How many days do you need in turkey?

This itinerary covers 9 days in turkey, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for turkey?

Plan your perfect 9 days trip to turkey. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

9-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Turkey

Day 1: Exploring Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sarnıç Restaurant

Kick off your journey with a delicious Turkish breakfast featuring menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers) and simit (Turkish bagel).

TRY150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this architectural marvel that has stood the test of time, showcasing both Byzantine and Ottoman influences.

TRY200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Koftecisi

Savor delicious Turkish meatballs with a side of rice and fresh salad at this family-friendly restaurant.

TRY250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Discover palatial grounds filled with history, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the Bosphorus.

TRY300, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy a family dinner with traditional kebabs and a stunning view of the Golden Horn.

TRY400, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Bosphorus Evening Cruise

End your day with a serene cruise along the Bosphorus, taking in the illuminated city skyline.

TRY500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 2: More of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Privato

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee to fuel your day.

TRY150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Galata Tower

Climb to the top of this medieval stone tower for impressive panoramic views of the city.

TRY250, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Get lost in the vibrant market filled with shops selling everything from spices to jewelry.

FREE, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli

Indulge in delicious Turkish mezze and daily specials at this charming spot within the Spice Bazaar.

TRY300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Basilica Cistern

Venture underground to explore this eerie, cool reservoir with stunning columns and ancient relics.

TRY300, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at the Fish Market

Choose fresh fish while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for families with various dining options.

TRY400, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

Wrap up your day by visiting this majestic mosque, showcasing stunning Ottoman architecture.

FREE, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 3: Cappadocia Wonders

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast before heading out to discover Cappadocia.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience breathtaking views of Cappadocia's fairy chimneys from above at sunrise—a family favorite activity!

TRY1000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Taste traditional Turkish pottery kebab served in a clay pot, a must-try for the family!

TRY350, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Goreme Open Air Museum

Discover ancient rock-cut churches and beautiful frescoes at this UNESCO World Heritage site, perfect for inquisitive minds.

TRY300, 2 hours

4:30PM

Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Stroll through a surreal landscape filled with fairy chimneys and iconic rock formations, ideal for photos!

FREE, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Seten Restaurant

Relish local specialties while enjoying the cozy ambiance and views of the fairy chimneys.

TRY400, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Cappadocia

Day 4: Explore Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with another delicious breakfast, perfect for exploring the beautiful landscapes ahead.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Horseback Riding Tour

Experience Cappadocia's stunning scenery on horseback—it’s a great way for families to bond in nature!

TRY600, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Indulge in delicious homemade dishes like manti (Turkish dumplings) in a captivating cave setting.

TRY300, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top of this ancient fortress for panoramic views of Cappadocia's unique landscape.

TRY200, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Avanos Pottery Workshop

Get hands-on experience in traditional pottery-making, a fun and creative session for the family!

TRY150, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Zeytin Restaurant

Explore the rich flavors of Cappadocia with their diverse menu offering something for everyone.

TRY350, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Cappadocia

Day 5: Pamukkale's Natural Wonders

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast before you check out and head to Pamukkale.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Pamukkale

Travel by car or bus to Pamukkale, famous for its remarkable white travertine terraces.

TRY200, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at White Springs Restaurant

Savor Turkish cuisine overlooking the terraces, perfect before you explore.

TRY300, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Pamukkale Travertines

Wade barefoot in the thermal pools and take in the otherworldly scenery of the cotton-candy like terraces.

TRY250, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Hierapolis Ancient City

Explore the ancient ruins nearby, including the Theatre and Necropolis, igniting curiosity in young explorers.

FREE, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kayas Restaurant

Dine on the terrace with views of the terraces while enjoying delightful local dishes.

TRY350, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Pamukkale

Day 6: Coastal Fethiye

Fethiye, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before heading out to explore the coast.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Fethiye

Drive along the scenic route to Fethiye, known for its stunning beaches and harbor.

TRY200, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kordon Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing meal by the marina, tasting fresh seafood with great views.

TRY350, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Oludeniz Beach

Spend a delightful afternoon at one of Turkey's most famous beaches, perfect for families to relax and swim.

FREE, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Olive Tree

Family-friendly restaurant featuring a variety of options that cater to all tastes.

TRY350, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Fethiye

Day 7: Ephesus Exploration

Ephesus, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start the day with a delightful breakfast packed with energizing options.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Ephesus

Head towards Ephesus to visit one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.

TRY200, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Selçuk Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Turkish fare in a family-friendly environment close to Ephesus.

TRY300, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Ephesus Ancient City

Discover the grand ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, a hit with both kids and adults.

TRY300, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit House of Virgin Mary

A short drive to this revered site where it's believed the Virgin Mary spent her last days.

TRY150, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Artemis Restaurant

Relax in a charming atmosphere while enjoying Turkish specialities, making it a great end to the day.

TRY350, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Ephesus

Day 8: Kusadasi Coastal Delights

Kusadasi, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Savor a hearty breakfast, preparing for a day of beach fun.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kusadasi

Short drive to this vibrant coastal town known for its beach life and shopping.

TRY50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Relax at Ladies Beach

Enjoy a family-friendly beach day at this beautiful sandy location, ideal for swimming and playing in the sun.

FREE, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Carpe Diem

Taste fresh seafood and local dishes in a charming seaside setting.

TRY300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping in Kusadasi

Explore local shops for souvenirs, clothing, and crafts—a fun shopping experience for the family.

FREE, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Kumsal Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful dinner with garden seating and a varied menu for everyone in the family.

TRY350, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kusadasi

Day 9: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a final delicious breakfast in Kusadasi before checking out.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Izmir Airport

Head to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul.

TRY150, 1 hour

11:30AM

Flight to Istanbul

Fly back to Istanbul for a final day of exploration.

TRY500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Return to this well-known spot in the Spice Bazaar for a favorite meal for the family before departure.

TRY300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Spice Bazaar

One last visit to experience the fragrant market and pick up some last-minute souvenirs.

FREE, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Neyzi Restaurant

End your trip with a celebratory dinner featuring modern twists on classic Turkish dishes.

TRY400, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Step 1 Outline Preview:

9-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Turkey

Day 1: Exploring Istanbul

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 2: More of Istanbul

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Cappadocia Wonders

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

6:30PM

Day 4: Explore Cappadocia

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Pamukkale's Natural Wonders

8:00AM

9:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Coastal Fethiye

8:00AM

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Ephesus Exploration

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

Day 8: Kusadasi Coastal Delights

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

Day 9: Return to Istanbul

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

More About turkey

Plan Your turkey Trip