Family Friendly Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus Tour

Day 1: Exploring Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the historic Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel with a rich history dating back to the Byzantine era.
Hagia Sophia is located in the Sultanahmet area, easily accessible by tram or taxi from most parts of Istanbul. It takes about 30 minutes to get there.
Entrance fee: 100 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Topkapi Palace

Continue your historical journey with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, and marvel at its stunning architecture and artifacts.
Topkapi Palace is within walking distance from Hagia Sophia. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
Entrance fee: 150 TRY, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Doyum Grill House

Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at Doyum Grill House, known for its authentic flavors and cozy ambiance.
Doyum Grill House is a short walk from Topkapi Palace. It takes about 5 minutes to reach.
Cost: 50 TRY per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Grand Bazaar

Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering a variety of goods and souvenirs.
The Grand Bazaar is a short walk from Doyum Grill House. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there.
Free to explore, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

End your day with a delightful dinner at Matbah Restaurant, serving traditional Ottoman cuisine in a charming setting.
Matbah Restaurant is located near the Grand Bazaar. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
Cost: 80 TRY per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise to enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul's skyline and iconic landmarks from the water.
The cruise departure point is easily accessible from Sultanahmet by tram or taxi. It takes about 20 minutes to get there.
Cost: 50 TRY per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Spice Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Spice Bazaar, filled with aromatic spices, Turkish delights, and souvenirs, offering a sensory experience for the whole family.
The Spice Bazaar is a short walk from the Bosphorus Cruise terminal. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
Free to explore, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious lunch at Pandeli Restaurant, a historic eatery known for its traditional Turkish cuisine and panoramic views of the city.
Pandeli Restaurant is located near the Spice Bazaar. It takes about 5 minutes to walk there.
Cost: 60 TRY per person, 1 hour

4:00PM

Gulhane Park

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Gulhane Park, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Istanbul, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
Gulhane Park is within walking distance from Pandeli Restaurant. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there.
Free to enter, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Mikla Restaurant, offering modern Turkish cuisine with stunning views of the city skyline as the backdrop.
Mikla Restaurant is located in the Beyoglu district, easily accessible by tram or taxi. It takes about 30 minutes to get there.
Cost: 120 TRY per person, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historical Sites and Local Delights

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Blue Mosque

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture, offering a glimpse into Istanbul's rich history.
The Blue Mosque is located in Sultanahmet, within walking distance from most hotels. It takes about 5 minutes to walk there.
Free to enter, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Basilica Cistern

Explore the underground marvel of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient reservoir with intriguing Medusa heads and mystical atmosphere.
The Basilica Cistern is near the Blue Mosque, just a short walk away. It takes about 5 minutes to walk there.
Entrance fee: 30 TRY, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant

Savor a delicious lunch at Hamdi Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the Golden Horn and serving authentic Turkish dishes with a modern twist.
Hamdi Restaurant is located near the Spice Bazaar. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
Cost: 70 TRY per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Suleymaniye Mosque

Visit the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and one of the largest mosques in Istanbul, offering stunning views of the city.
Suleymaniye Mosque is a short tram ride or taxi journey from the Spice Bazaar. It takes about 15 minutes to get there.
Free to enter, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Indulge in a culinary adventure at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant serving a variety of authentic Turkish dishes from different regions.
Ciya Sofrasi is located in Kadikoy, accessible by ferry from Eminonu. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Kadikoy.
Cost: 60 TRY per person, 2 hours
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Day 4: Journey to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

Morning

Travel to Cappadocia

Take a domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia to embark on the next leg of your adventure in this unique region known for its fairy chimneys and hot air balloon rides.
Fly from Istanbul Airport to Kayseri Airport in Cappadocia. The flight takes about 1.5 hours.
Flight cost: 300 TRY per person, 2 hours (including check-in and boarding)

Afternoon

Check-in at Cave Hotel

Settle into your cave hotel in Cappadocia, offering a unique and cozy accommodation experience carved into the rocky landscape of the region.
Most cave hotels provide shuttle services from Kayseri Airport. It takes about 1 hour to reach your hotel.
Hotel cost: 200 TRY per night, 1 hour

Evening

Dinner at Seki Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Cappadocian dinner at Seki Restaurant, known for its local dishes and charming ambiance, providing a taste of the region's culinary delights.
Seki Restaurant is located in Goreme town, a short walk from most cave hotels. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
Cost: 80 TRY per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Hot Air Balloon Ride and Exploration

Cappadocia, Turkey

5:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the magical sunrise from a hot air balloon over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, a bucket list activity offering panoramic views of fairy chimneys and valleys.
The hot air balloon ride operators provide pick-up services from your hotel. The experience lasts about 1 hour.
Cost: 600 TRY per person, 3 hours (including transportation)

9:00AM

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Explore the ancient cave churches and frescoes at the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Cappadocia's rich history.
The museum is within walking distance from most cave hotels in Goreme. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there.
Entrance fee: 45 TRY, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Dibek Restaurant, a cozy eatery serving traditional Turkish cuisine with a modern twist, perfect for refueling after a morning of exploration.
Dibek Restaurant is located in Goreme town, near the Open-Air Museum. It takes about 5 minutes to walk there.
Cost: 50 TRY per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hike in Rose Valley

Embark on a scenic hike in Rose Valley, known for its picturesque rock formations and lush vegetation, offering a peaceful escape into nature.
Rose Valley is a short drive or hike from Goreme. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the starting point of the trail.
Free to explore, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ziggy's Cafe & Restaurant

End your day with dinner at Ziggy's Cafe & Restaurant, a cozy spot known for its international and Turkish dishes, offering a relaxed dining experience.
Ziggy's Cafe & Restaurant is located in Goreme town, a short walk from most accommodations. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
Cost: 70 TRY per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Travel to Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey

Morning

Travel to Ephesus

Take a domestic flight from Cappadocia to Izmir to continue your journey to the ancient city of Ephesus, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and historical significance.
Fly from Kayseri Airport to Izmir Airport. The flight takes about 1.5 hours.
Flight cost: 250 TRY per person, 2 hours (including check-in and boarding)

Afternoon

Visit Ephesus Archaeological Site

Explore the fascinating ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Artemis, offering a glimpse into the ancient past.
Ephesus Archaeological Site is a short drive from Izmir Airport. It takes about 1 hour to reach the site.
Entrance fee: 90 TRY, 3 hours

Evening

Dinner at Ejder Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Ejder Restaurant, offering a mix of Turkish and international cuisine in a cozy setting, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Ejder Restaurant is located in Selcuk town, near the Ephesus site. It takes about 10 minutes to drive there.
Cost: 60 TRY per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Pamukkale and Departure

Ephesus, Turkey

Morning

Visit Pamukkale

Explore the otherworldly terraces of Pamukkale, a natural wonder known for its mineral-rich thermal waters and striking white travertine pools, offering a unique and relaxing experience.
Pamukkale is a 3-hour drive from Ephesus. You can hire a private car or join a guided tour for transportation.
Entrance fee: 50 TRY, 4 hours

Afternoon

Lunch at Kale Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Kale Restaurant, overlooking the stunning landscapes of Pamukkale, and savor traditional Turkish dishes with a view.
Kale Restaurant is located near the Pamukkale terraces. It takes about 5 minutes to walk there.
Cost: 70 TRY per person, 1 hour

Evening

Transfer to Airport

Conclude your family adventure with a transfer to Izmir Airport for your return flight home, filled with unforgettable memories of Turkey's cultural and natural wonders.
Arrange for a transfer service from your hotel to Izmir Airport. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Transfer cost: 100 TRY per person, 2 hours
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