Turkey is a land of contrasts, where ancient history meets modern luxury, and East blends seamlessly with West. This past summer, I had the chance to cross the country off my bucket list with a trip to Istanbul and Antalya. The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul constitutes the country’s economic, cultural, and historical heart while Antalya, known as the “Turkish Riviera,” boasts important ancient ruined cities like Aspendos, including awe-inspiring Hadrian’s Gate and its perfectly intact Roman amphitheater. In this 7-day itinerary, I’ll take you on a journey through both cities. Whether you’re indulging in fine dining meals or enjoying a hammam treatment, this guide has everything you need for an authentic Turkish experience.
Monday: Arrival in Istanbul via Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is ranked among the top 10 best airlines in the world by Skytrax, so a business class upgrade was well worth it for an almost 10-hour flight.
My seat transformed into a lie-flat bed, making it easy to get some serious rest, but the real highlight was the onboard flying chef. I was greeted with a welcome drink and handed an extensive, carefully curated menu. The experience began with an assortment of canapés and a creamy sweet pea soup, followed by my choice of the main course—I opted for the grilled wild sea bass, served on elegant porcelain tableware and complemented by fine Sarafin wines and attentive service. For a moment, I felt like I was in a real restaurant, not on an airplane! To top it all off, a trolley full of desserts passed by, offering the perfect finishing touch. Next time I’m flying with Turkish Airlines from United States, I’ll definitely take advantage of their Stopover in Istanbul program which allows you explore the city with a free stay in one of their partner hotels, if you’re connecting through Istanbul Airport to any of their international destinations.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, I was greeted with a private transfer to Ciragan Palace Kempinski, a former Ottoman palace now serving as one of Istanbul’s most prestigious hotels. The moment I stepped into my room, I was captivated by the regal ambiance and the breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. This hotel has hosted celebrities like Oprah, Enrique Iglesias, and the late Kobe Bryant during their visits to Istanbul. To shake off the travel fatigue, we had in-room massages, setting the tone for the week ahead.
For dinner, I headed to Gazebo, the hotel’s signature restaurant inspired by the grandeur of Ottoman gardens. I ordered the burrata salad as an appetizer, followed by a lobster roll. The restaurant staff graciously allowed me to take my champagne with me as I strolled around the property, enjoying the sunset and the breathtaking view.
Tuesday: Exploring the Historic Heart of Istanbul
I wasted no time in venturing out into the city to explore its iconic landmarks, beginning with the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque). This architectural masterpiece, adorned with thousands of stunning blue tiles, six towering minarets, and intricate decorative elements, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Ottoman design and Istanbul’s rich Islamic heritage.
Next, I visited the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum. Next on the list was the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir. The dim lighting and the reflection of the columns in the water created a surreal environment, this would be a dream wedding venue!
My last stop was the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops. The amount of shops is overwhelming so I recommend you come with a plan: my goal was to score a traditional Anatolian rug and a handmade mosaic lamp, both quintessential home decor pieces for my travel-inspired home.
After the bustling bazaar, I treated myself to some Turkish delights at Hafiz Mustafa, a legendary sweet shop that has been around since 1864.
Dinner was at Tuğra Restaurant, located on the first floor of the historic Ciragan Palace. The tasting menu earned the restaurant a Michelin Guide recognition. As a special treat, we were surprised by a drone show— talk about being “at the right place, at the right time.”
Wednesday: A New Perspective on Istanbul
After a regal stay, I transferred to Divan Hotel, located in the bustling neighborhood of Taksim, before heading to Academic Hostpital, where EsteNove is located.
EsteNove is a renowned medical clinic in Turkey specializing in hair transplantation and cosmetic treatments, all designed to enhance your physical appearance and boost personal confidence. Turkey has become a global hub for medical tourism, thanks to its highly skilled doctors, state-of-the-art facilities and advanced techniques. The expertise and care provided at EsteNove made it clear why so many people choose Turkey for their medical needs. The clinic is popular for its reputation in delivering natural-looking results, maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety, and, most importantly for international clients, providing comprehensive aftercare support.
For lunch, I dined at Biz Istanbul, a chic restaurant with panoramic views of the city. If you’re a wine lover, this is the spot for you—I enjoyed one of my favorite white wines, the Anaxagoras Chardonnay 2020, while taking in the stunning scenery.
