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![A Week of Splendor in Istanbul: Culture, Cuisine, and Bosphorus Charms](https://storage.googleapis.com/bd-app-dev-375714.appspot.com/itineraries/018fa716-422a-7b18-85c7-e83e5ea2f293/location205.jpg)
A Week of Splendor in Istanbul: Culture, Cuisine, and Bosphorus Charms Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jun 17Iconic Istanbul Landmarks and Turkish Flavors
Morning
Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Karaköy Lokantası, known for its authentic dishes and charming ambiance. After breakfast, visit the majestic Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) and explore the rich history of the Ottoman Empire.
Afternoon
For lunch, savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, located near the palace. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll to the historic Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) and marvel at its stunning architecture.
Evening
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Pandeli Restaurant, a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Conclude your day with a relaxing Bosphorus dinner cruise and a Turkish night show, experiencing the enchanting beauty of Istanbul at night. Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show
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 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 and Turkish Night Show in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/64275967165ec.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.87Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/64275967165ec.jpeg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show
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Bosphorus Magic and Ottoman Heritage
Morning
Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at Çiya Sofrası, a renowned restaurant offering a variety of authentic Turkish dishes. After breakfast, take a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and its iconic landmarks. Istanbul Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Asitane Restaurant again to try more of their exquisite Ottoman recipes. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), a symbol of the opulence of the Ottoman Empire.
Evening
Enjoy a sophisticated dining experience at Mikla, a restaurant known for its modern take on Turkish cuisine. After dinner, take a private Turkish bath and enjoy a relaxing massage to unwind from the day's adventures. Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, and Massage
Bedtime
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![Visit Istanbul Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/bd07703ea8f112319c555bfc57c7805944299944901e6eca339f117c86a20a26.png/21.jpg)
4.80Istanbul Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide
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![Visit Istanbul Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/bd07703ea8f112319c555bfc57c7805944299944901e6eca339f117c86a20a26.png/21.jpg)
Istanbul Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide
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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 Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, and Massage in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/96b3cacddd51d992779e3434b1a65a93f7383a81bea0e9ee5420d954ea72cbe8.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.77Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, and Massage
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![Visit Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, and Massage in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/96b3cacddd51d992779e3434b1a65a93f7383a81bea0e9ee5420d954ea72cbe8.jpeg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, and Massage
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Sultanahmet Wonders and Culinary Delights
Morning
Start your day with a classic Turkish breakfast at Sultanahmet Köftecisi, a beloved spot for locals. After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of these iconic sites.
Afternoon
For lunch, enjoy the famous köfte at Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) and indulge in some shopping for souvenirs and local treasures.
Evening
Dine at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its spectacular views of the city and delicious Turkish cuisine. After dinner, attend a mesmerizing performance of the Whirling Dervishes to experience the spiritual heritage of Turkey. Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema
Bedtime
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![Visit Istanbul Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia Tour in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/6477b225d9b33.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.22Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia
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![Visit Istanbul Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia Tour in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/6477b225d9b33.jpeg/21.jpg)
Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia
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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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Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)
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![Visit Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/6436c185777e9.png/21.jpg)
4.28Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema
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![Visit Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/6436c185777e9.png/21.jpg)
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema
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Palatial Charms and Culinary Journeys
Morning
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Bebek Balıkçısı, a popular seafood restaurant with a stunning view of the Bosphorus. After breakfast, visit the enchanting Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi), a symbol of the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans.
Afternoon
For lunch, savor the fresh catch of the day at Balıkçı Sabahattin, a renowned fish restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the historic neighborhood of Balat and immerse yourself in its colorful streets and vibrant atmosphere. Balat
Evening
Dine at Sunset Grill & Bar, a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city. After dinner, take a private yacht cruise at sunset and enjoy the magical colors of the sky reflecting on the Bosphorus. Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Cruise at Sunset with Snacks
Bedtime
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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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![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 Bosphorus Yacht Cruise at Sunset with Snacks in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/c8db77056b1a4a61dfde8914bff27b0659b104024442f681cf8feedc063b853b.jpg/21.jpg)
4.89Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Cruise at Sunset with Snacks
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Cruise at Sunset with Snacks in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/c8db77056b1a4a61dfde8914bff27b0659b104024442f681cf8feedc063b853b.jpg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Cruise at Sunset with Snacks
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Culinary Exploration and Cultural Immersion
Morning
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Dürümzade, a hidden gem known for its delicious Turkish wraps. After breakfast, take a guided tour of the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) and explore this architectural masterpiece.
Afternoon
For lunch, enjoy a variety of mezes at Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası, a popular seafood restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant neighborhood of Ortaköy and relax by the waterfront, taking in the views of the Bosphorus. Ortaköy
Evening
Dine at 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar, a revolving restaurant offering a unique dining experience. After dinner, participate in a Turkish coffee making and fortune telling workshop to learn about the traditional art of coffee reading. Istanbul Turkish Coffee Making and Fortune Telling Workshop
Bedtime
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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 Ortaköy in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/87/e4.jpg)
4.61Ortaköy
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![Visit Ortaköy in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/87/e4.jpg)
Ortaköy
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![Visit Istanbul Turkish Coffee Making and Fortune Telling Workshop in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/6480c33ef3b77.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.95Istanbul Turkish Coffee Making and Fortune Telling Workshop
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![Visit Istanbul Turkish Coffee Making and Fortune Telling Workshop in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/6480c33ef3b77.jpeg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Turkish Coffee Making and Fortune Telling Workshop
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Historical Treasures and Gastronomic Delights
Morning
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Nusr-Et Steakhouse, a renowned restaurant with a focus on high-quality meat dishes. After breakfast, take a guided tour of the Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari) and learn about its strategic importance in the history of Istanbul.
Afternoon
For lunch, savor the flavors of traditional Ottoman cuisine at Hünkar Restaurant - Topkapı Palace Hotel Istanbul. In the afternoon, explore the charming neighborhood of Balat and visit the Chora Church (Kariye Müzesi) to admire its stunning mosaics.
Evening
Dine at Maiden's Tower Restaurant, a unique dining destination located on a historic tower in the Bosphorus. After dinner, enjoy a private yacht cruise with a dinner show, experiencing the beauty of Istanbul's landmarks illuminated at night. Istanbul Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show
Bedtime
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![Visit Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/83/09.jpg)
4.49Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari)
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Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari)
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/640b27514b353.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.44Istanbul Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/640b27514b353.jpeg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show
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Final Day of Splendor and Farewell to Istanbul
Morning
On your last day in Istanbul, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Balıkçı Sabahattin, savoring the fresh flavors of the sea. After breakfast, take a private guided tour of the İstanbul Modern to explore the contemporary art scene of the city.
Afternoon
For lunch, experience the unique flavors of Turkish-Peruvian fusion cuisine at Çiya Sofrası. In the afternoon, visit the Sakıp Sabancı Museum to admire its impressive collection of calligraphy and Ottoman art.
![Visit Sadberk Hanim Museum (Sadberk Hanım Müzesi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/89/6a.jpg)
İstanbul Modern
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İstanbul Modern
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![Visit Eyup Sultan Mosque in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/8f/03/16.jpg)
4.34Sakıp Sabancı Museum
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Sakıp Sabancı Museum
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