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Explore small towns, large cities and rugged terrain on this family adventure through Turkey’s delights.

Join this family adventure through Turkey and witness some of the most incredible archaeological and natural sights in the world. Spend 10 days exploring small towns, large cities and rugged terrain. Begin in the bustle of Istanbul, bike though towns carved into soft volcanic rock in Goreme and walk in a pool built for Cleopatra in Pamukkale on this journey through Turkey’s diverse landscape.

Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Destination
Turkey
Style
Original
Theme
Family
Code
ETFT
Physical rating
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 2, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • The spectacular and surreal landscape of Cappadocia cannot be exaggerated, and young and old alike will be enchanted by the rock formations, coloured valleys and houses carved into cliffs

  • Get your hands dirty in a cooking class with a local family in Goreme

  • See the impossibly blue natural hot springs of Pamukkale, formed in terrace shaped by high calcium bicarbonate and used as a spa since the 200 BC

  • The kids will be facinated learning how to marble using traditional materials such as earth dyes, horse hair and rose branch brushes in Istanbul

  • Create family memories watching the sunset over the ocean from the ancient amphitheatre in Kas

  • Cruise between islands and islets and marvel at submerged ruins on a relaxing boat trip around Kekova

Is this trip right for you?

  • Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • You'll need walking shoes, hats, sunscreen and a day pack for each member of your family to explore some of the historic sites.

  • Although this trip has a low overall physical rating, there is an included 20 kilometre bike ride around the Cappadocia region on Day 3. If you wish you may skip this and spend the afternoon at leisure.

  • The temperatures in April and October may be a bit cooler than you expect, especially in the evenings. So be sure to pack something warm to wear.

Turkey, Cappadocia, Goreme Belediyesi. Photographer: Calli-Jo Duncan
Turkey, Istanbul, Hagia Sophia
Turkey, Cappadocia, Nevsehir, Kaymakli, Underground city
Turkey, Cappadocia, Love Valley
Turkey, Selcuk Ephesus Ruins
Turkey Pamukkale pools
Turkey, Kas, Habour through window

Itinerary
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Welcome to Turkey! This family adventure kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called home. Your trip officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. Please make sure you have your next of kin and insurance information to hand over to your leader at the meeting. Following the formalities and introductions, get acquainted with the streets of Istanbul on an orientation tour of the city.
Accommodation
  • Manesol Galata Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Istanbul - Orientation Walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Rise and shine for an early, one-hour flight to Goreme, the heart of Cappadocia. Located among the rock-formed cones, needles and columns that define the landscape, Goreme itself is a city built into the soft volcanic rock. Hillside has been carved and hollowed to make dwellings and churches, resulting in a city that can truly be called magical. Settle into your hotel then get your hands dirty in a pottery class with a local master. Make some traditional ceramics and then enjoy a free afternoon to explore Goreme. When night falls, head to a cooking class in one of the city's distinctive homes with a local family. Spend three hours cooking with organic, local produce in this hands-on class, including the opportunity to explore the house and garden.
Accommodation
  • Çiner Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Goreme - Cooking Class
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Photographs of hot air balloons soaring over strange rock formations in golden light are what most people associate with the Cappadocia region. While this activity is not included in the trip price, it is highly recommended. Those who choose to fly this morning will have the unique experience of seeing Cappadocia from above and below, as an underground city tour is planned for later this morning. Explore the caverns and tunnels of Kaymakli Underground City, located about 20 minutes away. It was built during between the 9th and 10th centuries as a defensive mechanism. Spend a few hours wandering this eight-storey marvel. Later, head to the surface and explore the region's valleys with pedal power on a bike ride through pink-tinged Rose Valley and the mushroom shaped rocks of Love Valley. Stop to check out the small village of Cavusin, where dwellings are built into the rock face. Climb to the top of the village to the 5th-century Church of St John the Baptist and admire the views, before returning to Goreme. The ride will cover 20 kilometres, and sometimes it will be necessary to push your bike along gravel trails. An experienced guide will accompany and offer instructions, and this ride is completed at an easy pace. However, a moderate level of fitness is required for today’s activity. Those who do not wish to ride can opt for a free afternoon to explore Goreme further or an afternoon by the pool.
Accommodation
  • Çiner Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Goreme- Bike Riding
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Those who are interested in the optional hot air balloon ride will need to speak to the leader on Day 1 of the trip. The cost of this activity varies depending on what type of flight you choose.

