14-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in Italy and Turkey on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

Rome, Italy

10:00AM

Colosseum Visit

Start your adventure with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, where the family can marvel at the grandeur of ancient Rome.
From your accommodation, take Metro Line B to Colosseo station.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria da Baffetto

Grab a slice of truly authentic Roman pizza at this local favorite.
Walk 15 minutes from the Colosseum.
EUR8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll through Roman Forum

Explore the historical ruins of the Roman Forum, allowing the kids to imagine life in ancient Rome.
Walk 5 minutes from the pizzeria.
EUR16 (combined ticket with Colosseum), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo

Wrap up your first day with a traditional Roman meal in Trastevere.
Take Tram 8 to Trastevere.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Rome Exploration

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio Bonci

Enjoy fresh pastries and local coffee at this well-known bakery.
Walk 10 minutes from your hotel.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Vatican City

Explore the magnificent Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano.
EUR17, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Borgo Pio

Try some cacio e pepe in a cozy eatery near Vatican.
Walk 10 minutes from Vatican City.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Piazza Navona

Let the kids play around the fountains in this lively square.
Take bus 64 to Navona.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Pantheon

Discover the stunning architecture of this ancient Roman temple.
Walk 10 minutes from Piazza Navona.
EUR5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Walk to Trevi Fountain

Don't forget to toss a coin into the fountain, a must-do family activity!
Walk 15 minutes from Pantheon.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at La Carbonara

Feast on traditional pasta dishes in a family-friendly environment.
Walk 10 minutes from Trevi Fountain.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Start your day with delicious pastries and fresh cappuccinos.
Walk to the nearby café.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Florence

Catch a morning train to the heart of Tuscany.
Walk to Roma Termini station and board the train.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Arrive in Florence and visit Uffizi Gallery

Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces that will inspire the family.
Walk 15 minutes from the station.
EUR20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Enjoy diverse food stalls with something for everyone’s taste.
Walk 10 minutes from Uffizi.
EUR12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Piazza della Signoria

Explore this famous square and its breathtaking sculptures.
Walk 5 minutes from the market.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Climb the Duomo

Get breathtaking views of Florence from the top of the dome!
Walk 10 minutes to the Duomo.
EUR20, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Try hearty Tuscan dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Walk 5 minutes from Duomo.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Explore Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Giubbe Rosse

Enjoy a classic Italian breakfast with rich coffee and pastries.
Walk 10 minutes from your hotel.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Accademia Gallery

Stand in awe of Michelangelo's David, an unforgettable sight for families.
Walk 15 minutes from the café.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Gelato Experience

Indulge in some of the best gelato in the city at Gelateria dei Neri.
Walk 10 minutes from the gallery.
EUR3, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Enjoy regional dishes in a cozy setting that caters to families.
Walk 10 minutes from the gelato shop.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Boboli Gardens

Let the kids run wild while exploring beautiful gardens and sculptures.
Walk 20 minutes from the restaurant.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Ponte Vecchio

Stroll along the famous bridge and enjoy the views of the Arno River.
Walk 15 minutes from Boboli Gardens.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Rocco

End the day with delicious pasta in a local eatery near the market.
Walk 15 minutes from Ponte Vecchio.
EUR14, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start with some well-known Venetian pastries.
Walk to the bakery.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Venice

Hop on a train to one of the most enchanting cities in the world.
Walk to Santa Maria Novella train station.
EUR25, 2 hours

11:30AM

Arrival in Venice & Explore St. Mark's Square

Wander through this iconic square, allowing kids to admire the basilica.
Use public transport to Piazzale Roma then walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Al Gazzettino

Enjoy Venetian seafood dishes in a family-friendly restaurant.
Walk 10 minutes from St. Mark's.
EUR18, 1 hour

2:30PM

Gondola Ride

Experience a gondola ride through the picturesque canals—perfect for the whole family.
Board gondola at the nearby station.
EUR80 (for 4 people), 30 minutes

3:30PM

Visit Doge's Palace

Explore this historical treasure with many stories to share.
Walk 5 minutes to Doge's Palace.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Alla Madonna

Savor more Venetian seafood in a cozy atmosphere for families.
Walk 10 minutes from Doge's Palace.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Explore Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Rosa

Start the day with fresh pastries and cappuccino in a lovely café.
Walk to the café.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Rialto Market

Immerse in the local culture by exploring the vibrant market.
Walk 15 minutes from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Murano Island

Explore the glass-making factories and take home a cherished souvenir.
Take Vaporetto from Rialto to Murano.
EUR18 (round trip for family), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch on Murano

Enjoy local seafood specialties at a quaint restaurant on the island.
Choose a restaurant nearby.
EUR15, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Venice

Head back and prepare for the rest of your adventure.
Take the Vaporetto back.
Included in previous cost, 40 minutes

5:00PM

Explore San Giorgio Maggiore

Catch the sunset view of the city from this beautiful island.
Take Vaporetto to San Giorgio.
EUR8 (round trip for family), 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Savor traditional Venetian dishes in a family-friendly restaurant.
Return to Venice and head back to the main square.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Travel to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast spread at your hotel before departing.
Head to the airport via taxi.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Flight to Istanbul

Take a low-cost flight to Istanbul, marking your entry into a new culture.
Catch your flight.
EUR60 (for the family), 3 hours

