7 Days trip in Turkey

Day 1

1. Hagia Sophia

   120 minutes

   Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral and Ottoman imperial mosque, now a museum showcasing the city's rich history and architecture.

2. Grand Bazaar

   180 minutes

   Explore the vibrant colors and smells of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, while treating yourself to delicious street food and local Turkish delicacies.

3. Sultanahmet Park

   120 minutes

   Take a leisure walk in Sultanahmet Park, a lovely green space surrounded by some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque and the Obelisk of Theodosius.

Day 2

1. Prince Islands

   240 minutes

   Embark on a scenic ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara to the beautiful Prince Islands, car-free islands surrounded by clear waters and sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

2. Karakoy Gulluoglu

   60 minutes

   Indulge in some of the best baklava in the city at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a family-owned pastry shop that has been serving traditional Turkish sweets for over 200 years.

3. Istanbul Modern Art Museum

   120 minutes

   Experience the vibrant contemporary art scene of Istanbul at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, featuring over 8,000 works by Turkish and international artists.

Day 3

1. Bosphorus Cruise

   180 minutes

   Hop on a cruise along the Bosphorus, a strategic waterway that separates Europe and Asia, and marvel at the stunning view of Istanbul's skyline, including the Dolmabahce Palace, the Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge.

2. Karakoy Lokantasi

   120 minutes

   Taste authentic Turkish cuisine at Karakoy Lokantasi, a buzzing restaurant serving classic dishes inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Istanbul's neighborhoods.

3. Taksim Square

   120 minutes

   Stroll around Taksim Square, one of the city's major commercial and cultural centers, where you can find trendy boutiques, bookstores and cafes, as well as live music and street performers.

Day 4

1. Topkapi Palace

   240 minutes

   Step back in time and get lost in the majestic halls and chambers of Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Balik-Ekmek

   30 minutes

   Satisfy your lunch cravings with a freshly-grilled fish sandwich ('balik-ekmek') from one of the many food stalls lining the shores of the Golden Horn.

3. Galata Tower

   90 minutes

   Climb up to the top of Galata Tower, an ancient medieval stone tower that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul's old city and the Bosphorus.

Day 5

1. Blue Mosque

   90 minutes

   Admire the intricate architecture and peaceful serenity of the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of Islamic faith and culture.

2. Simit Sarayi

   60 minutes

   Taste the crispy and savory 'simit', a traditional Turkish sesame-coated bread ring, with a cup of strong Turkish coffee at Simit Sarayi, one of the best places to try this local delight.

3. Istanbul Archaeology Museums

   120 minutes

   Explore the rich and diverse collections of the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, one of the largest and oldest museums in Turkey and home to over a million artifacts, including the famous Alexander Sarcophagus.

Day 6

1. Princes' Islands

   240 minutes

   Discover the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of the Princes' Islands, a group of nine car-free islands just a short ferry ride from Istanbul, where you can cycle, swim or simply enjoy the stunning sea views.

2. Kapali Carsi

   180 minutes

   Get lost in the colorful and bustling maze of Istanbul's Kapali Carsi, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where you can find everything from traditional textiles and ceramics to modern designer clothes and jewelry.

3. Tarihi Karakoy Balikcisi

   120 minutes

   Treat yourself to some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in town at Tarihi Karakoy Balikcisi, a popular and authentic seafood restaurant that serves a mouth-watering variety of grilled and fried fish and mezes.

Day 7

1. Dolmabahce Palace

   180 minutes

   Explore the lavish and opulent interiors of Dolmabahce Palace, one of the most impressive palaces in the world, built by the Ottoman sultans in the 19th century to surpass the grandeur of European monarchies.

2. Pandeli Restaurant

   120 minutes

   Experience the taste of Istanbul's Ottoman heritage at Pandeli Restaurant, a historic restaurant that has been serving delicacies from the Ottoman palace for over a century, including the famous lamb shank and baklava.

3. Istiklal Avenue

   120 minutes

   Shop, dine and socialize at Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul's most famous and cosmopolitan avenue, lined with elegant boutiques, cinemas, bookstores and cafes, and filled with live music, art and street performers.