Afterward, I went shopping in Taksim. A must-try snack in the area is the Wet Burger—a juicy burger sold at street stalls, paired perfectly with traditional roasted chestnuts.
Thursday: Our Very Own Self-Guided Food Tour, From Fresh Seafood to Baklava Indulgence
We decided to start the day a little later, allowing ourselves to truly unwind and enjoy the vacation. For lunch, we chose Lacivert Seafood Restaurant—my absolute favorite in Istanbul—renowned for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the Bosphorus. Nestled in the opulent Anadolu Hisarı neighborhood, the restaurant has a seafront open-air terrace, located right beneath the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the second suspension bridge built over the Bosphorus.
Our meal began with traditional gobek served with honeydew melon and feta, followed by squash borani, and spicy shrimp saganaki. The surprise treat? Lacivert has a private boat shuttling guests back and forth between two continents, a convenient (and fancy) transfer to the Rumeli Castle neighborhood on the European side after your meal.
Afterwards, we embarked on a self-guided walking tour at Galataport, a revitalized waterfront area perfect for shopping, dining, and soaking in the sun. We stopped at Güllüoğlu to pick up some baklava to take home.
We finished the day watching the sunset near Galata Tower and getting lost in the nearby streets, perfect to buy souvenirs.
Friday: Antalya, the Turkish Riviera!
After checking out of Divan Hotel, we took a short flight from Istanbul to Antalya, eager to experience a new side of Turkey. Kaya Palazzo Golf Resort Belek welcomed us with caviar and champagne as we were escorted to our “home” for the next three days: the Luxury Lagoon Suite. This spacious, elegantly designed haven came with direct access to our very own private pool. When we opened the room door, we were surprised with a fruit basket, a chocolate & dessert platter, Turkish wine and a bottle of “Chivas Regal” 12-year whiskey.
Our first day was all about unwinding and discovering the resort’s extensive amenities. As an all-inclusive hotel, Kaya Palazzo truly offers something for everyone, from multiple open bars to a wide range of on-site activities, DJ and live music venues for adults and an aquapark and mini club for the kids. Although I’m not typically one to spend so much time at a hotel, I have to say—this is one of the best places to stay if you prefer an “all inclusive” vacation.
Saturday: Learning About Antalya’s Rich Cultural History
The day began with an endless array of dishes at the Lagoon Restaurant, where the traditional Turkish breakfast presentation and diverse offerings made it an experience all its own.
Afterwards, we set out to explore Antalya, starting with a private tour of the historic old town, Kaleiçi. Our tour guide, Ismet Sari, was amazing, sharing fascinating stories about the town’s Ottoman-era houses, charming courtyards, and narrow streets. He was born and raised in the area so to hear from a local made the experience even more enriching. He answered every single one of my questions (as a journalist, I always have a lot!) and taught us about mosque etiquette and the traditional whirling dervish ceremony.
As I strolled through the streets with pomegranate juice in hand, I couldn’t help but notice the evil eye charms hanging from the windows and doors of many local homes—these traditional symbols are believed to protect against negative energy.
For lunch, we headed to 7 Mehmet, a restaurant renowned for its fusion of modern Mediterranean and traditional Turkish cuisine. We enjoyed the catch of the day and I discovered a new favorite wine, Sarafin Sauvignon Blanc, which paired perfectly with our light meal.
In the afternoon, we finalized the tour by exploring the grand Aspendos Theater, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. This 9-hour tour was truly one of the highlights of the trip!
Sunday: A Day of Ultimate Relaxation
Our final day in Turkey was all about relaxation. We opted for a private cabana with a pool overlooking the sea while the Kaya Palazzo’s concierge provided unlimited drinks and snacks.
Right after, I treated myself to my very first hammam experience, a traditional Turkish bath. The experience ended with ayran, a refreshing Turkish drink made from just three ingredients: yogurt, salt, and water. It was the perfect way to cap off the spa day!
As I packed for my flight back home, I found myself already dreaming of my next visit to Turkey—perhaps for an air balloon ride in Cappadocia or scuba diving in Bodrum, also known as the “Turkish Saint-Tropez.”
Victoria Leandra is an award-winning journalist, influencer and on-cam host specializing in culture, food & unique experiences around the world. Follow her life as a journalist via @VictoriaLeandra.