2:00PM

Check into Accommodation

Settle in your new hotel and relax a bit before exploration.
Take a taxi from the airport to your hotel.
EUR20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this architectural marvel that is a testament to Istanbul's rich history.
Walk 10 minutes from the hotel.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Sultanahmet Square

Let the kids run around this bustling square while taking in the views.
Walk around the area.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Enjoy delicious Turkish dishes in a family-friendly environment.
Walk back to the restaurant.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor local delights like menemen while enjoying city views.
Stay at the hotel for breakfast.
Included in hotel cost, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Immerse in the opulence of the Ottoman Empire at this historical site.
Take a tram from Sultanahmet to Gülhane.
EUR12, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant

Enjoy local dishes such as kebabs that the whole family will love.
Walk 10 minutes from the palace.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Grand Bazaar

Let the kids explore and bargain for souvenirs in this famous market.
Take tram or walk back to the market area.
Free to enter (shopping extra), 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Spice Bazaar

Savor the aroma of spices and sample treats as a family.
Walk 10 minutes from Grand Bazaar.
Free to enter (shopping extra), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Dinner with a view of the Golden Horn; perfect for families.
Walk 10 minutes from Spice Bazaar.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Travel to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before the journey.
Enjoy at your hotel.
Included in hotel cost, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Cappadocia

Catch a low-cost flight to one of the most captivating regions in Turkey.
Head to the airport via taxi.
EUR80 (for the family), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Check into Accommodation

Relax and refresh after checking into your hotel in Cappadocia.
Transfer from the airport to hotel.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

Discover ancient rock-cut churches adorned with frescoes.
Short drive or local transport to the museum.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Uçhisar Castle

Climb up for panoramic views of Cappadocia's unique landscape.
Take a short taxi drive.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Enjoy dinner in a cozy cave setting with local cuisines.
Walk to the restaurant nearby.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Hot Air Balloon and Explore Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

5:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the breathtaking views of Cappadocia's valleys at sunrise.
Pick up from your accommodation.
EUR200 (for the family), 3 hours (including preparation and drive)

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Get refreshed after the early morning adventure.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Included in hotel cost, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Pasabag Valley

Let the kids explore fairy chimneys and unique rock formations.
Take a taxi to the valley.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Turkish specialties in this family-friendly restaurant.
Taxi back to Göreme.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Avanos Pottery Workshop

Get the kids involved in a fun pottery-making session.
Take taxi to Avanos.
EUR10 (for materials), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Han Ciragan Restaurant

End the day with delicious traditional food in a local dining spot.
Taxi back to Göreme.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Travel to Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Cappadocia before departure.
Eat at your hotel.
Included in hotel cost, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to the Airport

Take a taxi to the airport for your next destination.
Head to the airport.
EUR20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Flight to Izmir

Take a quick flight to Izmir, the gateway to Ephesus.
Catch your flight.
EUR80 (for the family), 1 hour

12:30PM

Transfer to Ephesus

Travel by taxi from Izmir to Ephesus.
Catch a taxi from the airport.
EUR25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at Selçuk Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch after arriving in Ephesus.
Nearby the ruins.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore ancient Ephesus

Walk through the ruins and imagine life thousands of years ago.
Walk to the archaeological site.
EUR12, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Artemis Restaurant

Treat the family to a delightful meal with views of the surrounding area.
Walk from the archaeological site.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Travel to Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast in Ephesus before heading to Pamukkale.
Eat at your hotel.
Included in hotel cost, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Pamukkale

Take a taxi from Ephesus to Pamukkale.
Taxi to Pamukkale.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check into Accommodation

Settle into your hotel in Pamukkale and refresh.
Check-in nearby.
Included in hotel cost, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at White Springs Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a view of the travertine terraces.
Nearby your accommodation.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Have fun in the thermal pools while taking in the stunning views.
Walk to the pools.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Hierapolis

Discover the ancient city and its historical significance.
Adjacent to the thermal pools.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kayas Restaurant

Savor dinner in a friendly atmosphere close to the pools.
Walk in the area.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Travel to Izmir

Izmir, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast and prepare for the journey to Izmir.
Breakfas at your hotel.
Included in hotel cost, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Izmir

Take a taxi from Pamukkale to Izmir.
Catch a taxi.
EUR35, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check into Accommodation

Settle in your accommodation in Izmir.
Arrive in Izmir.
Included in hotel cost, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kordonboyu

Enjoy a leisurely meal with views of the Aegean Sea.
Walk to the seafront.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Konak Square

Explore the heart of the city and test local sweets at nearby shops.
Walk around Konak Square.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Alsancak District

Wander around this vibrant neighborhood with cafes and shops.
Take a tram or walk.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Pier Restaurant

Enjoy delicious seafood dishes in a lively seaside spot.
Walk along the waterfront.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 14: Departure from Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before heading to your departure.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Included in hotel cost, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Istanbul

Take a quick flight back to Istanbul for your departure.
Taxi to the airport.
EUR80 (for the family), 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Istanbul Airport

Take your time at the airport, with shops and eateries to enjoy.
After check-in, stroll around.
Free (shopping extra), 2 hours

1:30PM

Departure from Istanbul

Bid farewell to your unforgettable adventure in Italy and Turkey.
Head to your gate.
Cost depends on flight destination., 0.5 hours
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