Comprehensive 12-Day Family Itinerary Covering Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Oludeniz with Top Food and Stay Suggestions

Day 1: Arrival and Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey on June 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Begin with traditional Turkish breakfast including freshly baked bread and menemen, located near Sultanahmet, open from 8:00am.
TRY60, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the iconic former basilica and mosque showcasing Byzantine architecture and history; open 9am-7pm.
TRY100 (adult), TRY50 (child), 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Famous for classic Turkish meatballs, perfect for a family-friendly lunch just steps from major sights.
TRY80, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tour Topkapi Palace

Visit the opulent Ottoman palace with its rich history and treasury collections; open 9am-6pm.
TRY150, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll through the Basilica Cistern

Discover the atmospheric underground water reservoir with beautiful columns, open 9am-5:30pm.
TRY60, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

Enjoy fresh seafood in an authentic ambience, highly rated for families; open till 10pm.
TRY200, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Çınaraltı Cafe

Breakfast near the Bosphorus with views and traditional Turkish tea.
TRY50, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Blue Mosque

Explore this iconic 17th-century mosque noted for its exquisite blue İznik tiles, open 9am-7pm except during prayer times.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Spend time exploring one of the world’s largest covered markets with artisan products and souvenirs, open 9am-7pm.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Historic restaurant inside the Spice Bazaar complex serving delicious Ottoman dishes.
TRY100, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cruise on Bosphorus

Take a 2-hour Bosphorus ferry to see Istanbul’s skyline from the water, depart from Eminönü, operations from 9am to 6pm.
TRY75, 2h0m

6:00pm

Explore Taksim Square & Istiklal Street

Walk the bustling street filled with shops and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Enjoy flavorful meze and Turkish cuisine in a cozy setting close to Taksim.
TRY180, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Modern & Historical Mix

Istanbul, Turkey on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mangerie Ortaköy

Breakfast with a view of the Bosphorus Bridge and calm Ortaköy vibe.
TRY70, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Tour the lavish 19th-century palace on the Bosphorus, open 9am-4pm.
TRY150, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Savor Anatolian specialties in a stylish yet family-friendly ambience.
TRY150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Enjoy Turkish contemporary art and child-friendly exhibits, open 10am-6pm.
TRY75, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax in Gulhane Park

A beautiful historic park near Sultanahmet ideal for children and relaxation.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Shopping at Istinye Park Mall

Modern shopping center with international brands and playground for kids.
Free, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Famous for kebabs and views over Golden Horn, a great final Istanbul dinner.
TRY200, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Fly to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a full hotel breakfast before early departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight Istanbul to Nevşehir

Morning flight to Nevşehir airport, approximately 1.5 hours.
TRY400 per person approx., 1h30m

11:30am

Arrival and Check-in at Museum Hotel, Uchisar

Stay at 4-star cave-style hotel centrally located with easy access to key sights.
INR 12000 per night approx., Check-in and relax

1:00pm

Lunch at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

Traditional local dishes with kid-friendly options, inside Goreme area.
TRY120, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

Explore ancient rock-cut churches with frescoes in a UNESCO site, open 8am-7pm.
TRY100, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Red Valley

Short drive and hike for stunning sunset views over the surreal landscape.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dibek Restaurant

Relaxed setting offering traditional pottery kebabs and local dishes.
TRY150, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 5, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s landscapes, suitable for children above 6, bookings required in advance.
TRY2000, 3h0m including transfer

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Post-balloon breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

See unique fairy chimneys and volcanic formations, open anytime, free entry.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant ‘Ziggy Cafe’

Cozy spot offering Turkish and international dishes friendly for families.
TRY130, 1h0m

1:30pm

Underground City Visit - Kaymakli or Derinkuyu

Explore one of the famous underground cities where early Christians hid; open daily 8am-7pm.
TRY80, 2h0m

4:00pm

Pottery Workshop in Avanos

Hands-on pottery class for kids and adults in the town famous for ceramics; open until 6pm.
TRY100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sedef Restaurant

Well-priced Turkish grill and family-friendly meal options.
TRY150, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature and Culture

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relaxed breakfast before day trip.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Hiking Ihlara Valley

