Three-Week Family Vacation in Turkey: Exploring Istanbul, Kocaeli Golcuk, Kutahya Simav and More

Day 1: Istanbul Arrival

Istanbul, Turkey on July 17, 2025

9:00am

Check-in and Rest

Arrive at your accommodation in Istanbul, settle in and rest after your journey, ensuring the family, especially the child, is comfortable and well-rested.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring various cheeses, olives, breads, and fresh vegetables in a kid-friendly environment open from 8am to 3pm.
TRY120, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Sultanahmet Square

Explore the historic heart of Istanbul with landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia; spacious areas allow the child to stretch and enjoy the surroundings. Open 9am to 7pm.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Have a casual lunch serving delicious Turkish meatballs, a kid-friendly menu with quick service, open 11am to 9pm daily.
TRY90, 1h

4:00pm

Relax in Gülhane Park

Spend a leisurely afternoon in this large park close to Sultanahmet, perfect for the child to enjoy playgrounds and open spaces.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Dine overlooking the Golden Horn, serving delicious kebabs and meze, open until 10pm, providing a relaxed atmosphere suitable for families.
TRY150, 1h30m
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Day 2: Istanbul City Tour

Istanbul, Turkey on July 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Begin your day in Bebek, a scenic neighbourhood by the Bosphorus, with varied breakfast options including pastries and fresh juices, open from 8am.
TRY140, 1h

10:00am

Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a family-friendly Bosphorus cruise offering stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline and iconic bridges; the cruise departs from Eminonu and lasts about 2 hours.
TRY50 per adult, TRY25 child, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Savour diverse Anatolian dishes at this renowned Kadıköy restaurant, suitable for adventurous eaters and children alike, open 12pm–10pm.
TRY120, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Istanbul Aquarium

Explore one of Europe's largest thematic aquariums, ideal for kids to enjoy marine life and interactive exhibits, open daily 10am–7pm.
TRY130 per adult, TRY100 child, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Relax at your accommodation to recharge after a busy day of sightseeing, especially important for the young child.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in a traditional setting in Sultanahmet, open until 11pm, with a menu accommodating children.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Kocaeli Golcuk

Kocaeli Golcuk, Turkey on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast at your Istanbul hotel to prepare for travel, ensuring a stress-free start to the day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Bus to Kocaeli Golcuk

Take a public bus from Istanbul to Golcuk, with journey time approximately 2 hours, suitable for family travel and scenic views of the Sea of Marmara region.
TRY40 per person, 2h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch

Check into accommodation in Golcuk followed by lunch at Deniz Balık, specialised in fresh local seafood with kid-friendly options, open 12pm–8pm.
TRY100, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Golcuk Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Golcuk Beach where the family can unwind and the child can play safely by the water.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Explore Golcuk city centre

Stroll around the town centre to experience local markets and shops, suitable for gentle walking with a child.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Dine at a local Golcuk family-friendly restaurant offering traditional Turkish cuisine with child-friendly dishes.
TRY90, 1h
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Day 4: Golcuk Wedding Day

Golcuk, Turkey on July 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, ensuring the family is prepared for the wedding celebrations ahead.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Leisure time and Local Sightseeing

Visit Golcuk’s cultural spots or parks that are easy to manage with a child; for example, the scenic waterfront areas with cafes open around 10am.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cafe & Bistro

Enjoy a casual lunch with both Turkish and international options suitable for adults and children.
TRY80, 1h

3:00pm

Wedding Preparation and Rest

Return to accommodation for rest and preparation before attending the wedding event in the evening.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Attend Wedding Event

Participate in the Golcuk wedding festivities, a valuable cultural experience with family-friendly atmosphere.
Included, 4h
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Day 5: Golcuk to Kutahya Simav

Golcuk to Kutahya Simav, Turkey on July 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fill up on a hearty breakfast before the day of travel ahead.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Golcuk to Simav

