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18-day Trip to Turkey with Istanbul Highlights

18-day Trip to Turkey with Istanbul Highlights Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

Arrival and Bosphorus Welcome

Morning
Begin your Turkish adventure with a private airport transfer. After settling in, start with a hearty breakfast at Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi. Then, take a stroll through the historic Sultanahmet District, visiting the iconic Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) and the magnificent Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya).
Afternoon
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its kebabs and panoramic views. Spend your afternoon exploring the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) and the mystical Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi). Wrap up with a visit to the vibrant Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) for some shopping.
Evening
As the sun sets, embark on a Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Live Guide and Drinks. Witness the beauty of Istanbul's skyline and enjoy the cool breeze. Return to the European side and dine at Sunset Grill & Bar for a luxurious dinner with a view.
Bedtime
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Sultanahmet District

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Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

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Historical Wonders and Whirling Dervishes

Morning
Start with a guided tour of the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) and the divine Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). Afterward, have a delightful breakfast at Pandeli Restaurant, located in the Spice Bazaar area.
Afternoon
Savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, then continue your historical journey with a visit to the opulent Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi). Later, explore the underground wonder of the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi).
Evening
Experience the mystical Istanbul Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show at a traditional venue. Before the show, enjoy a Turkish dinner at Ciya Sofrasi, famous for its regional dishes and mezze.
Bedtime
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Visit Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul
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Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

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Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

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Artistic Expressions and Bosphorus Delights

Morning
Begin with a visit to the contemporary Istanbul Modern Art Museum (Istanbul Modern Sanat Muzesi) . After exploring the art, have a casual breakfast at Dürümzade.
Afternoon
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Karakoy Lokantasi, known for its modern take on Turkish cuisine. Spend your afternoon in the vibrant neighborhood of Ortaköy, visiting the iconic Ortaköy Mosque (Ortaköy Camii) and indulging in the famous Ortaköy kumpir (stuffed baked potato).
Evening
For dinner, head to Bebek Balıkçısı in the upscale Bebek area and enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes. Conclude your evening with a relaxed stroll along the Bosphorus or a visit to a local cafe for Turkish coffee and desserts.
Bedtime
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Scenic Views and Culinary Exploration

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi). Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus. For breakfast, indulge in the famous Turkish pastries at Simitle - Karaköy.
Afternoon
Have a fulfilling lunch at Lokma Balıkçısı, a local favorite for seafood. Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant and trendy Karaköy district, known for its street art and hip cafes.
Evening
Dine at Maiden's Tower Restaurant located on a small islet in the Bosphorus. Enjoy the unique experience of a boat ride to the restaurant and savor a romantic dinner with stunning views of the city.
Bedtime
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Visit Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) in Istanbul
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Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

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Karaköy

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Cultural Treasures and Turkish Night

Morning
Begin with a guided tour of the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) and the majestic Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). Afterward, have a delightful breakfast at Pandeli Restaurant, located in the Spice Bazaar area.
Afternoon
Savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, then continue your historical journey with a visit to the opulent Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi). Later, explore the underground wonder of the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi).
Evening
Conclude your day with a vibrant Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show. Enjoy the traditional dance performances and live music while indulging in a sumptuous Turkish dinner with local drinks.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
Visit Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul
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Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

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Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

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Day of Relaxation and Turkish Baths

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the serene Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii), enjoying the morning tranquility. Then, have a light breakfast at Simit Sarayı - Eminönü, known for its Turkish pastries.
Afternoon
Immerse yourself in the Turkish culture with a private Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City. Relax and rejuvenate with traditional treatments. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası.
Evening
Take a leisurely walk around the historic Eminönü, and for dinner, try the local flavors at Balikci Sabahattin, known for its classic Turkish dishes in a charming setting.
Bedtime
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Visit Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) in Istanbul
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Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)

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Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Spa in Old City

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Island Escape and Music by the Bosphorus

Morning
Catch a morning ferry to the Istanbul Princes' Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer. Explore the car-free Büyükada and enjoy a delightful lunch with live music on the island.
Afternoon
Return to the city and spend your afternoon at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum (Istanbul Modern Sanat Muzesi), exploring the contemporary Turkish art scene. Have a snack and coffee at the museum cafe.
Evening
As the sun sets, take a relaxing Istanbul Sunset Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus. Enjoy the cool breeze and the stunning views of the city's landmarks. For dinner, try the innovative dishes at 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar.
Bedtime
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Visit Istanbul Princes' Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer in Istanbul
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Istanbul Princes' Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer

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Visit Istanbul Sunset Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus in Istanbul
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Istanbul Sunset Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus

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Cultural Workshops and City Highlights

Morning
Participate in a Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop, where you'll learn the traditional art of Turkish mosaic. Enjoy a light breakfast at FerahFeza, known for its Turkish coffee and pastries.
Afternoon
Visit the vibrant neighborhood of Karaköy, exploring its eclectic mix of street art, cafes, and boutiques. Have a delicious lunch at Dürümzade, famous for its Turkish wraps.
Evening
Explore the iconic Istanbul Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu) and the beautiful Ortaköy Mosque (Ortaköy Camii). For dinner, indulge in the contemporary Turkish cuisine at Mikla, known for its innovative dishes and stunning views of the city.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
Visit Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Istanbul
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Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

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Visit Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü) in Istanbul
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Karaköy

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Bursa and Uludağ Excursion

Morning
Depart from Istanbul for a day trip to From Istanbul Bursa and Uludag Tour with Lunch & Cable Car. Explore the historic city of Bursa, visit the Grand Mosque, and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch. Then, take the cable car to the top of Uludağ mountain for breathtaking views.
Afternoon
Evening
Return to Istanbul and relax with dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse, known for its succulent steaks and vibrant atmosphere.
Bedtime
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From Istanbul Bursa and Uludag Tour with Lunch & Cable Car

