Day 1: Istanbul
Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your family adventure kicks off in Istanbul with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After you’ve met your local leader and fellow travellers, you’ll head out on a guided walk of the Old City and nearby neighbourhoods so you can get your bearings on what’s around. Visit the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Suleymaniye Cami. This evening, maybe join your group for dinner and try some Turkish cuisine.
Day 2: Istanbul
This morning, you’ll visit a nearby neighbourhood for a hands-on workshop – Ebru marbling. This unique artform uses traditional materials like earth dyes, horsehair and rose branch brushes and combines culture and fun for the kids. As they get their hands dirty, you’ll learn about the history and art of marbling from a local instructor. You can even throw the paint to get the best results! You’ll have the chance to make your own masterpiece, then the rest of the day is free. Maybe head out on a Kadikoy Local Taste Tour or embark on the Bosphorus cruise – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 3: Cappadocia
Wake up this morning and head to the airport to fly to your next destination – Cappadocia. Later this afternoon, you’ll take part in a cooking class with Hereni Women’s Cooperative. This local organization helps preserve local traditions and supports the economic growth of women. During our visit, you’ll take part in a hands-on cooking class where you’ll prepare regional specialties such as local soup, mantı (Turkish dumplings), tandır bread, and a traditional dessert – a delicious way to discover Cappadocia’s culinary heritage. Remember to write down the steps so you can recreate the dishes at home – a local recipe makes for a great souvenir!
Day 4: Cappadocia
This morning, take an optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia at sunrise. If you don’t fancy the heights, you’ll still have a great view of the skyline dotted with balloons from the ground (if your kids are early risers)! Later this morning, you’ll take an underground city tour. Explore the caverns and tunnels of Kaymakli Underground City – built during the 9th and 10th centuries as a defensive mechanism. After your time underground, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore. Maybe head out to a whirling dervish performance tonight – a spiritual ceremony where dervishes spin in a ritualistic dance.
Day 5: Antalya
This morning, drive across the Taurus Mountains to reach one of Turkey’s true coastal gems, Antalya. Today will be a long travel day, but you’ll make a pit stop in Konya for lunch and a short break before continuing to the coast. When you arrive, your leader will introduce you to the Old City with an orientation walk along its cobblestoned streets. Visit the clock tower, Hadrian’s Gate and the old Roman Harbour before venturing to the historical zone of Kaleici – an area within the city’s historic centre that’s protected from modern development. After, feel free to swim, relax and enjoy the crystal blue Mediterranean.
Day 6: Antalya
Today is free for you to explore Anatalya at your leisure. Maybe bring the kids to the Antalya Aquarium and Wax Museum or check out the Lower Duden Waterfalls. If you’re looking to stay active, there are many hikes and historic sites nearby to explore, or you could use this day to just relax on the beach, read a book and swim in the blue waters. Your local leader can give you the best recommendations and point you in the right direction for food and fun! Tonight, join your group for a farewell dinner to toast to the end of your adventure.
Day 7: Antalya
The morning is free for you to continue exploring and relaxing in Antalya at your own pace. Since this is a combination trip, there will be a welcome meeting at your hotel at 5 pm this evening to meet your new leader and any new travellers joining you for the next chapter of your adventure. After your meeting, head out for dinner at a local restaurant to tuck into some more Turkish cuisine.
Day 8: Kas
Say goodbye to Antalya this morning and head to the whitewashed town of Kas. When you get there, check into your hotel then take an orientation walk with your group through this seaside village. The afternoon is free for you explore at your own pace – why not head to one of the waterfront restaurants for sunset, visit the beach or explore the handicraft markets for handmade souvenirs.
Day 9: Kas
Today, you’ll sail in the Mediterranean Sea! Jump in a boat and sail along the Turkish coast for the day, discovering the mysterious sunken ruins of an ancient Lycian city, exploring rock tombs, swimming in crystal-clear waters and cruising along the coastline. After a day of swimming and soaking up the sun, sit down for a homemade lunch made by your hosts. Then, head back to Kas for a free evening.
Day 10: Selcuk
Travel inland to Pamukkale this morning, which literally translates to ‘cotton castle’. Here, spectacular hot springs with high calcium content cascade over the edge of cliffs and create bright white terraces, or ‘cotton’. Why not take a dip and snap some pics – these springs have been used as a spa since 200 BC, and its waters are said to have healing properties. Take a walk in the ancient city of Hierapolis and check out the ruins of the city – Hierapolis is known for its abundance of temples and religious structures, and the amphitheatre shouldn’t be missed. After your visit, continue to Selcuk for the evening.
Day 11: Selcuk
This morning, take a trip to the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the world’s best preserved Greco-Roman classical cities – and bring your kids on a history lesson outside of the classroom. Once the capital of Roman Asia Minor, Ephesus has a fascinating history that comes alive with a local guide to show you around. The ruins are in great shape and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory over 2000 years ago with running water, public toilets, a medical institute and Roman baths. After, you’ll be treated to a gozleme lunch (Turkish stuffed turnover) demonstrated by the local ladies and the rest of the day to enjoy at your own leisure. Maybe take a swim in the pool, rest on the beach or visit what’s left of the Temple of Artemis.
Day 12: Canakkale
This morning, drive to the ancient city of Troy. Explore the ruins with your leader, snap a photo with the replica Trojan Horse and learn about how this place has confounded historians and archaeologists for centuries. Dive into ancient history and mythical heroes that will have your kids on the edge of their seat as they learn about the famed walled city that was infiltrated by the Greeks. Explore the ancient walls, climb around the 4500-year-old ruins and look out across the Troad (the Plains of Troy) toward the Dardanelles and the hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Day 13: Istanbul
Head to Istanbul today and on the way, stop for a guided tour of Gallipoli to learn about significant events that took place during WWI. Get ready for another history lesson as your guide takes you to the ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and the ANZAC Commemorative Site. Learn about the significant events and history embedded in this area before making your way to the diverse city of Istanbul.
Day 14: Istanbul
Spend a free day exploring Istanbul at your own leisure – the only city in the world to straddle two continents. Maybe get out into the streets and wander around or go on the hunt for a doner kebab and some authentic Turkish delight. You may consider taking a day trip to Princes’ Islands or ask your leader for recommendations on where to do a hands-on marble painting class, also called Erbu. A great activity for kids, you can create your own painting to bring home as a special souvenir. Tonight, meet back up with your group for a farewell dinner to toast the end of your family adventure together.
Day 15: Istanbul
Your Turkey adventure comes to an end after breakfast and there are no activities planned. If you’d like to spend more time in Istanbul, we’re happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability) - just speak to your booking agent.
