Discover Istanbul: 9-Day Cultural Journey
1 cities |
20 attraction(s) |
total distance 96
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day1: Istanbul
5 attraction(s) ·
3 km
2
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
1
km
5
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
Day2: Istanbul
3 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
The Bosphorus Strait, also known as the Istanbul Strait, is the boundary line between Europe and Asia. The waterway is approximately 30 kilometers long, with a width of about 3,700 meters at its widest point and only about 700 meters at its narrowest point. The northern end of the strait leads to the Black Sea, while the southern end leads to the Sea of Marmara. The central current flows from the Black Sea towards the Sea of Marmara, while an undercurrent brings saltwater from the Sea of Marmara back to the Black Sea. Fish migrate seasonally through the strait to and from the Black Sea, making the fishing industry very prosperous. The shores of the strait are covered with lush forests, as well as villages, tourist attractions, and magnificent residences and villas. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is located on the other end of the strait, facing the Anatolian Peninsula, and is a must-pass to get to the Black Sea. This strait is also the only route connecting the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.
1
km
2
The Ortaköy Mosque, also known as the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, is located on the coastline of Ortaköy square in Istanbul, Turkey. One of the most popular tourist attractions on the Bosphorus Strait, this mosque dates back to the Ottoman Empire when Sultan Abdulmejid I ordered its construction in a new Baroque style. Today, it remains one of Istanbul's most impressive buildings—both a holy site for Muslims and a popular destination for tourists.
3
The Ortaköy Mosque, also known as the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, is located on the coastline of Ortaköy square in Istanbul, Turkey. One of the most popular tourist attractions on the Bosphorus Strait, this mosque dates back to the Ottoman Empire when Sultan Abdulmejid I ordered its construction in a new Baroque style. Today, it remains one of Istanbul's most impressive buildings—both a holy site for Muslims and a popular destination for tourists.
Day3: Istanbul
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
1
km
2
Bustling city thoroughfare known for its boutiques, galleries, theaters & numerous eateries.
Day4: Istanbul
2 attraction(s) ·
3 km
1
Museum of religious art on the site of a church that was first built here in the 6th century A.D.
3
km
2
This small mountain is located in the northwest of Istanbul and is both a cemetery and a scenic spot. Standing at the top of the mountain, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Istanbul's Golden Horn Bay. There are many restaurants on the top of the mountain where you can taste local tea and food. On weekends, many locals come here to visit. Even in the off-season, tourists are still coming one after another. Whenever you go, this is a place worth visiting.
Day5: Istanbul
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
Exhibits on the area's history with hundreds of artifacts on display, plus a gift shop & cafeteria.
1
km
2
The largest island in the Prince Islands, located on the Marmara Sea in Istanbul, is Büyükada, which is more famous than Kınalıada. The island is 4.4 kilometers long and 1.7 kilometers wide, covering a total area of 5.46 square kilometers (2.11 square miles). In 2000, it was home to 7,335 people. The island is a popular resort destination and is known for being the place where Soviet politician Trotsky was exiled in 1908. The highest point on the island is 203 meters above sea level, and there is also an ancient Greek Orthodox church, the St. George Church.
Day6: Istanbul
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
2
km
Day7: Istanbul
2 attraction(s) ·
5 km
1
The Ayasofya Mosque is located in the Ayasofya district on the European side of Istanbul, near the Golden Horn and adjacent to the walls of Constantinople. The mosque was first built in 1458 and is one of the earliest mosques built after the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople.
According to local legend, the mosque is adjacent to the tomb of Ayasofya Sultan, a close friend of the Prophet Muhammad, who was buried here when the Arabs conquered Constantinople in 670. This tomb is highly revered by Muslim pilgrims and attracts many worshippers.
5
km
2
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
Day8: Istanbul
2 attraction(s) ·
4 km
1
Suleymaniye Mosque, located on the top of a hill in the Golden Horn Bay in Istanbul, is one of the many grand mosques in Turkey. Commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the building was constructed between 1550 to 1557 and is one of the important works of architect Mimar Sinan. The complex includes the mosque, a magnificent inner courtyard, minarets, and cemetery, as well as aspects of city and national significance. Comparable to the mosque of Fatih, it is considered one of the representative works of the early Ottoman architecture. The mosque is located in a courtyard measuring 216 meters long and 144 meters wide, including the inner courtyard, mosque, and four minarets rising 81 meters high. The entire building is based on Euclidean geometry, and the simple interior decoration completely follows the needs of the building. Suleymaniye Mosque is also considered a symbol of paradise, as it is a mosque illuminated by the light of God. The references and inscriptions in the building further strengthen this metaphor. The foundation of the building is strengthened with special cement to support its weight. Through careful selection of stone pillars, Suleymaniye Mosque shares many similarities with the temple of Solomon. The building also reflects the Ottoman Empire's frugal spirit in budget and worship areas.
4
km
2
Museum on transportation, industry & communications with a car collection & some hands-on exhibits.
Day9: Istanbul
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
