9-Day Family Adventure and Cultural Exploration in Istanbul, Trabzon, and Rize

Day 1: Istanbul Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Van Breakfast

Start your adventure with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring a variety of cheeses, preserves, and fresh bread.
Located in the bustling neighbourhood of Beşiktaş.
TRY150, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Hagia Sophia

Marvel at the architectural wonder of Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
A short walk from breakfast, about 15 minutes.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:15 AM

Stroll through Sultanahmet Square

Enjoy the historic atmosphere, taking in the blue mosque and the surroundings.
Just outside Hagia Sophia.
FREE, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant

Savour delicious kebabs and traditional dishes in a family-friendly setting.
Walking distance from the square.
TRY200, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Topkapi Palace Tour

Explore the opulent royal palace that served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries.
Located near Hagia Sophia.
TRY400, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Gulhane Park

Unwind in the park, enjoying the greenery and scenic views.
Just a short walk from Topkapi Palace.
FREE, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Experience a traditional Turkish dining experience with views over the Golden Horn.
10-minute taxi ride from the park.
TRY300, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at MOC

Enjoy a brunch featuring artisanal coffee and gourmet dishes.
Located in Galata.
TRY150, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Dive into the vibrant market filled with stalls of spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
A short tram ride away.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Taste the famous meatballs and authentic Turkish cuisine.
A tram ride back to Sultanahmet.
TRY200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Spice Bazaar Visit

Experience the aromas and colours of the Spice Bazaar, sampling local delicacies.
Located near the Grand Bazaar.
FREE, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Take a Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy stunning views of the city from the water, passing by palaces and forts.
Cruise starts from Eminönü, accessible by tram.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Discover the underground water reservoir, a hidden gem in the city’s history.
In walking distance from Eminönü.
TRY300, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Zubeyir Ocakbasi

Enjoy grilled meats and authentic Turkish mezes in a cozy atmosphere.
Short taxi ride from the cistern.
TRY250, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historical Highlights

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Karaköy Gümrük

Start the day with a brimming plate of Turkish breakfast favorites.
Located in Karaköy.
TRY170, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Blue Mosque

Admire the beautiful tiles and majestic architecture of one of Istanbul's most iconic sites.
15-minute tram ride away.
FREE, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore the Hippodrome

Stroll through the ancient racing arena and see historical monuments.
Adjacent to the Blue Mosque.
FREE, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy another round of delicious meatballs and Turkish dishes.
Close to the Hippodrome.
TRY200, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Chora Church

Explore the stunning mosaics and frescoes inside this historic church.
Take a taxi to get there (20 minutes).
TRY300, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Balat District

Wander through the colourful streets filled with unique architecture and art.
Walking around Balat.
FREE, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Relish small plates of exquisite Turkish mezzes in this popular dining spot.
Located in Balat.
TRY250, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travelling to Trabzon

Trabzon, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Demlik

Enjoy a light breakfast before catching your flight to Trabzon.
Located in Istanbul Centre.
TRY150, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Flight to Trabzon

Catch a local flight to Trabzon, the beautiful city on the Black Sea.
Departure from Istanbul Airport.
TRY800, 1 hour flight

10:30 AM

Explore Trabzon Castle

Visit the historical castle offering stunning views of the city and the sea.
Taxi from the airport to the castle (15 minutes).
TRY100, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Cayeli Pide

Savour authentic pide (Turkish pizza) at this local favourite.
Short taxi ride from the castle.
TRY200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Hagia Sophia of Trabzon

Explore this historical church transformed into a museum, showcasing stunning Byzantine architecture.
Just a 10-minute taxi ride away.
TRY300, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Stroll along the Trabzon Port

Enjoy the views of the Black Sea and relax at the waterfront.
15-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
FREE, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Asir Restaurant

Indulge in a local seafood feast while enjoying picturesque views of the harbour.
Short walk from the port.
TRY300, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Nature in Trabzon

Trabzon, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Kule Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast overlooking the sea.
Located nearby the hotel.
TRY160, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Uzungöl Lake

