10-Day Family-Friendly Turkey and Greece Itinerary on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Privato

Start the day with a budget-friendly traditional Turkish breakfast featuring olives, cheese, and fresh bread.
Located in the Galata neighborhood, a short walk from the historic sites.
TRY100, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Marvel at the stunning architecture and rich history of this iconic museum.
Take a tram or walk from the café to Hagia Sophia.
TRY200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Indulge in delicious baklava and a Turkish lunch, perfect for a midday treat.
Short walk from Hagia Sophia to Karaköy.
TRY150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Discover Topkapi Palace

Explore the opulent palace and its beautiful gardens that house treasures of the Ottoman Empire.
Walk from lunch to the palace, a quick 15-minute stroll.
TRY300, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Experience local flavours with a budget meal in a family-run restaurant.
Find various local eateries in Sultanahmet district.
TRY200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Last Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a hearty and affordable breakfast with traditional Turkish dishes.
Take the tram to Cihangir for this popular spot.
TRY120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Exploration of the Grand Bazaar

Stroll through this vibrant marketplace packed with shops selling everything from textiles to spices.
Walk from breakfast to the bazaar, approximately 10 minutes.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Sample a variety of unique Turkish dishes in this modest eatery famous among locals.
Take a bus to Kadıköy, where the restaurant is located.
TRY150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Ferry to Ephesus

Take a ferry to Kusadasi and travel onward to Ephesus to visit the ancient ruins.
Book tickets online for the ferry from Istanbul to Kusadasi.
TRY150, 3 hours

5:00PM

Explore Ephesus

Tour the ancient city and be amazed by the extensive ruins, including the Temple of Artemis.
Walk from Kusadasi to Ephesus, leading to the entrance.
TRY250, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Find a quaint local diner serving Turkish kebabs and rices.
Dine in nearby Selçuk town, close to Ephesus.
TRY200, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure in Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a budget breakfast with fresh bread and local cheeses.
Find a café in Selçuk before you leave.
TRY100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bus to Pamukkale

Catch an early bus to Pamukkale for a day of natural beauty.
Catch the bus at the station in Selçuk.
TRY100, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at White Travertines

Pack a picnic lunch of sandwiches to enjoy overlooking the travertines.
Grocery store near the entrance.
TRY80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Pamukkale Travertines

Walk barefoot on the thermal terraces and feel the warm water, a highlight for the family.
Access the travertines from the entrance.
TRY200, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Hierapolis Ancient City

Roam through the majestic ruins and see the ancient theatre and necropolis.
A short walk from the travertines.
TRY200, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Savour a simple meal with local dishes at your accommodation.
Dine at your hotel for convenience.
TRY150, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Relax in Bodrum

Bodrum, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a breakfast in the hotel before departing for Bodrum.
Stay at the hotel restaurant.
TRY150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bus to Bodrum

Travel to Bodrum along the coastal highway with lovely views.
Bus station in Pamukkale.
TRY150, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Beachfront Restaurant

Feast on a fresh seafood lunch by the beach.
Choose from the dining options close to the marina.
TRY200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Bodrum Castle

Explore the fascinating castle overlooking the harbour and learn about its history.
Walking distance from lunch.
TRY250, 2 hours

5:00PM

Enjoy the Beach

Spend some leisure time swimming and playing on the sandy beach.
Access nearby beaches around Bodrum.
FREE, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at a Local Tavern

Try homemade Turkish dishes and family-friendly meals.
Find any local tavern in Bodrum's old town.
TRY200, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Ferry to Kos

Kos, Greece

8:00AM

Early Breakfast at Café

Grab a light breakfast from a local café to energise for the day ahead.
Cafés near your hotel.
TRY100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ferry to Kos

Catch the morning ferry to the Greek island of Kos, known for its historical sites.
Check schedules to ensure timely departures from Bodrum.
TRY200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Gyro Shop

Enjoy authentic Greek gyros, a delicious and budget-friendly option.
Find eateries near the port in Kos.
EUR5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ancient Agora

