibrant Turkish culture through music, dance, and a sumptuous dinner. The cruise also offers stunning views of the city's illuminated skyline.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast at Jager Pub & Bar. istanbul, known for its cozy atmosphere. Take a stroll along the Galata Bridge (Galata Koprusu) and capture the beautiful views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

For lunch, head to Red River Pub and savor their signature dishes. Spend the afternoon exploring the trendy neighborhood of Karakoy, known for its hip cafes, street art, and boutique shops.

Indulge in a culinary journey at Moretenders’ Cocktail Crib & Sushi, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and a selection of fresh sushi. After dinner, experience the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul in the Nevizade Street area, famous for its lively bars and restaurants.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Istanbul at Balkon Restaurant & Bar, reminiscing about your journey through the city. If time allows, take a short visit to the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) for panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus.

As you prepare to depart, have a leisurely lunch at Salute Pub & Restaurant, where you can relax and enjoy a variety of dishes. After lunch, take a private transfer to the airport with Istanbul Private Airport Transfer, reflecting on the memories and experiences of your 16-day adventure in Turkey.