Take a scenic drive to the stunning Uzungöl Lake surrounded by lush hills and forests.
About 1.5 hours by bus.
TRY50, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Uzungöl Restaurant

Enjoy local dishes featuring trout harvested from the lake.
On the lake’s edge.
TRY230, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Hiking around Uzungöl

Explore the breathtaking scenery with a nature walk around the lake.
Walking trails are readily available.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Trabzon

Head back to Trabzon to freshen up after a full day of activities.
Bus back to Trabzon (1.5 hours).
TRY50, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Tahran Restaurant

End the day with a wonderful dinner featuring local dishes.
Located in the city centre.
TRY250, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Rize Revelations

Rize, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Çayeli Çay Bahçesi

Enjoy breakfast amid lush tea gardens while sipping on fresh local tea.
In nearby Çayeli, en route to Rize.
TRY160, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Tea Gardens

Discover the beauty of Rize’s famous tea plantations with a guided tour.
Transportation from breakfast location (30 minutes).
TRY100, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Rize Kalesi Cafe

Enjoy local cuisine with panoramic views of Rize Castle.
Located near the castle.
TRY220, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Rize Castle

Discover the history and stunning views from this medieval fortress.
A walk from the cafe.
TRY150, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Zil Kale

Drive to the beautiful Zil Castle, offering breathtaking mountain and sea views.
About 45 minutes by car.
TRY200, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Huzur Restaurant

End the day with a traditional meal featuring local fish straight from the Black Sea.
On the way back to Rize.
TRY250, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Rize Relaxation and Exploration

Rize, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Tarthane Restaurant

Start the morning with a traditional Rize breakfast overlooking tea plantations.
Located in the heart of Rize.
TRY150, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Ayder Plateau

Experience breathtaking views and explore the pristine nature of the Ayder Plateau.
1 hour drive from Rize.
TRY250, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Ayder Restaurant

Enjoy hearty village dishes made from local ingredients.
Located in the plateau area.
TRY180, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Hiking the Ayder Trails

Take a scenic hike through lush forests and alpine meadows.
Multiple trail options available.
FREE, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Rize

Drive back to Rize after a full day of outdoor activities.
1-hour drive back.
TRY50, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Güleryüz Sofrası

Savour Rize's specialties in a welcoming atmosphere.
Located in Rize's city centre.
TRY230, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Return to Trabzon

Trabzon, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Dilara Cafe

Grab breakfast with a local twist and great coffee.
In Rize’s city centre.
TRY160, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Trabzon

Head back to Trabzon after a delightful stay in Rize.
1-hour bus ride.
TRY50, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Atatürk Mansion

Explore this beautiful mansion and its lush gardens.
Short taxi ride from the bus station.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Akçaabat Köfteci

Try the famous Akçaabat meatballs served with a local twist.
A 15-minute taxi ride.
TRY220, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the Trabzon Museum

Dive into the rich history and culture of Trabzon.
Taxi back toward city center.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Relax at Narlıkahve

Enjoy a coffee and dessert while overlooking the Trabzon coast.
Walking distance from the museum.
TRY80, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Cillim Cafe

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a charming café with local dishes and a homey atmosphere.
Located near the waterfront.
TRY250, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Final Day in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Çınaraltı

Enjoy a final taste of Istanbul with a local breakfast overlooking the Bosphorus.
Taxi back to Istanbul.
TRY160, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Marvel at the luxurious interiors of this Ottoman palace.
Located in Beşiktaş, just a short taxi ride.
TRY400, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Midpoint

Savour a selection of local and international dishes in a comfortable setting.
Walking distance from the palace.
TRY260, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Last-minute shopping at Nişantaşı

Explore chic boutiques and shops for souvenirs and gifts.
Short taxi ride away.
FREE, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Relax at Emirgan Park

Take a peaceful walk in one of Istanbul’s largest parks to reflect on your journey.
Short taxi ride from shopping district.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Celebrate the end of your trip with fine dining and stunning views of the sunset over the Bosphorus.
Taxi to the restaurant.
TRY400, 2 hours
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