Explore the ruins of the ancient marketplace and adjacent historic sites.
It's a short walk from the lunch spot.
EUR12, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Kos's Beaches

Spend the afternoon swimming and playing in the beautiful Aegean Sea.
Access nearby beaches like Lambi beach.
FREE, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at a Seafront Taverna

Savour Greek dishes with a spectacular view of the sunset.
Choose a taverna on the waterfront.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Journey to Santorini

Santorini, Greece

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Indulge in a simple but hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
Enjoy the included breakfast.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ferry to Santorini

Set sail to the stunning island of Santorini, famous for its cliffs and sunsets.
Board the ferry from Kos port.
EUR40, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Café

Grab a quick lunch of Souvlaki with fresh tzatziki.
Find a café around Fira town.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Fira Town

Wander the pristine streets of Fira, offering breathtaking views of the caldera.
Explore on foot around Fira.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Oia Village

Take a bus to Oia to witness the famous sunset views.
Catch the local bus from Fira to Oia.
EUR2, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner in Oia

Choose a quaint restaurant to enjoy a meal whilst watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Dine in Oia town, looking out over the caldera.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 7: Santorini Fun

Santorini, Greece

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries from a local bakery to start your day.
Nearby bakery in Fira.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Ancient Akrotiri

Explore the well-preserved ruins of the Minoan city destroyed by a volcanic eruption.
Take the bus from Fira to Akrotiri.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Akrotiri Beach

Have lunch with fresh seafood at a beachside taverna.
Short walk from the archaeological site.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax on Red Beach

Enjoy swimming in the unique red sand beach.
Access the beach from Akrotiri.
FREE, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Perissa Beach

Head to this black sand beach for more fun in the sun.
Catch a local bus to Perissa.
EUR2, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at a Seaside Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful meal with views of the sunset over the Aegean.
Dine on Perissa beach.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 8: Travel to Athens

Athens, Greece

8:00AM

Breakfast at Charmy

Relish a traditional Greek breakfast with local ingredients.
Café in Fira before leaving.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ferry to Athens

Begin the journey back to Athens via ferry.
Ferry from Santorini to Piraeus port.
EUR40, 5 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at a Local Tavern near Piraeus

Savour fresh seafood while waiting for your transportation into Athens.
Taverns near ferry port.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Check into Accommodation

Settle into your hotel or budget-friendly hostel in Athens.
Find accommodations in central Athens.
EUR100, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Acropolis Museum

Discover ancient relics in this modern museum devoted to the Acropolis.
A short walk from your accommodations.
EUR12, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at a Souvlaki Shop

Experience authentic souvlaki, a must-have while in Greece.
Find a local souvlaki shop in Plaka.
EUR10, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Discover Athens

Athens, Greece

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with a traditional Greek coffee and pastries.
Local café nearby.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Acropolis

Explore the iconic ruins of the Parthenon and other structures atop the hill.
Short walk from your accommodation.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Monastiraki Square

Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine while people-watching in the bustling square.
Find various eateries around Monastiraki.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Stroll Through the Ancient Agora

Walk through the ancient marketplace and take in the historical atmosphere.
Walk from the square to the agora.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Temple of Hephaestus

Admire one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece.
Accessible from the Agora area.
EUR6, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Plaka District

Wander through the charming streets filled with shops and local artisans.
Walk to Plaka from the Agora.
FREE, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Casual Restaurant

End your day with Greek fare in a laid-back atmosphere.
Find restaurants around Plaka.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Departure

Athens, Greece

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel or local café to start the day.
Choose nearby options.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Pick up souvenirs in Monastiraki or Plaka before departure.
Visit the shops in either area.
EUR50, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check-out from Accommodation

Make sure all bags are ready before heading to the airport.
Check out from your hotel.
FREE, 1 hour

12:00PM

Airport Transfer

Head to Athens International Airport for your departure flight.
Take the Metro from central Athens to the airport.
EUR10, 1 hour
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