15 day itinerary for Istanbul

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood to get a feel for the city. Enjoy a delicious Turkish dinner at a local restaurant to kick off your trip.

Day 2: Sultanahmet District

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, followed by the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. Explore the Grand Bazaar for some souvenir shopping and end the day with a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus.

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a full-day Bosphorus cruise to explore the stunning views of Istanbul from the water. Visit the picturesque fishing villages along the way and enjoy a seafood lunch on board.

Day 4: Princes' Islands

Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands for a peaceful day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Rent bicycles or horse-drawn carriages to explore the islands and enjoy a picnic by the sea.

Day 5: Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Spend the day at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, where you can admire contemporary Turkish art and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the museum's cafe overlooking the Bosphorus.

Day 6: Spice Bazaar and Galata Tower

Explore the vibrant Spice Bazaar and sample some Turkish delights before heading to the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city. End the day with a traditional Turkish dinner in the lively Beyoglu district.

Day 7: Turkish Cooking Class

Join a family-friendly Turkish cooking class to learn how to prepare classic dishes like kebabs, mezes, and baklava. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch and take home some new recipes to try out.

Day 8: Miniaturk and Rahmi Koc Museum

Visit Miniaturk to see miniature replicas of famous Turkish landmarks and then head to the Rahmi Koc Museum to explore a fascinating collection of vintage cars, planes, and maritime artifacts.

Day 9: Istanbul Aquarium

Spend the day at the Istanbul Aquarium, where you can marvel at a variety of marine life and enjoy interactive exhibits that are fun for the whole family.

Day 10: Camlica Hill and Maiden's Tower

Take a scenic drive to Camlica Hill for panoramic views of the city and enjoy a picnic overlooking the Bosphorus. In the evening, take a boat ride to the Maiden's Tower for a magical dinner experience.

Day 11: Dolmabahce Palace and Taksim Square

Explore the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, and then stroll down Istiklal Avenue to Taksim Square for some shopping and people-watching.

Day 12: Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Spend the day exploring the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, where you can see a vast collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations and learn about the city's rich history.

Day 13: Balat and Fener

Discover the colorful neighborhoods of Balat and Fener, known for their historic architecture and vibrant street art. Visit the Chora Church and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local cafe.

Day 14: Turkish Bath Experience

Indulge in a traditional Turkish bath experience at a historic hammam to relax and rejuvenate before your journey back home. Treat yourself to a massage and enjoy the soothing ambiance of the bathhouse.

Day 15: Departure

Bid farewell to Istanbul with a final breakfast at a local cafe before heading to the airport for your flight home. Take one last look at the city skyline and reminisce about the wonderful memories you've made during your 15-day adventure in Istanbul. Safe travels!