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Culinary Delights and Evening Serenity

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi), where you can explore the vibrant stalls and sample a variety of spices and Turkish delights. Enjoy a light breakfast at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its authentic regional cuisine.
Afternoon
Take a guided tour of the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar), and then, indulge in a traditional Turkish lunch at Asitane Restaurant, which specializes in the cuisine of the Ottoman Empire.
Evening
Spend a serene evening at the Sunset Grill & Bar, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and savoring a fine dining experience with international and Turkish fusion cuisine.
Bedtime
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Visit Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) in Istanbul
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Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi)

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Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar)

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Majestic Palaces and Turkish Dance

Morning
Begin with a guided tour of the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), exploring its opulent chambers and treasury. Have a delightful breakfast at Pandeli Restaurant, located in the Spice Bazaar area.
Afternoon
Savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, then continue your historical journey with a visit to the Asian side and the Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi). Enjoy the scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus.
Evening
Conclude your day with a lively Istanbul Turkish Dance Show at Hodjapasha Cultural Centre. Before the show, enjoy a Turkish dinner at Karakoy Lokantasi, known for its modern take on traditional Turkish dishes.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
Visit Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) in Istanbul

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)

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Visit Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) in Istanbul
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Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi)

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Religious Sites and Evening Cruise

Morning
Start with a guided tour of the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) and the divine Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). Afterward, have a delightful breakfast at Pandeli Restaurant, located in the Spice Bazaar area.
Afternoon
Savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, then continue your historical journey with a visit to the spiritual Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii). Later, explore the underground wonder of the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi).
Evening
Enjoy a relaxing Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table. Indulge in a sumptuous dinner with live entertainment and panoramic views of the city's skyline and historical sites.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
Visit Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul
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Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

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Visit Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul
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Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

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Museum Day and Evening Entertainment

Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum (Istanbul Modern Sanat Muzesi), exploring the contemporary Turkish art scene. Enjoy a light breakfast at Dürümzade, famous for its Turkish wraps.
Afternoon
Immerse yourself in the history of Turkish ceramics at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums (Arkeoloji Muzeleri). Have a delightful lunch at Lokma Balıkçısı, a local favorite for seafood.
Evening
Conclude your day with a visit to the Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema. Before the ceremony, enjoy a Turkish dinner at Sultanahmet Koftecisi, known for its köfte (meatballs) and local ambiance.
Bedtime
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Visit Anzac Cove (Anzak Koyu) in Istanbul
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Istanbul Archaeology Museums (Arkeoloji Muzeleri)

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Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema

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Cruise and Culinary Exploration

Morning
Embark on a Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show to start your day with a delightful breakfast and live entertainment.
Afternoon
Savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, then continue your historical journey with a visit to the opulent Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi). Later, explore the underground wonder of the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi).
Evening
Conclude your day with a vibrant Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show. Enjoy the traditional dance performances and live music while indulging in a sumptuous Turkish dinner with local drinks.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show in Istanbul
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Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show

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Visit Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) in Istanbul

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)

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Culinary Workshops and City Highlights

Morning
Participate in a Istanbul Turkish Coffee Making and Fortune Telling Workshop, where you'll learn the art of Turkish coffee making and experience the tradition of fortune telling. Enjoy a light breakfast at FerahFeza, known for its Turkish coffee and pastries.
Afternoon
Visit the vibrant neighborhood of Karaköy, exploring its eclectic mix of street art, cafes, and boutiques. Have a delicious lunch at Dürümzade, famous for its Turkish wraps.
Evening
Explore the iconic Istanbul Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu) and the beautiful Ortaköy Mosque (Ortaköy Camii). For dinner, indulge in the contemporary Turkish cuisine at Mikla, known for its innovative dishes and stunning views of the city.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
Visit Istanbul Turkish Coffee Making and Fortune Telling Workshop in Istanbul
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Istanbul Turkish Coffee Making and Fortune Telling Workshop

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Visit Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü) in Istanbul
star4.73

Karaköy

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next arrow

Scenic Views and Culinary Exploration

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi). Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus. For breakfast, indulge in the famous Turkish pastries at Simitle - Karaköy.
Afternoon
Have a fulfilling lunch at Lokma Balıkçısı, a local favorite for seafood. Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant and trendy Karaköy district, known for its street art and hip cafes.
Evening
Dine at Maiden's Tower Restaurant located on a small islet in the Bosphorus. Enjoy the unique experience of a boat ride to the restaurant and savor a romantic dinner with stunning views of the city.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
Visit Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) in Istanbul
star4.70

Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

Book Now
Visit Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü) in Istanbul
star4.73

Karaköy

Book Now

Religious Sites and Evening Cruise

Morning
Start with a guided tour of the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) and the divine Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). Afterward, have a delightful breakfast at Pandeli Restaurant, located in the Spice Bazaar area.
Afternoon
Savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, then continue your historical journey with a visit to the spiritual Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii). Later, explore the underground wonder of the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi).
Evening
Enjoy a relaxing Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table. Indulge in a sumptuous dinner with live entertainment and panoramic views of the city's skyline and historical sites.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
Visit Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul
star4.67

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

Book Now
Visit Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul
star4.68

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Book Now
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Departure Day and Culinary Farewell

Morning
Enjoy your final morning in Istanbul with a visit to the {A-Spice Bazaar (Misir Cars
Afternoon
Evening

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