Where Europe greets Asia, Istanbul has dazzled travelers for 1,700 years—from Byzantine emperors to Ottoman sultans. You’ll walk in the shadow of Hagia Sophia’s great dome, inhale spice-laced air in the Grand Bazaar, and watch sunset stain the Bosphorus copper from a ferry deck.

Then it’s south to Belek, Antalya’s resort streak along the Turquoise Coast. Here, pine forests meet blue-green sea, golf greens roll to the shore, and days follow a gentle rhythm: swim, feast, spa, repeat. With a 4–5 night all-inclusive stay, the only decision is beach or pool first.

Practical notes: Istanbul’s mosques welcome visitors outside prayer times—knees and shoulders covered. Pick up an Istanbulkart for trams, metros, and ferries. Domestic flights to Antalya run frequently (about 1h20). Turkish cuisine is a highlight—sample mezes, wood-fired pita, grilled fish, and syrupy desserts like künefe.

Istanbul

Few cities match Istanbul’s layers: Roman forums, Ottoman palaces, Belle Époque arcades, and razor-cool galleries. Neighborhoods are villages—Sultanahmet for imperial splendor, Karaköy for cafes and design, Kadıköy for markets and meyhanes.

Don’t-miss icons: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Spice Market, and a Bosphorus cruise past yali mansions. Balance big sights with street-level pleasures—tea in tulip glasses, sesame simit, and tram bells on Istiklal.

• Arriving flights: If you’re flying within or from Europe, search fares on Omio (flights). For non‑Europe routes, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Target IST for most connections; SAW also works for low-cost carriers.
• Stay (group of 4): Browse apartments near Galata/Karaköy on VRBO Istanbul or compare hotels on Hotels.com Istanbul. Excellent options: Sirkeci Mansion (Old City boutique with pool and Turkish breakfast), Swissôtel The Bosphorus (park-side, sweeping views, big rooms), Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus (waterside heritage), Çırağan Palace Kempinski (palatial setting), or budget‑friendly Cheers Hostel (private quads available).
• Cafes & bites: Foam-forward coffee at Mandabatmaz (thick Turkish), Petra Roasting (specialty), or Kronotrop (single-origin). Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi (honeycombs and herbed cheeses) or Çeşme Bazlama (endless gözleme). Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası (blue-tile meyhane classics) or Pandeli above the Spice Bazaar (1911 institution). Dinner at Neolokal (Anatolian heritage tasting), Hamdi (kebabs with Golden Horn views), Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy (regional dishes), or Tuğra at Çırağan (sultan’s recipes).

Days 1–4: Sultanahmet, Bazaars, and the Bosphorus

Start with the Old City’s big four: Hagia Sophia’s mosaic-etched past, the Blue Mosque’s Iznik tiles, Topkapı’s treasury and harem, and the Basilica Cistern’s forest of columns. Time your mosque visits outside prayer and expect security lines.

Trade grandeur for bustle at the Grand Bazaar’s han courtyards and the Spice Bazaar’s sumac and saffron. Cap a first chapter with an evening Bosphorus cruise to watch palaces glow.

• Guided highlights with tickets: Istanbul Guided Tour Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Cistern with Tickets

  

  Skip lines and focus on stories.
• Dinner on the water: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table

  

  Whirling dances, city lights, and a VIP table for your group.

Day 5: Beyoğlu, Galata, and a Cross-Continent Food Adventure

Ride the vintage tram up Istiklal, detour to the Pera Museum, and gaze from Galata Tower’s ramparts. Karaköy’s alleys hide baklava counters and meyhanes—arrive hungry.

• Guided neighborhood immersion: Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert

  

  A compact survey of icons and hidden corners.
• Eat two continents: Europe to Asia Food Adventure

  

  Ferry to Kadıköy for tantuni, pickles, and sweets as you cross the Bosphorus.

Days 11–14 (return): Asian-Side Markets, Cooking with Locals, and Palace Shores

After Belek, base on the Bosphorus for a finale. Explore Kadıköy’s market lanes (cheese, olives, kokoreç), Moda’s seaside promenade, and Üsküdar’s mosques at golden hour.

• Cook in a Turkish home: Private Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class with Local Moms

  

  Gather around a family table and learn regional recipes.
• Dolmabahçe and Ortaköy: Stroll palace gardens, then snack on kumpir at Ortaköy’s waterside square before a last Bosphorus sunset. Dinner ideas: Dürümzade for smoky dürüm, or Tuğra for a refined finale.

Belek (Antalya)

Belek is a ribbon of fine sand backed by pines and five-star resorts, with calm water perfect for families and water sports. It’s also Türkiye’s golf capital, with championship courses threading through dunes and lakes.

Beyond the resort, day trips deliver cliff-top views over Antalya, boat rides to the Lower Düden Waterfall, and lazy cruises to the “Turkish Maldives” at Suluada.

