7-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Turkey on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arriving in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your Turkish adventure with a hearty breakfast of Van-style breakfast spread.
Take a tram or taxi to the restaurant.
TRY80, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Hagia Sophia

Explore the stunning architecture and history of this iconic landmark.
Walk or take public transport to Hagia Sophia.
TRY100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs in a casual ambiance.
Short walk from Hagia Sophia.
TRY70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Topkapi Palace

Wander through the lavish rooms and breathtaking gardens of Ottoman royalty.
5-minute walk from the restaurant.
TRY200, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Doy Doy Restaurant

Savor delicious kebabs and fresh salads in a family-friendly setting.
Navigate back on foot.
TRY100, 1 hour

8:00PM

Night Stroll at Sultanahmet Square

Enjoy the illuminated atmosphere of Istanbul's historic heart.
Walk around the area.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa

Treat yourself to rich Turkish delights and baklava with a side of coffee.
Head to the historic area.
TRY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Venture into one of the largest covered markets in the world to haggle for souvenirs.
10-minute walk from the breakfast spot.
Free (shopping optional), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Çınaraltı Café

Have lunch under the plane trees while enjoying a view of the Bosphorus.
Take a bus to the café.
TRY60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Bosphorus Cruise

Experience a scenic boat trip along the Bosphorus strait, ideal for families.
Board from the waterfront nearby.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Spice Bazaar

Engage your senses in this vibrant market full of spices and local goods.
Short walk from the dock.
Free (shopping optional), 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Relish authentic Turkish dishes with a view overlooking the Golden Horn.
Walking distance from the Spice Bazaar.
TRY120, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Ankara Exploration

Ankara, Turkey

7:00AM

Breakfast at Kocatepe Pastanesi

Enjoy a delightful range of pastries and Turkish tea to start the day.
Take a train from Istanbul to Ankara.
TRY40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Anıtkabir

Pay respects at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey.
Take a local bus or taxi.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Kocatepe Kebap Salonu

Taste the local kebabs of Ankara, served in a cozy atmosphere.
5-minute walk from Anıtkabir.
TRY70, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Learn about the rich history of Anatolia, from prehistoric to modern times.
Short taxi ride or brisk walk.
TRY100, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Ankara Castle

Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and explore the historic walls.
Bus or taxi ride up to the castle.
TRY30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Trilye

Savor fresh seafood at one of Ankara's best waterfront restaurants.
Taxi back to the city center.
TRY150, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey

6:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day early with a hearty hotel breakfast before your adventure.
Included in accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar over the unique landscapes of Cappadocia with stunning views at sunrise.
Arrange pick-up with the tour service.
TRY1800, 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

Discover UNESCO-listed rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes.
20-minute taxi ride.
TRY100, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Enjoy authentic pottery kebab cooked underground in this charming eatery.
Short walk from the museum.
TRY90, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Love Valley Hike

Take a family-friendly hike through the scenic valley filled with fairy chimneys.
Transport to the hiking entrance.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ziggy Cafe

Relax with a meal featuring local Cappadocian cuisine and a warm atmosphere.
Taxi or walk back to Göreme.
TRY100, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: More of Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vadi Restaurant

Feast on homemade pastries and fresh ingredients to fuel your day.
Short distance from hotel.
TRY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kaymaklı Underground City

Explore the fascinating underground city, which sheltered inhabitants during invasions.
Arrange transport to the site.
TRY60, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Experience authentic regional flavors in a cozy cave setting.
Short transport back.
TRY80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

See the iconic fairy chimneys and enjoy a peaceful, photogenic stroll.
Transport to Pasabag.
TRY30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Pottery Workshop Experience

Try your hand at traditional pottery making in Avanos, known for its rich pottery history.
Transport south to Avanos.
TRY100, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Seki Restaurant

Indulge in gourmet cuisine overlooking the valleys, perfect for a special evening.
Return to Göreme.
TRY150, 2 hours
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Day 6: Pamukkale's Thermal Wonders

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast before heading to Pamukkale.
Included in accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Pamukkale

Catch an early train to Pamukkale and marvel at its natural beauty.
Railway station transport to Pamukkale.
TRY120, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at White Springs Restaurant

Dine while enjoying views over the travertine terraces.
Walk from the station.
TRY70, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Travertine Terraces

Walk barefoot on these famous thermal pools and enjoy a fabulous natural spectacle.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Hierapolis Ancient City

Wander through the ancient ruins adjacent to the terraces, steeped in history.
Access from the terraces.
TRY100, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ozbay Hotel Restaurant

Savor a mix of local Turkish cuisines and fresh local produce.
Short walk from Hierapolis.
TRY90, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a breakfast before catching your train back to Istanbul.
Included in accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Istanbul

Head back to Istanbul via train, reflecting on your memorable adventures.
Train transport back.
TRY120, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kumpir (in Ortaköy)

Indulge in a unique Turkish stuffed baked potato filled with your choice of toppings.
Walk from the train station to a bus or taxi.
TRY50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Admire the opulence of this magnificent palace located right by the Bosphorus.
Get there via bus or taxi.
TRY200, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse

End your trip with a memorable dining experience at this famed restaurant.
30-minute taxi from the palace.
TRY400, 2 hours

8:00PM

Farewell Stroll Along the Bosphorus

Enjoy your last evening wandering along the Bosphorus, soaking in the Istanbul vibes.
Walk along the waterfront.
Free, 1 hour
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