ITINERARY

• You can visit Hagia Sophia on your own with an audio guide, making it easy to explore at your own pace. It’s open every day of the week, except Fridays, during its operating hours. This gives you the flexibility to visit whenever it suits you! The Hagia Sophia Mosque is open every day except Fridays, from 09:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• You can visit the Galata Tower on your own with an audio guide, at your own pace. The tower is open every day during its regular hours. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks! The Galata Tower is open every day from 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• You can explore it at your own pace with an audio guide. It’s open every day during regular hours. Don’t miss the chance to experience this unique and historic site! The Basilica Cistern is open every day from 09:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Topkapi Palace, the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, is famous for its history, architecture, and impressive collections. The palace includes the Harem, Enderun, and various courtyards, offering visitors a chance to explore Ottoman culture. The Topkapi Palace is open every day except Tuesdays. Tour times are 10:00, 12:00, and 14:00. Meet the host 15 minutes before the tour at Topkapi Café.
• Dolmabahce Palace is a must-visit in Istanbul! This stunning palace, with its impressive architecture and rich history, was once the home of Ottoman sultans. The Dolmabahce Palace is open every day except Mondays, from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
• Aya Irini Museum is a unique and peaceful spot in Istanbul! This ancient church, with its beautiful architecture and history, offers a glimpse into the city’s early Christian past. The Hagia Irene Museum is open every day except Tuesdays, from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
• The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are a must-visit for anyone interested in history! As Turkey's first museum, it houses nearly a million artifacts from various cultures, brought from across the empire's lands. The museum is open every day from 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.
• The Istanbul Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a must-see! With one of the world’s best carpet collections, rare manuscripts, and stunning artifacts, it’s the perfect place to discover the beauty of Islamic art. The museum is open every day from 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.
• The Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture is a must-visit for modern art enthusiasts. Established in 1937, it showcases important works of modern Turkish art. The museum is open every day from 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.
• The Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi) is a must-see in Istanbul! Located on a small islet in the Bosphorus, it offers amazing views of the city and has a rich history. The Maiden's Tower is open every day from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM. Ferries to and from the tower depart every half hour from the pier in front of Karaköy Ziraat Bank, between 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.
• Beylerbeyi Palace is a beautiful Ottoman palace located by the Bosphorus, once used as a summer residence for sultans. With its stunning architecture, luxurious interiors, and lovely gardens, it offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. The Beylerbeyi Palace is open every day except Mondays, from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
• The Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture is a must-visit for modern art enthusiasts. Established in 1937, it showcases important works of modern Turkish art. The museum is open every day except Mondays, from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
• The Palace Collections Museum, located in the former kitchens of Dolmabahce Palace, showcases objects from the last years of the Ottoman Empire. The museum displays items from Dolmabahce, Beylerbeyi, Topkapi, Yildiz palaces, and other pavilions, along with Yildiz Porcelain and Hereke Carpets. The collection is divided into three sections: an art gallery, a museum, and a storage area. The museum is open every day except Mondays, from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
• Rumeli Fortress is a must-visit historic site in Istanbul! Built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1452 to control the Bosphorus, this impressive fortress offers stunning views of the strait and the city. You can explore the castle’s towers, walls, and courtyards, learning about its strategic importance in Ottoman history. The Rumeli Fortress is open every day except Mondays, from 08:30 AM to 05:00 PM.
• The Great Palace Mosaics Museum is a hidden gem in Istanbul, featuring beautiful mosaics from the Eastern Roman Empire, dating back to 450-550 AD. These mosaics depict scenes from daily life, nature, and mythology, offering a unique view of ancient life. The museum is open every day from 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM.
• Galata Mevlevi Museum is a fascinating spot for anyone interested in Sufi culture and the Whirling Dervishes. Housed in the former Galata Mevlevihanesi, this museum offers a glimpse into the world of the Mevlevi Order, known for their unique spinning dance (Sema). The museum showcases the history, rituals, and practices of the dervishes, with exhibits including musical instruments, calligraphy, and religious artifacts. The Galata Mevlevi Museum is open every day except Mondays, from 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM.
• Yildiz Palace is one of Istanbul’s most impressive Ottoman palaces, offering stunning views of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. It was the main residence of Sultan Abdulhamid II and the center of Ottoman government for 33 years. The palace includes the administrative section, the sultan’s private quarters, and the large garden area, now Yildiz Park. The Yildiz Palace is open every day except Wednesdays, from 09:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
• Pammakaristos Church is a historic Byzantine church in Istanbul, built after 1261 and later expanded with a chapel dedicated to Jesus Christ in 1315. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted into Fethiye Mosque in 1586. Please note that the church is currently closed for restoration.