• Getting there (Day 6 morning): Fly Istanbul–Antalya (IST/SAW → AYT) in about 1h15–1h25; fares often $35–$90 one-way. Search on Omio (flights) or Trip.com. Taxi/transfer to Belek takes ~30–45 minutes.
• Alternate overland: Intercity bus 10–12 hours, ~$25–$40; compare on Omio (buses). Flights are strongly recommended.
• Where to stay (all-inclusive, 4–5 nights): Search Belek resorts on Hotels.com Belek or browse villas on VRBO Belek.

Belek all‑inclusive shortlist (mid to expensive)

• Voyage Belek Golf & Spa: Stylish, family-friendly, excellent a la carte dinners, solid value in high season.
• Rixos Premium Belek: Lush grounds, long beach, Rixos entertainment; good for mixed-age groups.
• Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort: Suite-led, chocolatier, on-site Montgomerie course; splurge-worthy.
• Regnum Carya: Hosts pro golf, heated outdoor pools off-season, upscale dining, lively evenings.
• Gloria Serenity Resort: Quieter luxury among pines, refined spa, access to Gloria golf complex.

Days 6–10: Resort Time, Sea Days, Antalya Old Town

Settle into your all-inclusive: morning swim, late breakfast, then either a round of golf, a spa circuit, or a SUP session. Evenings bring meze spreads, grilled sea bream, and mellow shows on the terrace.

• Antalya Waterfall boat day: Antalya Waterfall Boat Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks

  

  Swim stops and a dramatic approach to the Lower Düden cascade.
• Suluada “Turkish Maldives”: Turkish Maldives Suluada boat Tour with lunch from Antalya

  

  Luminous turquoise coves perfect for snorkeling and photos.
• Adrenaline trio: Belek Combo Tour 3 in 1 Rafting Buggy Zipline With Lunch

  

  Whitewater, off‑road, and a zipline in the Taurus foothills.
• Classic hammam: Authentic Turkish Bath & Spa Experience in Belek

  

  Steam, scrub, and foam massage to reset mid‑trip.

Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi) half day: Wander Hadrian’s Gate and marina lanes. Lunch with a view at 7 Mehmet (grilled lamb and mezes) or Arma (seafood on the harbor). For a quick bite in Kadriye near Belek, look for pide ovens turning out paper-thin lahmacun.

Getting back to Istanbul (Day 10 evening or Day 11 morning)

Fly AYT → IST/SAW (1h20). Use Omio (flights) or Trip.com to compare. In Istanbul, taxis are metered; for budget, Havaist coaches connect IST to Sultanahmet/Taksim.

Suggested 14‑Day Flow at a Glance

• Days 1–4: Old City icons, bazaars, and Bosphorus dinner cruise.
• Day 5: Beyoğlu/Karaköy, food walk to Asia by ferry.
• Days 6–10: Belek all‑inclusive stay with 2–3 outings (waterfall boat, Suluada, hammam or adventure day) and one half‑day in Antalya Old Town.
• Days 11–14: Asian-side markets, cooking class, Dolmabahçe/Ortaköy, last shopping in the Grand Bazaar and Nişantaşı.

Dining cheat sheet (for a group of four)

• Breakfast: Van Kahvaltı Evi (hearty Anatolian spread), Namlı Gurme Karaköy (charcuterie-style platters), or Menemen at Tarihi Çınaraltı (Üsküdar).
• Lunch: Karaköy Lokantası (daily stews/mezes), Pandeli (historic Ottoman recipes), or Forno in Balat (brick-oven pides).
• Dinner: Neolokal (tasting menu), Hamdi (kebabs over the Golden Horn), Çiya Sofrası (regional specials), Tuğra (palace cuisine by candlelight).
• Sweet stops: Hafız Mustafa (baklava), Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir (Turkish delight), or a late-night künefe near Taksim.

Budget tips for your 50/100 target

• Mix a 2–3 bedroom VRBO in Istanbul with a 4–5 night all‑inclusive in Belek to control meal costs.
• Use an Istanbulkart and ferries instead of taxis; eat lunch at tradesmen’s lokantas for excellent value.
• Book IST–AYT flights 3–6 weeks out; aim for early morning or late evening departures for best fares.

Good to know

• Mosque etiquette: shoulders/knees covered; women bring a scarf. Shoes off before entering carpeted areas.
• Museums often close Mondays; Topkapı’s Harem requires a separate ticket if not included in your tour.
• Tap water is treated but most visitors prefer bottled; ATMs are common—avoid DCC (pay in TRY).

With imperial architecture, ferry-slung sunsets, and a restorative coast interlude, this two-week route balances depth and downtime. You’ll fly home from Istanbul with market scents in your bag, sea salt in your hair, and a wish to return for cappadocia and beyond.