Istanbul to the Aegean: Pamukkale & Kusadasi Family Escape
7 days · 6 suggested stays
Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul and explore the Sultanahmet old city's iconic landmarks.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Hagia Sophia
Iconic Byzantine-era mosque and museum in Sultanahmet.
Blue Mosque
Stunning six-minaret mosque facing Hagia Sophia.
Sultanahmet Square
Historic plaza between the two great mosques.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Comfortable hotel in the heart of old Istanbul.
Day 2 — Dive into Ottoman grandeur at Topkapi, shop the Grand Bazaar, and cruise the Bosphorus.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Topkapi Palace
Opulent Ottoman sultans' palace with treasury and harem.
Grand Bazaar
Vast covered market with thousands of shops.
Bosphorus Cruise
Scenic ferry cruise between Europe and Asia.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Comfortable hotel in the heart of old Istanbul.
Day 3 — Fly to Izmir and transfer to the Aegean resort town of Kusadasi.
(overnight: Selcuk)
Flight Istanbul to Izmir
Domestic flight IST to ADB, then drive to Kusadasi.
Sirince Village
Charming hillside village near Kusadasi.
Villa Dreams Ephesus
Recommended boutique stay near Kusadasi.
Day 4 — Full day exploring the ancient city of Ephesus from Kusadasi.
(overnight: Selcuk)
Library of Celsus
Famous two-story facade of ancient Ephesus.
Great Theatre of Ephesus
Massive ancient amphitheater seating 25,000.
Terrace Houses
Richly decorated Roman villas on the hillside.
Villa Dreams Ephesus
Recommended boutique stay near Kusadasi.
Day 5 — Drive to Pamukkale and explore the white travertine terraces and Hierapolis.
(overnight: Pamukkale)
Drive Kusadasi to Pamukkale
Scenic drive to the travertine terraces.
Pamukkale Travertine Terraces
Snow-white mineral terraces and thermal pools.
Hierapolis Ancient City
Roman spa city ruins above the terraces.
Pamukkale Thermal Hotel
Comfortable hotel near the travertine terraces.
Day 6 — Drive to Izmir and explore the lively waterfront and bazaar.
(overnight: Izmir)
Drive Pamukkale to Izmir
Scenic drive to Turkey's Aegean metropolis.
Izmir Clock Tower
Historic landmark in Konak Square.
Kemeralti Bazaar
Historic covered bazaar and market district.
Swissotel Grand Efes Izmir
—
Visit site
Upscale hotel on Izmir's waterfront.
Day 7 — Enjoy a morning on Izmir's Kordon, then fly back to Istanbul to depart.
(overnight: Izmir)
Kordon Promenade
Seafront walkway with cafes and sea views.
Flight Izmir to Istanbul
Domestic flight ADB to IST for departure.
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