Take public transportation with train and bus connections to Simav in Kutahya province; journey takes approximately 6-7 hours with breaks, ensuring a kid-friendly pace.
TRY150 per person, 7h

5:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into accommodation in Simav and allow the family to rest after the long journey.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Simav Restaurant

Try local dishes with family-friendly service, open early evening hours.
TRY80, 1h30m
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Day 6: Simav Exploration and Relax

Kutahya Simav, Turkey on July 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakery Café

Enjoy fresh Turkish pastries and coffee at a local bakery, open from 7am, perfect for the child and adults alike.
TRY50, 1h

9:30am

Visit Simav Thermal Springs

Explore the famous thermal spa area with family-friendly pools and kid-appropriate relaxation areas; usually open 8am to 8pm.
TRY120, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Thermal Resort Restaurant

Dine comfortably with local and international options within the spa complex.
TRY90, 1h

2:30pm

Walk in Simav Town Centre

Stroll through local markets and small shops offering handcrafted items and souvenirs; the walk is gentle and enjoyable with a child.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Return to accommodation for rest before evening activities.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pideci

Try traditional Turkish pide in a local eatery, kid-friendly and open until 10pm.
TRY70, 1h
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Day 7: Simav Wedding Day

Kutahya Simav, Turkey on July 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with an energising breakfast in preparation for the wedding day.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Relax and Explore Nearby Parks

Visit Kid-friendly parks or recreational areas in Simav to enjoy some downtime before wedding activities.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nearby Café

Casual lunch spot with lightly spiced dishes accommodating young children; open midday onwards.
TRY70, 1h

3:00pm

Prepare for Wedding

Return to accommodation to freshen up and prepare for the wedding festivities later in the day.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Attend Simav Wedding Event

Celebrate the wedding with local customs and family-friendly entertainment.
Included, 4h
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Day 8: Simav to Istanbul

Kutahya Simav to Istanbul, Turkey on July 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a restful breakfast before starting your return journey to Istanbul.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel by public transport to Istanbul

Use a combination of train and bus to return to Istanbul; the trip lasts approximately 7 hours with breaks. Ensure the child’s comfort with breaks as needed.
TRY150 per person, 7h

5:00pm

Check-in and Relax at Istanbul Accommodation

Settle back into your Istanbul accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Çukur Meyhane

Experience authentic meze and Turkish dining in a lively but family-friendly atmosphere, open until late.
TRY160, 1h 30m
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Day 9: Istanbul Family Day

Istanbul, Turkey on July 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Privato

Enjoy a calm breakfast with views of Galata Tower, perfect for a family start to the day.
TRY110, 1h

10:00am

Visit Miniatürk

Explore this miniature park featuring scaled models of famous Turkish landmarks, highly engaging for children, open 9am to 7pm.
TRY50 per adult, TRY40 child, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Saray Muhallebicisi

Relish traditional Turkish desserts and light meals, offering kid favourites and a relaxed ambiance.
TRY70, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Rahmi M. Koç Museum

A museum dedicated to transport, industry and communications with lots of interactive exhibits for children; open 9:30am to 5pm.
TRY85 per adult, TRY40 child, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Accommodation

Rest before evening activities.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse

Treat yourselves to a delicious dinner that includes options for smaller appetites in a lively setting open until 11pm.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 10: Relaxing Istanbul Day

Istanbul, Turkey on July 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pierre Loti Café

Breakfast with panoramic views of the Golden Horn, relaxed and suitable for families, open from 8am.
TRY120, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Princes' Islands (Büyükada)

Take a ferry to Büyükada for a peaceful day out. No cars on the island pulls in families with young children due to quiet roads and horse-drawn carriage rides; ferries run from 9am to 7pm.
TRY25 per adult, TRY15 child ferry fare, 6h

4:30pm

Return to Istanbul

Head back to the city by ferry for a restful evening.
Included in ferry cost, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Meze By Lemon Tree

Enjoy a variety of meze dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly environment, open until 11pm.
TRY140, 1h30m
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