7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Turkey in September 2023

1. Day 1: Istanbul
   30 minutes (12 miles) from Istanbul Atatürk Airport

   Begin your journey in the bustling city of Istanbul. Visit the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia, which are all within walking distance of each other, as well as sampling the local cuisine in the historic Grand Bazaar.

2. Day 2: Cappadocia
   1 hour 30 minutes flight from Istanbul

   Take a hot air balloon ride over the unique landscape of Cappadocia at sunrise. Explore the Goreme Open Air Museum to learn about the region's history and culture. End the day by watching the sunset at the Valley of the Monks.

3. Day 3: Izmir
   1 hour 20 minutes flight from Cappadocia

   Visit the ancient city of Ephesus and marvel at the well-preserved ruins of the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. Take a dip in the healing waters of the Roman Baths of Sardis. End the day by strolling along the Kordon, Izmir's seaside promenade.

4. Day 4: Pamukkale
   3 hours 30 minutes (182 miles) from Izmir

   Relax in the natural hot springs of Pamukkale's terraced limestone pools. Explore the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis and its well-preserved Necropolis. End the day by watching the sunset over the travertine terraces.

5. Day 5: Antalya
   4 hours 20 minutes (250 miles) from Pamukkale

   Visit the ancient city of Perge and its well-preserved Roman theater and stadium. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Konyaalti Beach. End the day by exploring the historic Kaleiçi district and its Ottoman-era houses and narrow streets.

6. Day 6: Konya
   5 hours 20 minutes (321 miles) from Antalya

   Visit the Mevlana Museum and learn about the life and teachings of the famous Sufi mystic Rumi. Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Iconium and its well-preserved Roman theater and aqueduct. End the day by visiting the beautiful Alaaddin Mosque and its surrounding gardens.

7. Day 7: Ankara
   3 hours 45 minutes (212 miles) from Konya

   Visit the impressive Anıtkabir Mausoleum, the final resting place of modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and its vast collection of artifacts from the ancient civilizations of Anatolia. End the day by strolling through the Gençlik Park and relaxing in its many cafes and restaurants.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat tour of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul and the chance to sample some of Turkey's famous street food, such as simit and baklava. If you have extra time, consider taking a side trip to the picturesque seaside town of Bodrum or the fairy chimneys of Urgup in Cappadocia. To maximize your fun, consider traveling with a local guide or joining a group tour for a more immersive experience.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Topkapi Palace (2 hours, 100 TRY)
• Blue Mosque (1 hour, free)
• Hagia Sophia (1 hour, 100 TRY)
• Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia (1 hour, 800 TRY)
• Goreme Open Air Museum (2 hours, 100 TRY)
• Ephesus (3 hours, 100 TRY)
• Roman Baths of Sardis (1 hour, 50 TRY)
• Pamukkale terraces (2 hours, 100 TRY)
• Hierapolis (2 hours, 50 TRY)
• Perge (2 hours, 50 TRY)
• Konyaalti Beach (3 hours, free)
• Mevlana Museum (2 hours, 50 TRY)
• Iconium (2 hours, free)
• Anıtkabir Mausoleum (2 hours, free)
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (2 hours, 50 TRY)
• Gençlik Park (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: 1,500 TRY