Family-friendly 7-Day Affordable Turkey Itinerary from Manama

Day 1: Arrival and Sightseeing

Istanbul, Turkey on May 17, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring fresh cheeses and olives, ideal to energise your family for the day ahead. Open from 8:00am to 12:00pm.
TRY100, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Sultanahmet Area

Explore iconic sites including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Offers stunning architecture and history suitable for all ages. Blue Mosque is free entry; Hagia Sophia costs TRY150, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
TRY150, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Try famous Turkish meatballs that children love, in a family-friendly environment. Open 11:00am-7:00pm.
TRY120, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Gülhane Park

Take a leisurely walk and let kids enjoy the playground in this peaceful city park near Sultanahmet. Open 24 hours, free entry.
FREE, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Çiya Sofrası

Sample a variety of Anatolian dishes in Kadıköy with a casual, friendly atmosphere. Open 12:00pm-10:00pm.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 2: Family Fun and Markets

Istanbul, Turkey on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Enjoy a Mediterranean and Turkish breakfast with Bosphorus views, perfect for kids and parents alike. Open 8:30am-12:00pm.
TRY110, 1h

10:00am

Visit Istanbul Aquarium

Explore one of Europe's largest thematic aquariums with interactive exhibits ideal for children. Open 10:00am-7:00pm. Entry fee TRY150 per adult, children under 3 free, 8-year-old discounted price TRY75.
TRY375, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Aqua Florya Shopping Mall Food Court

Casual dining with international options and kid-friendly meals, accommodating a budget-conscious family.
TRY100, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Miniatürk

Explore miniatures of Turkey's landmarks – fun and educational for children, open 9:00am-6:00pm, entry TRY75 adults, children half price.
TRY225, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy traditional kebabs overlooking the Golden Horn, children friendly with spacious seating. Open 12:00pm-11:00pm.
TRY160, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel in Istanbul

Light breakfast before transfer to airport.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Flight to Kayseri Airport

Quick domestic flight from Istanbul, approximately 1h20m, budget airlines available.
TRY400 for family, 1h20m

11:00am

Transfer to Hotel in Göreme

Short 45 minutes transfer to Cappadocia's main town, comfortable family-friendly accommodation.
TRY100, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nazar Borek

Try local pastries like gözleme, great for all ages, casual and affordable. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
TRY100, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

Explore stunning cave churches and frescoes, an iconic Cappadocia site suitable for the whole family. Open 8:00am-5:00pm, entry TRY100.
TRY100, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Experience traditional Anatolian dishes in a cave setting. Family-friendly and cozy. Open 6:00pm-10:00pm.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cappadocia Exploration

Cappadocia, Turkey on May 20, 2025

6:30am

Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride

Book in advance for a sunrise balloon ride providing breathtaking views (children age dependent, check with operator). Price approx TRY800 per adult, including child discounts.
TRY1600 total, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy a breakfast with fresh local ingredients in Göreme.
TRY80, 1h

10:00am

Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Explore famous fairy chimneys with easy walking paths suitable for children. Open all day, free entry.
FREE, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Try local pottery kebab, a unique Cappadocian dish, shop has high chairs and is kid-friendly. Open 11:00am-9:00pm.
TRY140, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Avanos

Visit pottery workshops and let kids try making pottery, interactive and fun. Open various hours, usually till 6:00pm, many free demo sessions.
TRY50 for pottery workshop, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Urfa Sofrası

Enjoy clean, family-friendly restaurant serving diverse Turkish dishes. Open 6:00pm-10:00pm.
TRY140, 1h30m
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Day 5: Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Pamukkale, Turkey on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Pamukkale by bus

Early morning bus from Cappadocia to Pamukkale, approx 10 hours – consider overnight or stopover to save energy.
TRY300 for family tickets, 10h

5:00pm

Check-in Hotel

Stay in a family-friendly hotel near Pamukkale.
TRY150, Rest evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Light and affordable dinner at local restaurants near hotel.
TRY100, 1h
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Day 6: Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Pamukkale, Turkey on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast included in hotel stay.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Pamukkale Travertines and Hierapolis

Explore famous thermal pools and ancient ruins. Perfect for kids to safely wade in the warm waters. Open 8:00am-7:00pm, entry TRY150 per person, children under 6 free.
TRY300, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at White Dragon Restaurant

Family-friendly with Turkish and international cuisine, ideal for a relaxed lunch after exploring.
TRY120, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Local Park

Afternoon rest, allowing children to play and parents to unwind in a calm environment.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Dinler Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful dinner close to the travertines with good reviews for family dining. Open 6:00pm-10:00pm.
TRY150, 1h30m
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Day 7: Ephesus Visit and Departure

Ephesus, Turkey on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Early Travel to Selçuk (Ephesus)

Take an early bus or arranged transfer from Pamukkale to Selçuk, around 3 hours.
TRY100, 3h

10:30am

Visit Ephesus Ancient City

Discover well-preserved Roman ruins that captivate history lovers and are accessible for children. Open 8:00am-7:00pm, entry TRY150 adults, children discounted.
TRY300, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Selçuk Pidecisi Mevlana

Enjoy local pide and light meals, perfect for children looking for familiar tastes.
TRY80, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Istanbul and Flight to Manama

Fly back via Istanbul or direct international connection if available. Evening departure.
Dependent on flight tickets, Travel evening
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