Family-Friendly 11-Day Istanbul, Greek Island & Izmir Adventure with Aegean Coast Relaxation

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Istanbul, Turkey on August 1, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival at Istanbul Airport and Transfer to Hotel

Arrive mid-afternoon, transfer to a family-friendly hotel in Sultanahmet for rest and preparation for sightseeing.
Included with transport, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

Enjoy fresh, local seafood in a cozy setting near the Blue Mosque to kick off your Turkish experience.
TRY300, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on August 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Indulge in famous Turkish sweets and strong coffee at this iconic establishment; opens early at 8am.
TRY60, 1h

9:30am

Hagia Sophia Visit

Explore the grandeur and history of this legendary Byzantine-era site, open 9am-7pm, ideal for family education and stunning architecture.
TRY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savor traditional Turkish meatballs and sides, a local favorite just steps away from major sites.
TRY80, 1h

1:30pm

Blue Mosque and Hippodrome

Visit the stunning Blue Mosque and historic Hippodrome square; entry is free but be mindful of prayer times.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Topkapi Palace

Marvel at Ottoman sultans’ former residence with its impressive collections and gardens; open 9am to 6:45pm in summer.
TRY320, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy Ottoman-inspired dishes in the historic Spice Bazaar for an atmospheric dining experience.
TRY250, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Bosphorus & Markets

Istanbul, Turkey on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Start with some of the best baklava and traditional breakfast treats in Istanbul; opens at 8am.
TRY70, 1h

9:30am

Bosphorus Cruise

Experience a 2-hour scenic cruise on the Bosphorus, taking in views of palaces and bridges between two continents.
TRY150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Taste diverse Anatolian cuisine in lively Kadıköy; an authentic culinary stop on the Asian side of Istanbul.
TRY120, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kadıköy Market

Browse local stalls, shops, and cafes that showcase day-to-day city life away from tourist crowds.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Grand Bazaar

Visit the world-famous covered market filled with textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs; open until 7pm daily.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy kebabs with panoramic views on the Golden Horn coast; open late for evening dining pleasure.
TRY300, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: Neighborhoods & Palace

Istanbul, Turkey on August 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Have a relaxing Bosphorus-side breakfast in Bebek, blending scenic views with delicious food; opens at 8am.
TRY90, 1h

10:00am

Dolmabahçe Palace

Discover the opulent 19th-century waterfront palace; open 9am-4:30pm except Mondays, a gem of imperial architecture.
TRY250, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The House Café Ortaköy

Enjoy modern Turkish cuisine and waterfront ambiance in the trendy Ortaköy neighborhood; open from 10am.
TRY140, 1h

2:00pm

Walk Ortaköy & Bosphorus Bridge Views

Relax by Ortaköy Square, sample street food like kumpir, and enjoy the iconic bridge views at sunset.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Rest at hotel and prepare for next day transfer to Greek island

Relax and pack for the next adventure on the Aegean coast in Greece.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Dine with panoramic city views and a modern menu blending Turkish and international tastes; open late.
TRY350, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: To Greek Island Chios

Istanbul to Chios, Greece on August 5, 2025

7:00am

Transfer to Istanbul Airport for Flight to Chios

Fly from Istanbul to Chios (with possible connection in Athens); alternatively, flight to Mytilene and ferry if needed.
€100-150 approx per person, 3h including transfers

11:00am

Arrival and Hotel Check-in in Chios Town

Settle into a family-friendly hotel close to the harbor or beach.
Hotel dependent, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Avli Restaurant

Sample fresh Aegean seafood and Greek specialties in a charming garden setting.
€30 per person, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Chios Town

Visit the medieval quarter with narrow streets, the Maritime Museum, and waterfront promenade; ideal for a relaxed family walk.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Agia Fotini Beach

Short drive from town to enjoy clear waters and quiet family beach time.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Manale

Dine on traditional Greek cuisine with emphasis on local ingredients, open until 10pm.
€25 per person, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 6: Chios Villages & Relax

