7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Turkey

Wednesday October 18: Istanbul

Start your trip in Istanbul, the cultural and historical heart of Turkey. In the morning, visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural marvel. Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar in the afternoon, where you can shop for souvenirs and traditional Turkish goods. In the evening, take a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus and admire the beautiful city skyline.

• Hagia Sophia: Entrance fee approximately $14, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Grand Bazaar: Shopping budget varies, Time spent: 2-4 hours
• Bosphorus Cruise: Boat tour cost approximately $20, Time spent: 2 hours

Thursday October 19: Cappadocia

Head to Cappadocia, a unique region known for its surreal landscapes and cave dwellings. Start your morning with a hot air balloon ride over the picturesque valleys. In the afternoon, explore the ancient underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli. As the evening approaches, enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner accompanied by a mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes performance.

• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Price starts from $150 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City: Entrance fee approximately $10, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Whirling Dervishes Show: Ticket cost around $20, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Kale Terrassen. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of breakfast options including freshly baked pastries, hearty omelettes, and refreshing smoothies. The average cost for a meal is about 30 TL per person.
• For lunch, head to Troia Restaurant for a mouthwatering taste of traditional Turkish cuisine. Enjoy flavorful kebabs, fresh salads, and savory mezes. The average cost for a meal is about 50 TL per person.
• Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Old Greek House. This charming restaurant serves authentic Turkish dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss their famous lamb kebabs and baklava for dessert. The average cost for a meal is about 70 TL per person.

Friday October 20: Antalya

Travel to Antalya, a coastal gem known for its stunning beaches and ancient ruins. Spend the morning exploring the fascinating ancient city of Perge, followed by a visit to the Antalya Museum in the afternoon. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Kaleiçi district and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner.

• Perge: Entrance fee approximately $5, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Antalya Museum: Admission fee around $10, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Kaleiçi District: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Saturday October 21: Pamukkale

Embark on a journey to Pamukkale, famous for its stunning white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Begin your day by exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis, including its well-preserved theater and necropolis. Take a dip in the thermal pools in the afternoon and relax in the healing waters. Spend the evening admiring the breathtaking sunset over the terraces.

• Hierapolis: Entrance fee approximately $5, Time spent: 3-4 hours
• Pamukkale Thermal Pools: Entrance fee around $10, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Sunday October 22: Ephesus

Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Begin your day by exploring the impressive Library of Celsus and the Grand Theater. In the afternoon, visit the nearby House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner in the evening.

• Ephesus: Entrance fee approximately $15, Time spent: 4-5 hours
• House of the Virgin Mary: Entrance fee around $10, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Monday October 23: Bodrum

Travel to Bodrum, a vibrant coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and ancient ruins. Spend the morning exploring the impressive Bodrum Castle and its Museum of Underwater Archaeology. In the afternoon, relax on one of the sandy beaches or take a boat tour to discover the stunning coastline. Enjoy a seafood dinner in the evening.

• Bodrum Castle: Entrance fee approximately $10, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Beach Relaxation: Free, Time spent: Flexible
• Boat Tour: Price varies, Time spent: 2-4 hours

Tuesday October 24: Istanbul

Return to Istanbul for your final day in Turkey. Spend the morning exploring the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Blue Mosque and the stunning Basilica Cistern. As the evening sets in, indulge in a traditional Turkish bath experience for relaxation before departing the next day.

• Topkapi Palace: Entrance fee approximately $12, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Blue Mosque: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Basilica Cistern: Entrance fee around $5, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Turkish Bath: Price varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a family-friendly off the beaten path experience, venture to the charming town of Dalyan. Take a boat tour to see the ancient Lycian Rock Tombs and relax on the pristine Iztuzu Beach, a protected breeding ground for loggerhead sea turtles. Don't forget to try the local specialty, mud baths, for a unique and rejuvenating experience.