7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Turkey: Exploring Culture, Nature, and Cuisine

Day 1: Istanbul Arrival

Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Arrive in Istanbul

You will land at Istanbul Airport where you can collect your luggage and meet your private driver for transfer to the hotel.
Private transfer from Istanbul Airport to the hotel.
USD100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Check-in and Lunch at the Hotel

Settle into your family-friendly hotel and enjoy lunch at the hotel restaurant, sampling local Turkish cuisine.
Walk from your room to the hotel restaurant.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the stunning architecture and history of Hagia Sophia, one of the most significant monuments in Istanbul.
Short walk from your hotel to Hagia Sophia.
USD15, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Sultanahmet Square

Enjoy a leisurely walk in the square, perfect for family photos with views of iconic sites.
Continue walking from Hagia Sophia to Sultanahmet Square.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner of kebabs and köfte in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Short walk to the restaurant.
USD70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a rich Turkish breakfast featuring fresh bread, cheese, olives, and more.
Walk from your hotel to the restaurant.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent grounds of Topkapi Palace and learn about the history of the Ottoman Empire.
Public transport or taxi from the restaurant to Topkapi Palace.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant

Enjoy delicious pide (Turkish pizza) and a selection of meze in a casual environment suitable for families.
Walk from Topkapi Palace to Doy Doy Restaurant.
USD65, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Wander through one of the oldest covered markets in the world, where kids will enjoy the colorful stalls and treasure hunts.
Walk to the Grand Bazaar from the restaurant.
Free to enter; shopping at your discretion, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at the Çamlıca Hill

Take in panoramic views of Istanbul from one of the city’s highest points, a lovely spot for family photos.
Taxi from the Grand Bazaar to Çamlıca Hill.
USD20, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Çiya Sofrası

Savor diverse flavors of Turkish regional dishes in this famed eatery well-known for its family-friendly environment.
Take a taxi from Çamlıca Hill to the restaurant.
USD80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before your transfer to the airport.
At your hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Istanbul Airport

Leave for the airport for your flight to Cappadocia, a region known for its unique landscapes.
Private transfer from the hotel to SAC Airport.
USD100, 1 hour

11:00AM

Flight to Cappadocia

Enjoy a short flight to Cappadocia where you'll then be welcomed by your guide.
Flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
USD100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious traditional lunch with your family, featuring pottery kebab.
Transfer from the airport to the restaurant.
USD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum

Discover the rock-cut churches and stunning frescoes, all part of this UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for family exploration.
Short drive to Göreme Open-Air Museum.
USD10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Hot Air Balloon Information Session

Get an overview of the exciting hot air balloon ride scheduled for the next morning, an exhilarating experience for the whole family.
Back to your hotel for a relaxed time.
Included in balloon cost., 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Experience dining in a cave setting while tasting authentic Turkish cuisine, a unique experience never to forget.
Walk from the hotel.
USD90, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon

Cappadocia, Turkey

6:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Launch into the early morning sky for a breathtaking hot air balloon experience, floating over Cappadocia’s amazing landscape.
Pickup from your hotel.
USD150, 2 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast basking in the views post balloon ride at your hotel.
Back to your hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley)

Explore Pasabag Valley, known for its fairy chimneys and captivating rock formations, great for curious minds.
Transfer from the hotel to Pasabag Valley.
USD20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Seten Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at this scenic restaurant offering traditional Turkish dishes with modern flair.
Transfer from Pasabag Valley to the restaurant.
USD80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Avanos Pottery Workshops

Experience a pottery-making workshop where kids and adults can unleash their creativity under the guidance of local artisans.
Short drive to the pottery workshops.
USD30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Zefa Restaurant

Sit down for dinner at this charming restaurant known for its authentic flavors and warm atmosphere.
Walk from the pottery workshop.
USD90, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing for Pamukkale and take in stunning views of Cappadocia one last time.
At your hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Kayseri for flight

Travel to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Pamukkale, ready for a new adventure.
Private transfer from Cappadocia to Kayseri Airport.
USD100, 1 hour

11:00AM

Flight to Pamukkale

A short flight will take you to your next destination, exploring the natural wonders of Pamukkale.
Flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
USD100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at White Springs Restaurant

Refuel with a delightful lunch overlooking the iconic travertine pools of Pamukkale.
Transfer from the airport to the restaurant.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Witness the surreal beauty of the thermal pools and allow your family to enjoy a relaxing day in the warm waters.
Walk to the travertine terraces.
USD12, 3 hours

5:00PM

Visit Hierapolis Ancient City

Explore the fascinating ruins of Hierapolis, located adjacent to the thermal pools, which gives insight into ancient Roman life.
Walk from the thermal pools to Hierapolis.
USD10, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hayrova Restaurant

Sit down for a family dinner showcasing a mix of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine before resting for the night.
Transfer from the ancient city to dinner.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Ephesus Exploration

Ephesus, Turkey

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at the hotel to begin your journey to Ephesus.
At your hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Ephesus

Travel to Ephesus to delve into history and see incredible ruins.
Private transfer from Pamukkale to Ephesus.
USD120, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Ephesus Ancient Ruins

Discover the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, a highlight for the kids.
Paid entrance to Ephesus site.
USD15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Selçuk Koftecisi

Savor homemade köfte (meatballs) and other traditional dishes in this local eatery perfect for families.
Transfer from Ephesus to the restaurant.
USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the the Temple of Artemis

Explore the historical significance of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Drive from restaurant to Temple of Artemis.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend some time relaxing on the shores near Ephesus, a great way to unwind after exploring ruins.
Transfer to the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Meyhane Akin

End your day enjoying delicious seafood and meze, ensuring flavors that everyone will appreciate.
Walk from the beach to the restaurant.
USD80, 2 hours
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Day 7: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Ephesus, packing up for your return to Istanbul.
At your hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Izmir Airport

Travel to Izmir for your flight back to Istanbul, concluding your family adventure.
Private transfer from Ephesus to Izmir Airport.
USD120, 1 hour

11:00AM

Flight to Istanbul

Enjoy a relaxing flight back to Istanbul.
Flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
USD100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at the Airport

Have a quick family lunch at the airport, preparing for your last day of exploration.
At the airport.
USD60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Discover the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace, rich in history and beautiful architecture ideal for family exploration.
Taxi from the airport to Dolmabahçe Palace.
USD15, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Ortaköy and the Bosphorus

Walk through the lively Ortaköy neighborhood, stopping for famous Turkish waffles by the waterfront.
Walk from Dolmabahçe Palace.
USD10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Mezzaluna

Treat your family to a final lovely dinner overlooking the Bosphorus, reflecting on a wonderful journey.
Take a taxi from Ortaköy to the restaurant.
USD120, 2 hours
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