Discovering Turkey: Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Travel Dates: Monday, December 25, 2023 to Sunday, December 31, 2023

Monday, December 25: Istanbul

In the morning, visit the iconic Blue Mosque and marvel at its breathtaking architecture. Afterward, explore the grand Topkapi Palace to learn about Ottoman history. For lunch, enjoy delicious vegetarian kebabs at Ciya Sofrasi. In the afternoon, take a cruise along the Bosporus to admire the city's stunning skyline. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar for some souvenir shopping.

• Blue Mosque: Entrance is free; approximately 1 hour
• Topkapi Palace: Admission fee - 100 TRY per person; approximately 2-3 hours
• Ciya Sofrasi: Estimated cost - 150 TRY per person; approximately 1-2 hours
• Bosporus Cruise: Estimated cost - 30 TRY per person; approximately 2 hours
• Grand Bazaar: Free entry; approximately 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Van Kahvalti Evi to enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast spread with a variety of cheeses, olives, pastries, and freshly brewed tea. The average cost for a meal is about 30 Turkish Lira per person.
• For lunch, visit Karakoy Lokantasi and indulge in mouthwatering seafood dishes like grilled octopus and fried calamari. The average cost for a meal is about 60 Turkish Lira per person.
• For dinner, dine at Mikla Restaurant and savor innovative Turkish fusion cuisine while admiring breathtaking views of the city skyline. The average cost for a meal is about 150 Turkish Lira per person.

Tuesday, December 26: Cappadocia

Start the day with a hot-air balloon ride to witness the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia from above. After landing, explore the underground city of Derinkuyu, a fascinating maze-like structure carved into the rocks. Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at the local restaurant, Elai Restaurant, known for its vegetarian dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum to discover the impressive rock-cut churches. Conclude the day with a mesmerizing sunset view from the Uchisar Castle.

• Hot-air balloon ride: Estimated cost - 900 TRY per person; approximately 2-3 hours
• Derinkuyu Underground City: Admission fee - 50 TRY per person; approximately 1-2 hours
• Elai Restaurant: Estimated cost - 100 TRY per person; approximately 1-2 hours
• Goreme Open Air Museum: Admission fee - 45 TRY per person; approximately 2-3 hours
• Uchisar Castle: Entrance is free; approximately 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, check out Cafe Keyif in Cappadocia, known for its delicious Turkish breakfast spread. Average cost for a meal is about 30 Turkish Lira per person.
• For lunch, try Dibek Restaurant, a popular choice among locals and tourists alike for its authentic Turkish cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 50-70 Turkish Lira per person.
• For dinner, head to Seten Anatolian Restaurant, where you can savor traditional Turkish dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 80-100 Turkish Lira per person.

Wednesday, December 27: Pamukkale

In the morning, explore the stunning terraces of Pamukkale, also known as the Cotton Castle. Take a dip in the thermal pools of Cleopatra's Pool and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you. Have a vegetarian lunch at Bellamaritimo Restaurant. Afterward, visit the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis. Spend the evening strolling through the picturesque streets of Pamukkale.

• Pamukkale: Entrance fee - 120 TRY per person; approximately 2-3 hours
• Cleopatra's Pool: Entrance fee - 50 TRY per person; approximately 1-2 hours
• Bellamaritimo Restaurant: Estimated cost - 100 TRY per person; approximately 1-2 hours
• Hierapolis: Entrance fee - 50 TRY per person; approximately 2-3 hours

Thursday, December 28: Antalya

Spend a relaxing day by the Mediterranean Sea in Antalya. Start with a visit to Konyaalti Beach, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and clear blue waters. Have a delicious vegetarian lunch at Seraser Fine Dining. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Antalya Aquarium, home to thousands of marine species. End the day by wandering through the charming old town, Kaleici, filled with narrow streets, historical buildings, and boutique shops.

• Konyaalti Beach: Free entry; approximately 3-4 hours
• Seraser Fine Dining: Estimated cost - 150 TRY per person; approximately 1-2 hours
• Antalya Aquarium: Admission fee - 60 TRY per person; approximately 2-3 hours
• Kaleici: Free entry; approximately 2-3 hours

Friday, December 29: Ephesus

Embark on a journey through ancient history as you explore the ruins of Ephesus. Morning visit to the magnificent Library of Celsus and the grand amphitheater. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at Esirci Baba Restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Terrace Houses to get a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Roman elite. Conclude the day with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site for many.

• Ephesus: Entrance fee - 100 TRY per person; approximately 3-4 hours
• Library of Celsus: Entrance fee - included in Ephesus ticket; approximately 1-2 hours
• Esirci Baba Restaurant: Estimated cost - 100 TRY per person; approximately 1-2 hours
• Terrace Houses: Entrance fee - 45 TRY per person; approximately 1-2 hours
• House of the Virgin Mary: Entrance fee - 30 TRY per person; approximately 1-2 hours

Saturday, December 30: Bodrum

Head to the coastal town of Bodrum, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Spend the morning relaxing on Bardakci Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the crystal-clear waters. Have a vegetarian lunch at Limoon Cafe. In the afternoon, explore the impressive Bodrum Castle, housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. End the day with a stroll along the lively Bodrum Marina, dotted with cafes and shops.

• Bardakci Beach: Free entry; approximately 3-4 hours
• Limoon Cafe: Estimated cost - 100 TRY per person; approximately 1-2 hours
• Bodrum Castle: Entrance fee - 40 TRY per person; approximately 2-3 hours
• Bodrum Marina: Free entry; approximately 1-2 hours

Sunday, December 31: Istanbul

Return to Istanbul for a memorable New Year's Eve celebration. Spend the morning exploring the historical neighborhood of Sultanahmet. Have a vegetarian lunch at Karakoy Lokantasi. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise along the Golden Horn and enjoy the scenic views. In the evening, join the festive atmosphere in Taksim Square and watch the spectacular fireworks display to welcome the new year.

• Sultanahmet: Free entry; approximately 3-4 hours
• Karakoy Lokantasi: Estimated cost - 100 TRY per person; approximately 1-2 hours
• Golden Horn Cruise: Estimated cost - 50 TRY per person; approximately 2-3 hours
• Taksim Square: Free entry; approximately 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Istanbul, don't miss out on visiting the charming neighborhood of Balat, known for its colorful houses and vibrant street art. Explore the Fethiye Museum of Chambers & Accolade, which showcases a unique collection of small wooden models. For a family-friendly adventure, head to Miniaturk, a miniature park featuring scaled-down models of famous Turkish landmarks. Lastly, don't forget to try some traditional Turkish pastries at Karakoy Gulluoglu Bakery.