Light family-friendly hike through a beautiful gorge with churches carved in cliffs, open all day.
TRY30, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Belisirma Village

Lunch by the Melendiz river with fresh trout options.
TRY140, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Selime Monastery

Largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia with panoramic views.
TRY20, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Rest and leisure time.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lil’a Restaurant

Upscale dining at the Museum Hotel with local gourmet offerings.
TRY300, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Antalya

Antalya, Turkey on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a nourishing breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Antalya

Fly from Nevşehir to Antalya, flight approx. 1 hour.
TRY500, 1h0m

10:30am

Check-in to Hotel Alp Pasa, Antalya

A historic boutique 4-star hotel located in Antalya’s city centre, excellent for public transport access.
INR 8000 per night approx., Relax

12:00pm

Lunch at 7 Mehmet

Traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine with family-friendly menu close to Kaleici.
TRY150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Kaleici Old Town

Wander Antalya’s historic district with Roman harbor, Hadrian’s Gate, and charming streets.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Antalya Museum

Top archaeological museum showcasing regional artifacts, open 8:30am-7:30pm.
TRY50, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Seraser Fine Dining

Elegant restaurant offering diverse Anatolian cuisine and kid-friendly meals.
TRY250, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Beach and Waterfalls

Antalya, Turkey on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Standard breakfast buffet.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Düden Waterfalls

Short drive to the scenic waterfall park, great for nature walk and photos, open daily.
TRY30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Moonlight Restaurant

Seafood and Turkish dishes by the sea, casual family-friendly environment.
TRY150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Konyaalti Beach

Spend the afternoon at Antalya’s most popular pebble beach with playgrounds for kids.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Freshen up and relax.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pasa Bey Kebap

Casual dining with an array of kebabs and Turkish specialties.
TRY120, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Day at Oludeniz

Oludeniz, Turkey on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Antalya

Early breakfast before traveling.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Antalya to Oludeniz approx 3 hrs

Scenic coastal drive south to Oludeniz, famous for its Blue Lagoon.
Free, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in at Yacht Classic Hotel

Comfortable 4-star located near Oludeniz beach and lagoon, family friendly.
INR 7000 per night approx., Relax

12:30pm

Lunch at The Olive Tree Restaurant & Bar

Mediterranean cuisine with fresh ingredients and kid-friendly options.
TRY130, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Blue Lagoon Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing at the calm, famous lagoon beach.
TRY70, 3h0m

6:00pm

Walk in Village and Explore Shops

Explore local shops and cafés for souvenirs and snacks.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Buzz Bar Restaurant

Casual dining with Turkish and international dishes in a relaxed setting.
TRY150, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Dalaman Airport

Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour drive.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Flight to Istanbul

Flight duration approx. 1 hour 15 minutes.
TRY600, 1h15m

12:00pm

Check-in to Hotel Sultania or similar in Sultanahmet

Comfortable 4-star hotel close to main tourist attractions and good transport connections.
INR 11000 approx. per night, Relax

1:00pm

Lunch at Deraliye Ottoman Palace Cuisine

Enjoy gourmet Ottoman-style lunch near Sultanahmet.
TRY130, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Chora Church and Museum

Marvel at exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes; open 9am-7pm.
TRY60, 1h30m

4:30pm

Tea at Pierre Loti Café

Take a cable car and enjoy beautiful views of the Golden Horn with tea and Turkish sweets.
TRY40, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse

Famous for steaks and entertaining atmosphere, family-friendly options available.
TRY350, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Shopping and Relax

Istanbul, Turkey on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Dolapdere Kids Park & Miniaturk

Miniaturk features miniature recreations of famous Turkish landmarks, fun and educational for children, open 9:30am-5pm.
TRY50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant (Eminönü)

Enjoy a meal with views of the Golden Horn and family-friendly Turkish food.
TRY120, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Spice Bazaar

Shop for spices, sweets, and souvenirs, close to Eminönü ferry docks; open 9am-7pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax at Hotel or Local Park

Unwind and pack for departure.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Modern Turkish fine dining with spectacular city views, ideal for your last night.
TRY400, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure

Istanbul, Turkey on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Transfer to Istanbul Airport

Leave early for international flight check-in to India.
TRY150 for taxi, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability