Family-Friendly 11-Day Istanbul, Cappadocia & Greek Island Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Istanbul, Turkey on August 1, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival at Istanbul Airport and Transfer to Hotel

Arrive mid-afternoon at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your centrally located family-friendly hotel in Sultanahmet or the old city to easily access major attractions.
Included with transport, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

Enjoy fresh seafood at this authentic and popular restaurant located near the Blue Mosque, perfect for a relaxing first dinner with the family.
TRY300, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on August 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Start your day with famed Turkish pastries and coffee at this long-standing historic sweet shop open from 8am.
TRY60, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the monumental Byzantine architecture and Museum near the Sultanahmet Square; open 9am-7pm in summer months.
TRY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Taste traditional Turkish meatballs in a lively spot loved by locals and tourists alike, near the Blue Mosque.
TRY80, 1h

1:30pm

Explore the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome

Visit the famous Blue Mosque (free entry; note prayer times) and the adjacent Hippodrome to see historic monuments.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, featuring stunning courtyards and the treasury; open 9am to 6:45pm.
TRY320, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine in this historic eatery inside the Spice Bazaar for a traditional Ottoman cuisine experience.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 3: Bosphorus & Markets

Istanbul, Turkey on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Enjoy famous Turkish baklava and breakfast specialties from 8am in Karaköy neighborhood.
TRY70, 1h

9:30am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a 2-hour scenic cruise along the Bosphorus strait to see both European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
TRY150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Savor diverse Anatolian dishes in the vibrant Kadıköy market area on the Asian side; open for lunch from noon.
TRY120, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kadıköy Market

Wander local food stalls, boutiques, and cafes in this lively Asian side market district.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Grand Bazaar

Shop for souvenirs and Turkish crafts in one of the largest covered markets worldwide, open until 7pm.
Free to enter, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Indulge in delicious kebabs with Bosphorus views near Eminönü; open till 11pm.
TRY300, 1h30m
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Day 4: Istanbul Neighborhoods

Istanbul, Turkey on August 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Trendy brunch spot with views of the Bosphorus in Bebek, opens at 8am, perfect for family breakfast.
TRY90, 1h

10:00am

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Tour the lavish 19th-century Ottoman palace on the waterfront, open 9am to 4:30pm (closed Mondays).
TRY250, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The House Café Ortaköy

Enjoy modern Turkish cuisine and waffles beside the Bosphorus in Ortaköy; open from 10am.
TRY140, 1h

2:00pm

Leisure walk in Ortaköy and Bosphorus Bridge

Relax at Ortaköy Square, famous for its mosque and street food, and walk near the stunning Bosphorus Bridge.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to hotel and pack for Cappadocia flight next day

Prepare luggage and relax before early morning flight to Cappadocia.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Dining with panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline, featuring international and Turkish cuisine; open till midnight.
TRY350, 1h30m
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Day 5: Fly to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on August 5, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport

Take an early morning domestic flight (~1.5 hours) from Istanbul to Nevşehir; pre-book taxi or shuttle to hotel.
TRY500 per person approx., 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in and rest

Check into a cave hotel in Göreme or Ürgüp for an authentic Cappadocia experience.
Hotel dependent, 1h

11:30am

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

Explore UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut churches and monasteries; open from 8am to 7pm.
TRY150, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Cozy family-run restaurant offering local Cappadocian dishes in a cave setting; open until 8pm.
TRY180, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Love Valley and local hiking

Enjoy scenic afternoon hiking among Cappadocia’s famous rock formations and fairy chimneys.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

Try traditional dishes with fine local wines in a charming atmosphere; open until 10pm.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 6: Cappadocia Explore

Cappadocia, Turkey on August 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast included with your cave hotel stay to start your day refreshed.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

Explore the fascinating multi-level underground city used historically for refuge, open 8am to 7pm.
TRY100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ziggy Cafe, Ürgüp

Enjoy delicious mezes and local specialties with terrace views of Ürgüp in a relaxed setting.
TRY150, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Walk among stunning mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys; open all day, no entrance fee.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or optional pottery workshop in Avanos

Discover pottery traditions or unwind at your hotel to prepare for next day travel.
TRY120 for workshop, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sedef Restaurant

Local friendly restaurant serving home-style kebabs and salads; open until 10pm.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cappadocia to Rhodes

Cappadocia to Rhodes, Greece on August 7, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Kayseri or Nevşehir to Istanbul

Morning flight to Istanbul (~1.5 hours), then transfer to Sabiha Gökçen Airport for international onward flight.
TRY500, 3h including transfer

12:00pm

Fly Istanbul to Rhodes, Greece

Take mid-day connecting flight to Rhodes International Airport (around 1 hour), arriving early afternoon.
EUR60-100, 1h

2:00pm

Check into Rhodes hotel

Settle into family-friendly hotel near Rhodes Old Town or beachfront for convenience.
Hotel dependent, 1h

3:00pm

Relax on Elli Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Elli Beach, known for its clear waters and calm atmosphere, perfect for families.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Marco Polo Café

Dine with views of the Old Town harbor, serving fresh Mediterranean seafood and Greek dishes; open till 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Relax & Explore Rhodes

Rhodes, Greece on August 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy Greek breakfast including fresh fruits, yogurt and pastries included with your stay.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Tour Medieval Old Town

Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Rhodes with its cobbled streets, Palace of the Grand Master, and quaint shops.
EUR20 entry for Palace, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at To Marouli

Experience authentic Greek cuisine in a cozy restaurant known for fresh ingredients near Old Town.
EUR35, 1h

3:00pm

Enjoy beach time at Tsambika Beach

Drive or taxi to Tsambika Beach, a stunning sandy beach perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mavrikos

Award-winning restaurant in Lindos village specializing in traditional Greek dishes offering great ambiance; opens 7pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Island Leisure

Rhodes, Greece on August 9, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a relaxed breakfast before a day of leisure and optional explorations.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Optional Boat Trip to Symi Island

Consider a family boat excursion to Symi Island, known for picturesque harbor and colorful neoclassical houses; half day trip advised.
EUR70 per person approx., 5h

4:00pm

Return and rest

Relax and unwind at hotel after the day’s water adventure.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kerasma Restaurant

Contemporary Greek cuisine with creative dishes in Rhodes town; open until late.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return to Istanbul

Rhodes to Istanbul, Turkey on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Complete a calm breakfast and pack for morning flight back to Istanbul.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Flight Rhodes to Istanbul

Fly from Rhodes to Istanbul (~1.5 hours) and transfer to hotel for last night or airport depending on timing.
EUR60-100, 2h including transfer

1:00pm

Lunch near Istanbul Airport

If time allows, enjoy a quick lunch at Istanbul airport or nearby restaurant offering local dishes.
TRY100, 1h

3:00pm

Optional last-minute sightseeing or shopping

If not too tired, visit nearby shopping malls or rest at hotel based on your flight schedule.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Celebrate your trip’s end with cuisine from Ottoman palace recipes; highly recommended for special family dinners.
TRY350, 1h30m
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Day 11: Departure

Istanbul, Turkey on August 11, 2025

5:00am

Transfer to Istanbul Airport

Early morning airport transfer for your flight back to Porto; allow sufficient time for check-in and security.
Included with transport, 1h
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