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Viewed by 60 travelers

7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Turkey

  1. Friday July 21: Istanbul
    30 minutes (20.1 km) from Istanbul Ataturk Airport

    Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia in the morning, followed by a visit to the Blue Mosque in the afternoon. In the evening, take a cruise along the Bosphorus to enjoy stunning views of the city's skyline and bridges.

    • Hagia Sophia: $15, 2 hours
    • Blue Mosque: Free, 1 hour
    • Bosphorus Cruise: $20, 2 hours
  2. Saturday July 22: Cappadocia
    1 hour 30 minutes (87.6 km) from Kayseri Erkilet Airport

    Start your day with a hot air balloon ride over the unique landscapes of Cappadocia. Afterward, explore the fascinating underground cities and hike through the fairy chimneys. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner and watch a mesmerizing whirling dervish performance.

    • Hot Air Balloon Ride: $200, 1 hour
    • Underground Cities: $30, 2 hours
    • Whirling Dervish Performance: $25, 1 hour
  3. Sunday July 23: Pamukkale
    3 hours 30 minutes (255 km) from Cappadocia

    Marvel at the stunning terraces of Pamukkale in the morning, known as the "Cotton Castle." Afterward, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and take a dip in the thermal waters of Cleopatra's Pool. In the evening, relax in a traditional Turkish hammam.

    • Pamukkale Terraces: $10, 2 hours
    • Hierapolis: $15, 2 hours
    • Turkish Hammam: $40, 1.5 hours
  4. Monday July 24: Antalya
    3 hours 30 minutes (248 km) from Pamukkale

    Explore the historical sites of Antalya, including the ancient Roman theater and the Hadrian's Gate. In the afternoon, relax on the beautiful Konyaalti Beach and enjoy a boat tour along the coastline. In the evening, stroll through the charming old town and indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine.

    • Antalya Roman Theater: $10, 2 hours
    • Konyaalti Beach: Free, 3 hours
    • Boat Tour: $30, 2 hours
    • Old Town Exploration: Free, 2 hours
  5. Tuesday July 25: Ephesus
    7 hours (610 km) from Antalya

    Discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. In the afternoon, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the place where she spent her last days. Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee in the charming town of Selcuk.

    • Ephesus Ruins: $20, 3 hours
    • House of the Virgin Mary: $10, 1 hour
    • Turkish Coffee in Selcuk: $5, 1 hour
  6. Wednesday July 26: Bodrum
    3 hours 30 minutes (252 km) from Ephesus

    Relax on the beautiful beaches of Bodrum and soak up the Mediterranean sun. Explore the Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which houses fascinating artifacts from ancient shipwrecks. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise and dine at a seaside restaurant.

    • Bodrum Castle: $10, 2 hours
    • Museum of Underwater Archaeology: $15, 1.5 hours
    • Sunset Cruise: $40, 2 hours
  7. Thursday July 27: Istanbul
    10 hours (664 km) from Bodrum

    Spend your last day in Turkey exploring more of Istanbul. Visit the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, and explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar for some souvenir shopping. Indulge in a traditional Turkish bath experience before bidding farewell to this beautiful country.

    • Topkapi Palace: $20, 2 hours
    • Grand Bazaar: Free, 2 hours
    • Turkish Bath Experience: $50, 1.5 hours

Recommendations

Are there any other local attractions, events, or experiences I should also consider? How about day trips? Any good ideas on how to get the most for my money and have a lot of fun?

While this itinerary covers some of the most popular destinations in Turkey, there are many more attractions and experiences to consider. You may want to explore the stunning beaches of Oludeniz, go hiking in the Taurus Mountains, or take a hot air balloon ride in Pamukkale. Day trips to the ancient city of Troy or the picturesque town of Bodrum are also worth considering. To get the most out of your money, consider purchasing a Turkey Museum Pass if you plan to visit multiple museums and historical sites. Additionally, try local street food and traditional Turkish tea for an authentic culinary experience.

For booking hotels and flights in Turkey, you can check prices and availability here.

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