14-Day Family Friendly Foodie Adventure in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Trabzon

Day 1: Arriving in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Start your journey with a traditional Turkish breakfast filled with cheeses, olives, eggs, and fresh bread at Van Kahvalti Evi.
Take a taxi to the top of the Bosphorus.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Explore this opulent palace that showcases the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
Walk from breakfast to the palace along the shoreline.
TRY300, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Zübeyir Ocakbaşı

Enjoy a sumptuous kebab experience at this family-friendly grill house.
Taxi to Zübeyir Ocakbaşı.
TRY180, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Taksim Square & Istiklal Street

Stroll through vibrant streets filled with shops and local snacks, perfect for families.
Walk to Taksim from lunch.
FREE, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Savor modern takes on Turkish dishes with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant.
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring Istanbul's History

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Simit Sarayı

Start your day with delicious simit bread and a Turkish tea.
Taxi to Simit Sarayı.
TRY70, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hagia Sophia

Discover the stunning architecture and rich history for which this mosque and museum is famous.
Walk to Hagia Sophia from breakfast.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:15 AM

Topkapi Palace

Explore the lavish palace that was home to Ottoman sultans.
Walk to Topkapi from Hagia Sophia.
TRY200, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at this historic eatery famous for its traditional Turkish cuisine.
Walk from Topkapi to the restaurant.
TRY160, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Wander through one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, perfect for souvenirs.
Walk to the Grand Bazaar after lunch.
FREE, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

End your day with a delicious meal and beautiful views of the Golden Horn.
Taxi to Hamdi Restaurant.
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a convenient breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Spice Bazaar

Visit this fragrant bazaar filled with spices, sweets, and dried fruits.
Walk to the Spice Bazaar.
FREE, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a ferry cruise along the Bosphorus strait, showcasing the beauty of Istanbul’s skyline.
Walk to the ferry station.
TRY150, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Enjoy fresh seafood in a lovely setting near Sultanahmet.
Taxi to the restaurant.
TRY220, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Galata Tower

Climb to the top of this iconic tower for panoramic views of the city.
Taxi to Galata Tower.
TRY100, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Mikla

Experience fine dining with a view of Istanbul where the cuisine is a fusion of Nordic and Turkish flavors.
Taxi to Mikla.
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu

Start the day with a hearty Turkish breakfast at this local favorite.
Taxi to Çakmak.
TRY70, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Fener and Balat Districts

Wander through these historical neighborhoods filled with colorful houses and shops.
Taxi to Fener.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Café Naif

This charming cafe serves delicious Turkish snacks and beverages.
Walk to Café Naif from Balat.
TRY150, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Chora Church

Visit this beautiful Byzantine church famous for its incredible mosaics.
Taxi to Chora Church.
TRY100, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Spend time at Emirgan Park

Relax in one of Istanbul’s most beautiful parks, especially nice during the tulip festival.
Taxi to Emirgan Park.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Amedros Restaurant

Treat yourself to diverse meze platters and authentic Turkish food in a cozy atmosphere.
Taxi to Amedros.
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast at your accommodation before departure.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Fly to Cappadocia

Catch a morning flight to the magical fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
Taxi to the airport.
TRY500, 1 hour (Flight)

11:00 AM

Check in to hotel

Settle into your cave hotel and explore the unique surroundings.
Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Taste traditional pottery kebab and other local dishes.
Short walk from the hotel.
TRY160, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

Explore the rock-cut churches and frescoes that embody Cappadocia's rich heritage.
Taxi from the restaurant.
TRY100, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Sunset at Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the surreal landscape.
Taxi to Uchisar.
TRY50, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Seten Restaurant

End the day with a delightful meal featuring local specialties and great views.
Taxi to Seten.
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey

5:30 AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a magical sunrise over Cappadocia from a hot air balloon.
Be picked up from your hotel.
TRY2000, 3 hours (including breakfast)

9:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Refuel after your exciting balloon ride with a hearty breakfast.
Return to the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Hiking at Ihlara Valley

Trek through stunning scenery alongside the river, dotted with ancient churches.
Taxi to Ihlara Valley.
FREE, 3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Belisirma Restaurant

Sample local dishes in an idyllic riverside location.
Short walk from hiking area.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

Explore this fascinating ancient city carved into the earth.
Taxi to Derinkuyu.
TRY100, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Old Cappadocia Cafe & Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine and an intimate atmosphere.
Taxi to Old Cappadocia.
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Exploring Fairy Chimneys

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Indulge in a fulfilling breakfast at your cave hotel.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Discover the iconic fairy chimneys and take photos of this surreal landscape.
Taxi to Pasabag.
FREE, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Devrent Valley