Chios, Greece on August 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy typical Greek morning fare including fresh bread, honey, olives, and coffee.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Mesta Village

Explore the well-preserved medieval fortified village with winding streets and historic charm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Taverna To Koutouki

Enjoy homemade Greek dishes in nearby Anavatos with gorgeous views; family friendly atmosphere.
€20 per person, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Komi Beach

Spend the afternoon at this sandy beach with shallow waters, perfect for children and relaxation.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Return to hotel and freshen up

Prepare for evening activities or leisure time.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ouzeri Tzatziki

Casual dining with traditional mezes and grilled dishes featuring local flavors; open late.
€25 per person, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 7: Chios to Izmir, Turkey

Chios to Izmir, Turkey on August 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and checkout

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before catching your ferry or flight back to Turkey.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Ferry from Chios to Cesme

Take a short ferry ride (about 1 hour) across the Aegean Sea to Cesme, Turkey.
TRY150 per person approx., 1h

11:00am

Transfer to Izmir Hotel

Drive or taxi (approx 1 hour) from Cesme to Izmir city hotel; check-in and freshen up.
TRY200, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Deniz Restaurant on Kordon

Enjoy fresh seafood and İzmir specialties with views of the Gulf of İzmir.
TRY150, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Konak Square & Clock Tower

Explore this iconic square full of shops, cafes, and historic sites; great for family photos and relaxed strolling.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax Along Kordon Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk by the sea with plenty of cafes and parks to unwind.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Topçu Kebap

Savor local İzmir-style kebabs and hearty Turkish dishes at this well-loved spot.
TRY180, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 8: Ephesus & Şirince Tour

Izmir, Turkey on August 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for a full-day excursion to Ephesus and Şirince village.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Ephesus Ancient City

Tour one of the best-preserved Roman ruins, including the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre; open 8am-7pm.
TRY150, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch in Şirince Village

Enjoy local Aegean specialties and sample village wines in a picturesque setting.
TRY120, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk through Şirince's charming streets and shops

Explore handicraft stores and scenic alleys in this traditional village.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Izmir

Head back to Izmir to rest or enjoy the evening at leisure.
Included with tour or taxi approx TRY150, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Deniz Restaurant Kordon

Enjoy your meal by the waterfront with fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
TRY250, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 9: Çeşme Beach Relax

Çeşme, Turkey on August 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a relaxing breakfast before heading to the beach.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive or Taxi to Çeşme

Travel to Çeşme, a scenic coastal town known for sandy beaches and warm waters; drive approx 1 hour.
Car rental or taxi approx TRY200, 1h

10:30am

Relax at Ilica Beach

Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and family-friendly beach activities at this popular spot.
Free, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Dalyan Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood and Aegean specialties in Çeşme town by the waterfront.
TRY180, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Çeşme Castle and Town

Visit the historic castle and stroll through the quaint streets of the town centre.
TRY50 for castle entry, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Izmir

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

7:30pm

Dinner along Kordon

Casual dining at waterfront cafes with views and a relaxing atmosphere.
TRY150, 1h
View Hotels

Day 10: Return to Istanbul

Izmir to Istanbul, Turkey on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Enjoy a final breakfast and pack for your flight back to Istanbul.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Flight Izmir to Istanbul

Fly from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Istanbul (approx 1 hour).
TRY300-400, 2h including transfers

12:30pm

Lunch near Istanbul Airport or hotel

Light lunch at a nearby restaurant depending on arrival location.
TRY100, 1h

3:00pm

Free afternoon for shopping or leisure

Explore local shops or relax at your hotel to prepare for departure.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

End your trip with a unique Ottoman palace recipe dining experience, open late with elegant ambiance.
TRY350, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 11: Departure

Istanbul, Turkey on August 11, 2025

5:00am

Transfer to Istanbul Airport

Early morning transfer to the airport to catch your flight back to Porto; allow time for security checks.
Included with transport, 1h
View Hotels