Family Adventure in Turkey: Hot Air Balloon Ride & City Experiences

Day 1: Intro to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring fresh bread, olives, cheeses, and honey.
Located in the Beşiktaş district.
TRY 150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Hagia Sophia

Marvel at the stunning architecture of this historic cathedral-turned-mosque-turned-museum.
Take tramway T1 from Beşiktaş to Sultanahmet.
TRY 200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy some juicy Turkish meatballs served with rice and salad.
Walking distance from Hagia Sophia.
TRY 120, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Blue Mosque

Experience the beauty of this famous mosque with its exquisite blue tiles.
Just a short walk from the lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll through the Grand Bazaar

Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of one of the largest covered markets in the world.
A 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
Free (shopping upon desire), 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Savor traditional Turkish kebabs with a panoramic view of the city.
Located near the famous Spice Bazaar.
TRY 250, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Istanbul and Bosphorus

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your day of exploration.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Experience a scenic boat tour that traverses the stunning Bosphorus Strait.
Take a ferry from Eminönü.
TRY 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Çınaraltı Kahvesi

Enjoy a relaxing meal by the river while watching the ships pass by.
Near the ferry terminal.
TRY 100, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Explore the opulence of the last palace of the Ottoman Empire.
Take tramway T1 to Kabataş station.
TRY 300, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Taksim Square

Wander through this vibrant area filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Take the funicular from Kabataş.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Dine on international dishes with a panoramic view of the city.
A short walk from Taksim Square.
TRY 300, 2 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast before your travel day.
In your Istanbul hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fly to Cappadocia

Enjoy a quick flight over stunning landscapes to Cappadocia.
Take a direct flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir Airport.
TRY 800, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check into your hotel

Drop off your bags and prepare for the day's adventures.
In Göreme area.
Included, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum

Discover the mesmerizing rock-cut churches adorned with ancient frescoes.
A short walk from the hotel.
TRY 150, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Enjoy delicious and traditional home-cooked Turkish meals in a unique cave setting.
Walking distance from the museum.
TRY 200, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Marvel at the unique fairy chimneys and rock formations in this otherworldly landscape.
15-minute taxi ride from lunch.
TRY 50, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Sunset at Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top of this natural rock citadel for breathtaking views of the region.
15-minute taxi from Pasabag.
TRY 100, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Dibek Restaurant

Savor pottery kebab, a Cappadocian specialty, in a charming setting.
Return to Göreme town.
TRY 250, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Exploring Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

5:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Lift off and enjoy the stunning sunrise over Cappadocia's unique landscape and fairy chimneys.
Hotel pick-up included.
TRY 3000, 3 hours

8:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Rejuvenate with a delightful breakfast after your exhilarating ride.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

Explore the fascinating ancient underground city that once housed thousands.
30-minute taxi ride from Göreme.
TRY 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zooma Restaurant

Taste traditional Anatolian fare in a charming countryside eatery.
15-minute walk from the underground city.
TRY 150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ihlara Valley

Hike the scenic trails along the Melendiz River and explore rock-cut churches.
45-minute taxi ride from lunch.
TRY 50, 3 hours

6:00PM

Return to the hotel

Rest and freshen up after an adventurous day.
45-minute taxi ride back.
Included, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Seten Restaurant

Relish delightful local dishes while enjoying views of the fairy chimneys.
In Göreme.
TRY 300, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing for your next destination.
In your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Pamukkale

Experience the scenic route as you head to the famous travertine terraces.
Take a bus from Göreme to Pamukkale.
TRY 250, 8 hours

5:00PM

Check into your hotel

Unwind in your new accommodations and prepare for a relaxing evening.
In Pamukkale.
Included, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at White House Restaurant

Dine on local cuisine while enjoying the gorgeous views of the travertine terraces.
Walking distance from the hotel.
TRY 200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Pamukkale Exploration

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up for a day of adventures with a nourishing breakfast.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Pamukkale Travertines

Walk on these natural thermal pools and marvel at their dazzling beauty.
Park entrance is 10-minute walk.
TRY 400, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Hierapolis Ancient City

Wander through the ruins of this ancient spa city atop the travertines.
Located next to the travertines.
TRY 300, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Olive Tree Restaurant

Savor Mediterranean-inspired dishes while overlooking the travertines.
Short walk from the ancient city.
TRY 150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Swim in Cleopatra's Pool

Relax in the warm thermal waters in this ancient pool known for its healing properties.
Adjacent to Hierapolis.
TRY 600, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to the hotel

Rest and enjoy a breather after a fulfilling day of exploration.
Back to your hotel.
Included, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Mehmet's Bar

Try local kebabs and other meze while experiencing a relaxed atmosphere.
Walking distance from hotel.
TRY 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Ephesus Day Trip

Ephesus, Turkey

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast before your adventure to Ephesus.
At your hotel.
Included, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Travel to Ephesus

A day filled with history awaits with a trip to this ancient city.
Take a bus from Pamukkale to Ephesus.
TRY 100, 3 hours

10:00AM

Explore Ephesus Ruins

Discover the remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Walking distance from the bus stop.
TRY 300, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ephesus Restaurant

Enjoy Turkish dishes with a local twist while near the ruins.
Nearby the archaeological site.
TRY 150, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Temple of Artemis

Marvel at the site of one of the ancient wonders, although only the foundations remain.
A short taxi ride from the lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Return to Pamukkale

Reflect on the day's adventures as you travel back.
Take a return bus to Pamukkale.
TRY 100, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Asian Restaurant

Wrap up the day with dinner, featuring a mix of traditional and modern interpretations of Turkish cuisine.
Back in Pamukkale.
TRY 200, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

7:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have a fulfilling breakfast to start your journey back to Istanbul.
In the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Izmir Airport

Say farewell to Pamukkale as you head to the airport for your flight.
Bus transport to Izmir Airport.
TRY 150, 2 hours

11:00AM

Fly to Istanbul

Enjoy a short flight back to Istanbul.
Direct flight from Izmir to Istanbul.
TRY 400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Final Lunch at Galata Tower Restaurant

Enjoy your last meal overlooking the stunning city before departure.
Near Galata Tower.
TRY 250, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Galata Tower

Climb to the top for breathtaking views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
Located at Galata.
TRY 150, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Istiklal Street

Get your last-minute souvenirs and gifts from this famous street.
Walking distance from Galata.
Free (shopping upon desire), 2 hours

7:00PM

Departure

Board your flight back home, cherishing the memories of your Turkish adventure.
At the airport.
Variable, Varies
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