Marvel at the whimsical rock formations known as Imagination Valley.
Taxi to Devrent Valley.
FREE, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Savor authentic Turkish meals in a unique cave setting.
Taxi to Topdeck.
TRY180, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Avanos

Explore the pottery workshops in this town known for its traditional craftsmanship.
Taxi to Avanos.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Han Ciragan Restaurant

Enjoy exquisite local dishes in a cozy atmosphere to end your day.
Taxi to Han Ciragan.
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Travel to Trabzon

Trabzon, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your travels.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Fly to Trabzon

Catch a flight from Cappadocia to Trabzon, known for its stunning landscapes.
Taxi to the airport.
TRY500, 1 hour (Flight)

11:00 AM

Check-in at hotel

Settle into your hotel and rest a bit after your journey.
Transfer from airport to hotel.
Included, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Caddem

Delight in local specialties which Trabzon is famous for.
Short walk from hotel.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Sumela Monastery

Travel to this ancient Greek Orthodox monastery built into a cliffside for breathtaking views.
Taxi to Sumela.
TRY100, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Hamsi Restaurant

Enjoy the local favorite, anchovy dishes, with a view of the sea.
Taxi to Hamsi.
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Nature and Cultural Experiences

Trabzon, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Rize Botanical Garden

Explore a wide variety of native flora and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Taxi to Rize.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Çayeli Restaurant

Savor traditional Black Sea cuisine at this cozy eatery.
Taxi to Çayeli.
TRY180, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Uzungöl Lake

Witness the stunning beauty of Uzungöl, a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains.
Taxi to Uzungöl.
FREE, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at İnönü Beach Restaurant

Feast on seafood while enjoying beautiful views of the Black Sea.
Taxi to İnönü Beach.
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Exploring Local Culture

Trabzon, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy the hotel's breakfast before heading out.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Atatürk Mansion

Explore the history of this beautiful mansion surrounded by lush gardens.
Taxi to Atatürk Mansion.
FREE, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Trabzon Museum

Immerse yourself in local history and culture at Trabzon’s regional museum.
Taxi to Trabzon Museum.
TRY50, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sera Lake Restaurant

Dine in a beautiful setting with excellent views over Sera Lake.
Taxi to Sera Lake.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Hagia Sophia of Trabzon

Discover the rich history of this historic church that is now a museum.
Taxi to Hagia Sophia.
FREE, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Aksu Restaurant

Sample traditional Turkish dishes with a local twist.
Taxi to Aksu.
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before departure.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Fly back to Istanbul

Catch a morning flight back to Istanbul.
Taxi to the airport.
TRY500, 1 hour (Flight)

11:00 AM

Check back into hotel

Relax and settle back into your hotel upon returning.
Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Borsa Restaurant

Enjoy classic Turkish dishes in a stylish atmosphere.
Short walk from the hotel.
TRY220, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit MAReM (Marine Research Museum)

Engage with interesting exhibits related to marine life in the Black Sea.
Take a taxi to MAReM.
TRY20, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Wander through Emirgan Park

Enjoy a quiet afternoon at this lovely park with local flora.
Taxi to Emirgan Park.
FREE, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Üsküdar Fish Market

Savor fresh seafood and lively ambiance at this local market.
Taxi to Üsküdar.
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Exploring the Asian Side

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Namlı Gurme

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring a variety of cheeses and breads.
Taxi to Namlı Gurme in Kuzguncuk.
TRY70, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Çamlıca Hill

Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Istanbul from this beautiful park.
Taxi to Çamlıca Hill.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Büyükkent Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Turkish meals surrounded by nature.
Taxi to Büyükkent.
TRY180, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Beylerbeyi Palace

Explore this beautiful summer residence of Ottoman sultans.
Taxi to Beylerbeyi Palace.
TRY100, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Stroll through Kadıköy

Visit local shops and cafes in this lively district.
Taxi to Kadıköy.
FREE, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Çiya Sofrası

Taste regional specialties made with fresh ingredients at this highly-rated restaurant.
Taxi to Çiya.
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Final Day in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast at your accommodation.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Ortaköy

Relax by the waterfront, enjoy the view of the Bosphorus Bridge and try a kumpir (stuffed baked potato).
Taxi to Ortaköy.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Feriye Café

Savor delicious local dishes while enjoying stunning waterfront views.
Walk from Ortaköy.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Admire contemporary art and exhibitions at this top art venue.
Taxi to the museum.
TRY100, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Stroll through Sultanahmet Park

Relax in this historical park with beautiful views of the Hagia Sophia.
Taxi to Sultanahmet Park.
FREE, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ulus 29

Finish your journey with a lavish dinner where fine dining meets spectacular views.
Taxi to Ulus 29.
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Departure

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Final Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Check out and Airport Transfer

Complete your checkout and head to the airport for your flight home.
Transfer arranged from the hotel to the airport.
Included, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability