Family-Friendly 11-Day Istanbul, Cappadocia & Izmir Adventure with Aegean Coast Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Istanbul, Turkey on August 1, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival at Istanbul Airport and Transfer to Hotel

Arrive mid-afternoon and transfer to a centrally located hotel in Sultanahmet to rest after the flight and prepare for sightseeing.
Included with transport, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

Enjoy a warm family dinner with fresh seafood delicacies near the Blue Mosque, perfect to start your Istanbul experience.
TRY300, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on August 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Start with traditional Turkish sweets and coffee at this famous historic sweet shop open from 8am.
TRY60, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Tour the iconic Byzantine architecture of Hagia Sophia, a must-see cultural landmark; open from 9am to 7pm.
TRY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savor traditional Turkish meatballs in the heart of Sultanahmet for an authentic local meal.
TRY80, 1h

1:30pm

Blue Mosque and Hippodrome

Visit the majestic Blue Mosque and nearby Hippodrome for historic and architectural wonders; free entry except prayer times.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Topkapi Palace

Explore the magnificent palace complex of Ottoman sultans, open 9am to 6:45pm in summer.
TRY320, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pandeli Restaurant

Relish traditional Ottoman cuisine inside the historic Spice Bazaar in a beautiful setting.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 3: Bosphorus & Markets

Istanbul, Turkey on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Start with the famed Turkish baklava and breakfast at this popular spot where locals gather; opens at 8am.
TRY70, 1h

9:30am

Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a scenic 2-hour cruise on the Bosphorus strait, taking in views of Istanbul’s European and Asian shores.
TRY150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy

Taste diverse Anatolian dishes in the Asian side market of Kadıköy, lively and rich in local flavors; open at noon.
TRY120, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kadıköy Market

Wander through vibrant local markets and cafes in Kadıköy for a taste of everyday Istanbul life.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Grand Bazaar

Visit one of the world’s largest covered markets, open until 7pm, perfect for souvenir shopping and people watching.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Dine on tasty kebabs with outstanding views of the Golden Horn near Eminönü; open till 11pm.
TRY300, 1h30m
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Day 4: Neighborhoods & Palace

Istanbul, Turkey on August 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Enjoy a stylish breakfast with scenic Bosphorus views in the Bebek neighborhood; opens at 8am.
TRY90, 1h

10:00am

Dolmabahçe Palace

Explore the opulent 19th-century Ottoman palace located on the Bosphorus, open 9am to 4:30pm (closed Mondays).
TRY250, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The House Café Ortaköy

Enjoy modern Turkish dishes with waterfront views in Ortaköy, a charming neighborhood by the Bosphorus; open from 10am.
TRY140, 1h

2:00pm

Stroll in Ortaköy and Bosphorus Bridge

Relax at Ortaköy Square, famous for its mosque, street food, and views of the impressive Bosphorus Bridge.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Rest and prepare for next day flight to Cappadocia

Return to hotel to pack and recharge in anticipation of the morning flight.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Dine with panoramic city views and a mix of international and Turkish dishes; open until 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 flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir; arrange transportation to your hotel in Göreme or Ürgüp.
TRY500 per person approx., 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in and rest

Settle into a cave hotel offering unique local accommodation and a memorable family experience.
Hotel dependent, 1h

11:30am

Göreme Open Air Museum

Tour this UNESCO site featuring rock-cut churches and frescoes; open between 8am and 7pm.
TRY150, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Relish local dishes served in a cozy cave atmosphere; well-suited for families and open till 8pm.
TRY180, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Love Valley Hiking

Take an afternoon hike among Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys for breathtaking landscapes and photo opportunities.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

Enjoy traditional Anatolian dishes paired with local wines in an atmospheric setting; open until 10pm.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 6: Cappadocia Touring

Cappadocia, Turkey on August 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fresh breakfast included with your stay to start your day energized for exploration.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Derinkuyu Underground City

Discover this extensive underground city used historically for shelter, open 8am-7pm.
TRY100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ziggy Café, Ürgüp

Enjoy terrace dining with local specialties and views, ideal for families in Ürgüp town center.
TRY150, 1h

2:00pm

Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Explore another famous valley with distinctive fairy chimneys, free and open all day for walking exploration.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Optional Pottery Workshop in Avanos or hotel relaxation

Experience traditional pottery making or relax as you prefer before evening meal.
TRY120 for pottery, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sedef Restaurant

Informal restaurant offering delicious home-style food popular with locals and visitors; open till 10pm.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cappadocia to Izmir

Cappadocia to Izmir, Turkey on August 7, 2025

7:00am

Fly Nevşehir to Istanbul and connect to Izmir

Morning flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul, then transfer to a connecting flight to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
TRY500 / TRY400 approx., 4h including transfer

12:00pm

Hotel Check-in and Lunch

Settle into an Izmir city hotel; enjoy lunch at Kordon waterfront at Deniz Restaurant with views of the gulf.
TRY150, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Konak Square and Clock Tower

Visit the lively Konak Square featuring the iconic Ottoman clock tower and local markets nearby.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Walk along Kordon Promenade

Stroll along scenic coastline promenades for a relaxing afternoon family walk with cafes and sea views.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Topçu Kebap

Savor traditional İzmir-style kebabs and local specialties at this well-known casual restaurant.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 8: Ephesus & Şirince Day Trip

Izmir, Turkey on August 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early to embark on a full-day tour of Ephesus and nearby villages.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Day Trip to Ephesus and Şirince

Explore ancient city ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman sites, plus charming Şirince village famous for wines and crafts.
Entrance fee TRY150 plus transport cost, 7h

9:30am

Ephesus Ruins Tour

Walk along the marble streets and see landmarks like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
TRY150, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch in Şirince Village

Enjoy lunch at a scenic family-friendly restaurant offering local Aegean dishes and wine tasting opportunities.
TRY120, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Şirince

Stroll through quaint streets with colorful houses, handicraft shops and local bazaars.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Izmir

Head back to Izmir with some time to rest or explore the city evening ambiance.
Included with tour or taxi approx TRY150, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Deniz Restaurant Kordon

Dine by the water with fresh seafood and traditional dishes to conclude your day.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 9: Çeşme Beach Relaxation

Çeşme, Turkey on August 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Leisurely breakfast before a day trip to the nearby beach town of Çeşme.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive or Taxi to Çeşme

Travel approximately 1 hour west to Çeşme, known for beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Car rental or taxi cost approx TRY200, 1h

10:30am

Relax at Ilica Beach

Spend your day at one of the best beaches in the area, perfect for family swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Dalyan Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and local Aegean flavors by the beach in Çeşme town center.
TRY180, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Çeşme Town

Visit the historic Çeşme Castle and wander the charming streets of the coastal town.
TRY50 for castle entry, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Izmir

Drive back to Izmir to rest for your final full day.
Car rental or taxi cost approx TRY200, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kordon

Opt for a casual dinner along Izmir’s waterfront to enjoy sunset views and local cuisine.
TRY150, 1h
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Day 10: Return to Istanbul

Izmir to Istanbul, Turkey on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Have a calm breakfast and prepare for your morning flight back to Istanbul.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Flight Izmir to Istanbul

Fly from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Istanbul (~1 hour flight) and transfer to your hotel or next destination.
TRY300-400, 2h including transfer

12:30pm

Lunch near Istanbul Airport

If time permits, have a light lunch at the airport or a nearby restaurant before your final evening.
TRY100, 1h

3:00pm

Free Afternoon for last sightseeing or shopping

Depending on energy levels, explore local shopping malls or relax at your hotel in Istanbul.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Enjoy a unique farewell dinner featuring Ottoman palace recipes for an unforgettable family meal.
TRY350, 1h30m
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Day 11: Departure

Istanbul, Turkey on August 11, 2025

5:00am

Transfer to Istanbul Airport

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