Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Turkey

Day 1: Exploring Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the stunning Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque with incredible architecture.
50 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Topkapi Palace

Head to the Topkapi Palace to learn about the Ottoman Empire's history and enjoy beautiful views of the Bosphorus.
30 TRY, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Indulge in delicious Turkish pastries and baklava at Karakoy Gulluoglu for a delightful lunch.
40 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Grand Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar for unique souvenirs, spices, and traditional Turkish goods.
Free entry, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy a scenic dinner overlooking the Golden Horn at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its authentic Turkish cuisine.
70 TRY, 2 hours

Day 2: More of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a relaxing Bosphorus cruise to see iconic landmarks like the Maiden's Tower and Dolmabahce Palace.
25 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Blue Mosque

Admire the intricate blue tiles of the Blue Mosque and experience its serene atmosphere.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Savor authentic Turkish dishes at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its diverse and delicious menu.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Spice Bazaar

Stroll through the aromatic Spice Bazaar to buy spices, teas, and Turkish delights.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

End your day with a gourmet dinner at Mikla Restaurant, offering modern Turkish cuisine with a view.
100 TRY, 2 hours

Day 3: Magical Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

9:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the breathtaking sunrise over Cappadocia with a memorable hot air balloon ride.
200 USD, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Explore the ancient cave churches and frescoes at the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
30 TRY, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at Dibek Restaurant, known for its authentic Cappadocian cuisine.
40 TRY, 1 hour

4:00PM

Hiking in Rose Valley

Take a leisurely hike in Rose Valley to admire the unique rock formations and cave dwellings.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Old Greek House

Dine at the charming Old Greek House for a taste of local specialties in a historic setting.
60 TRY, 1.5 hours

Day 4: More of Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

9:00AM

Uchisar Castle

Visit Uchisar Castle for panoramic views of the surreal landscape of Cappadocia.
10 TRY, 1 hour

11:00AM

Pottery Workshop

Participate in a pottery workshop to learn about the traditional art of pottery-making in the region.
50 TRY, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a view at Topdeck Cave Restaurant, offering delicious Turkish cuisine amidst cave dwellings.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

ATV Tour

Embark on an exciting ATV tour through the valleys and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia for a thrilling adventure.
80 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ziggy's Shoppe & Cafe

Relax and unwind at Ziggy's Shoppe & Cafe, a cozy spot for dinner with a variety of international and Turkish dishes.
70 TRY, 2 hours

Day 5: Pamukkale Day Trip

Pamukkale, Turkey

9:00AM

Hierapolis Ancient City

Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and marvel at the well-preserved amphitheater and necropolis.
35 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Pamukkale Travertines

Walk on the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, created by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the mountainside.
30 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Tripolis Restaurant

Enjoy a meal overlooking the travertines at Tripolis Restaurant, offering Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.
40 TRY, 1 hour

4:00PM

Cleopatra Pools

Relax in the rejuvenating Cleopatra Pools, known for their mineral-rich waters and historical significance.
50 TRY, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Melrose Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dinner at Melrose Restaurant, known for its Turkish and international dishes in a cozy setting.
60 TRY, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Historical Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey

9:00AM

Ephesus Ancient City

Step back in time at the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Theatre.
90 TRY, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ejder Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Ejder Restaurant, offering authentic dishes in a garden setting.
40 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

House of Virgin Mary

Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be the last home of Virgin Mary.
20 TRY, 1 hour

4:00PM

Basilica of St. John

Explore the ancient Basilica of St. John, built over the burial site of St. John the Apostle.
40 TRY, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Tuncay Restaurant

End your day with a delicious dinner at Tuncay Restaurant, known for its grilled meats and traditional Turkish dishes.
50 TRY, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Sunny Antalya

Antalya, Turkey

9:00AM

Antalya Old Town

Explore the charming cobbled streets and historic buildings of Antalya Old Town, known as Kaleici.
Free entry, 2 hours

11:00AM

Hadrian's Gate

Admire the well-preserved Hadrian's Gate, a triumphal arch built for the Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city.
Free entry, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Seraser Restaurant, offering Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
80 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kaleici Marina

Stroll along the Kaleici Marina to enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea and traditional wooden sailboats.
Free entry, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Vanilla Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Vanilla Restaurant, known for its seafood and international dishes with a view of the harbor.
70 TRY, 2 hours