Enjoy a last morning in Goreme and before we take our private transport to Konya to catch the train. Upon arrival in Konya in the mid afternoon your leader will take you on a walk around the town, grab something to eat (own expense) before boarding the early evening overnight train.
Accommodation
  • Overnight train (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Overnight Train: Each cabin sleeps 2 people in single bunk beds. Pillows, sheets and blankets are provided, and there is also a small sink. Toilets are located at the end of the carriage. Each cabin is lockable from the inside and your luggage will be stored with you.

Arrive in Izmir at around 7 am and transfer by private minivan to Selcuk, arriving at about 8 am. Grab some breakfast and enjoy some free time to explore as much or as little as you like. From Selcuk you can choose to visit the nearby ruins of Ephesus, former capital of the Byzantine Empire and the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey. Selcuk itself is also rich in culture and natural wonder. On the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historic buildings – you’ll see the Isa Bey Mosque, a beautiful example of Seljuk Turkish architecture, and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built by Justinian I in the 6th century. According to Christian tradition, St John came to Ephesus with the Virgin Mary from Jerusalem, and lived here until his death sometime around AD 100, and the basilica stands over his believed burial site.
Accommodation
  • Hitit Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Board a train and travel inland through the mountains, heading towards one of Turkey's most photographed sites, Pamukkale (around 3.5 hours). See the impossibly blue, natural terrace baths, formed by calcium-rich springs and used as spas since 200 BC. Though you’re not allowed to bathe in the travertines, you can walk through them after removing your shoes and see for yourself if the pools alleged healing properties are for real. Take some time to visit the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis and enjoy a dip in the clear waters of a historical pool – sculpted as a gift from Marc Antony to Cleopatra. Hierapolis is known for an abundance of temples and religious structures, vast necropolis and strange tombs. You will have most of the day free to relax, swim or explore before a visit to the Pamukkale National Park. Gaze at lakes that lie beneath hills so white they look snow-covered.
Accommodation
  • Uyum Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Make the four-hour drive to the picturesque village of Kas, where whitewashed buildings covered in bougainvillea line cobbled streets. Check in, take a guided orientation walk and then explore at your leisure. The best places in town to swim are the waterfront restaurants that have private water access. The price of an occasional drink will get you a deck chair, umbrella and unbeatable views. In the evening watch the sunset over the ocean from the ancient amphitheatre, then perhaps explore the handicraft markets, where beautiful handmade wares with a distinctly Turkish flavour are on offer.
Accommodation
  • Bilgin Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kas - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Drive to Kekova this morning and board a local boat for a relaxing cruise through a series of peaceful and picturesque islands, all with distinctive rock formations. Keep an eye out for an otherworldly sight – ancient ruins submerged in the crystal-clear water. Sail from large bays to beautiful protected inlets, where there is the chance to take a refreshing dip off the boat. Enjoy a homemade Turkish meal onboard prepared by the crew and later alight at the quaint village of Ucagiz, a township of stone houses drenched in colourful flowers. Return to Kas for the evening, where you will have free time to explore further or relax.
Accommodation
  • Bilgin Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kas - Cruise with lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

After breakfast, make the 3.5-hour drive to the airport. Board a flight to Istanbul, touching down about 1.5-hours later, in the afternoon. Settled in to the hotel and then partake in a marbling workshop. Learn how to create artwork using traditional materials such as earth dyes, horse hair and rose branch brushes. Learn about the history and art of marbling, learning how to hold the brush, how to throw the paint and how to achieve the best results. Later, head out for an optional final dinner with your fellow family travellers.
Accommodation
  • Manesol Galata Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Istanbul - Ebru (water marbling)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time following check out. If you would like to stay longer in Istanbul there is plenty to do with your family. See the European and Asian sides of the city and stock up on goodies from both on an afternoon food tour with Urban Adventures. Learn more at urbanadventures.com/istanbul-tour-Picnic-On-Two-Continents.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Private minivan, Public bus, Train, Plane

Accommodation

Hotels (8 nights), overnight train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Istanbul - Orientation Walk
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Goreme - Cooking Class
  • Goreme- Bike Riding
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
  • Kas - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Kas - Cruise with lunch
  • Istanbul - Ebru (water marbling)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Turkey Family Holiday trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

1. Minimum age: 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
2. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel.
3. This trip starts in Istanbul on Day 1 at 1 pm
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

Essential trip information

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