Istanbul is filled with historical importance, having been the center of 3 legendary empires. You will find this Istanbul itinerary helpful in planning your trip. Remember that during the peak tourist season, especially during the summer months, Istanbul will be busy and patience is a virtue when waiting in long lines.

Day 1

St. Savior, formerly a monastic church, is famous for its exquisite mosaics. Located in Chora Kariye Muzei, you should plan on spending the early part of the day touring this Byzantine landmark. Then, visit the Edirne Gate, a 4 mile wall built to protect the city of Constantinople.

Day 2

In Taksim Square you will see the past and present collide. Observe as the architecture of old, with its gilded domes and towers, meets the modern age of cell phones and billboards. This is a great place to people watch. Plan to stop by Istiklal Caddesi, a huge open air maret filled with cafes, bars and shops.

Day 3

A trip to Islanbul will not be complete without a visit to Dolmabahce Palace. Located on 62 acres of the Bosphorus shore, the Palace was built during the 19th century for Sultan Abdulmecit and is an example of the Ottoman modern design.

Day 4

Visit the Hippodrome, which served as the location for public events during the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The Hippodrome was the location of weddings, games and even revolts and some executions, so its history is both celebrated and tragic.

Day 5

Topkapi Palace played an important role during Ottoman rule. A visit to Topkapi Palace will reveal the mysteries surrounding the empire and give insight to the transcontinental influence of the Ottomans. After the tour, have lunch or dinner at the Konyali Restaurant. Topkapi is open untl 7 pm daily.

Day 6

Ayasofya was a prominent place during the Byzantine Empire as well as for the Ottomans, playing a significant role in Ottoman architecture. Comparatively, the Blue Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet, was intended to take away the glory of Ayasofya.

Day 7

For the shopping enthusiast, a trip to Istanbul is not complete without a stop at the Grand Bazaar. Set on 76 acres, the Grand Bazaar holds 2 covered markets, over 65 streets, 24 inns, over 4,000 shops, as well as restaurants, cafes, bars, fountains and mosques. You can spend the entire day at the Grand Bazaar and still not see it all. You should be advised that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday, so plan accordingly.