Turkey Family Holiday





Take a family adventure through the diverse landscapes of Turkey
Join this family adventure through Turkey experiencing some of the most incredible archaeological and natural sights in the world. Kids will be fascinated by the unique landscapes and local culture and enriched by the fun activities and historic stories. Begin in the bustle of Istanbul learning the traditional art of marbling, then venture underground exploring caverns in Cappadocia. See the ancient wonders of Pamukkale and set sail along the Mediterranean coastline on a relaxing boat trip. There's many magical moments to share with the family on this 10 day trip of Turkey's highlights.
4.8
26 reviewsStart: Istanbul, Turkey
End: Istanbul, Turkey
- Duration
- 10 days
- Group size
- 2 to 16
- Minimum age
- 5 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Family
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Be enchanted by the unique rock formations, coloured valleys and houses carved into cliffs in dreamy Cappadocia. You might also want to hop in a hot air balloon, too and see the fairytale city from a bird’s eye view!
- Get your hands dirty in a cooking class with a local family in Goreme, getting to know your friendly local hosts and bring home some local recipes.
- See the impossibly blue natural hot springs of Pamukkale, formed in terrace shaped by high calcium bicarbonate and used as a spa since 200 BC.
- Learn how to marble using traditional materials such as earth dyes, horsehair and rose branch brushes in Istanbul – the kids will love this one!
- Cruise between islands and swim in turquoise waters on a relaxing boat trip from Fethiye.
Itinerary
Hos geldin! 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 – with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After, you’ll head out to explore the streets on an orientation tour of the city with your leader. After, maybe head out of dinner and get to know your fellow travellers.
- Manesol Galata Hotel or similar (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Istanbul - Orientation Walk
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning you'll visit a nearby neighbourhood to take part in an Ebru marbling workshop – a unique artform that uses traditional materials like earth dyes, horsehair and rose branch brushes. As the kids get their hands dirty, you’ll learn about the history and art of marbling from a local instructor, along with the correct way to hold the brush. You can even throw the paint to achieve the best results! You'll have the opportunity to make your very own masterpiece, then after the class, head to the airport for a short flight to Cappadocia. When you arrive, check-in to your accommodation and enjoy a free evening to explore the fairytale city.
- Çiner Hotel or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Istanbul - Ebru (water marbling)
The maximum baggage allowance for domestic flights is 15 kg
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Photographs of hot air balloons soaring over strange rock formations are what most people associate with the Cappadocia region. While this activity is not included, it’s highly recommended. Those who choose to fly this morning will have the unique experience of seeing Cappadocia from above and below. Later this morning, you’ll take an underground city tour. Explore the caverns and tunnels of Kaymakli Underground City – built during between the 9th and 10th centuries as a defensive mechanism. Later, head to the surface and enjoy some free time to further explore the region's valleys or simply relax by the pool. Tonight, visit a local family home to take part in a mini cooking class, using fresh organic produce from the garden, then tuck into a delicious home cooked dinner.
- Çiner Hotel or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
- Goreme - Cooking Class
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR200
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR230
The price of the hot air balloon activity is indicative only as the price varies depending which flight you choose and may also fluctuate between seasons. Please speak to your tour group leader on Day 1 of your trip if you would like to secure a spot for this popular activity as it can only be booked locally.
Due to local regulations, sunrise hot air balloon excursion times do vary which may result in your excursion beginning just after sunrise. This is subject to the tour provider’s discretion and is not within our control.
Total travel time is 1 hour
Enjoy a last morning in Cappadocia before hopping on a private bus to Konya. A city where religion and conservative traditions combine with the modern and cosmopolitan, providing the perfect opportunity to experience Turkish culture unspoiled by mainstream tourism. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walk around the town to see a few of the sights and allow you the opportunity to grab something to eat before boarding the overnight train in the early evening.
- Overnight Train (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Each cabin on your sleeper train 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 for the drive to Selcuk. Have some breakfast and then you’ll have free time to soak in the culture of this fascinating city. This afternoon, head out on an orientation walk around the city to get your bearings. You may like to spend the afternoon relaxing around the hotel's swimming pool while the kids go for a swim or maybe just go exploring at your own pace. A short distance out of Selcuk is one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world – the Temple of Artemis – although, sadly, only a single column (of 127 originally) remains after it was ultimately destroyed in AD 401.
- Kalehan Hotel or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
This morning, you'll head off to explore the nearby ruins of Ephesus – the former capital of the Byzantine Empire and the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey. 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. On the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historic buildings like the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress and the ruins of the Basilica of St John. After spending some time exploring the site, enjoy a delicious local lunch of gozleme before returning to Selcuk to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
- Kalehan Hotel or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
Today is a long travel day but with worthy reward as you visit one of Turkey's most photographed sites, Pamukkale. Literally translating to ‘cotton castle,’ you’ll soon understand why as you view 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 pool's alleged healing properties are real. You'll have some time for lunch, then in the afternoon continue to Fethiye – a port city on Turkey’s stunning turquoise coast, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
- Nevada Hotel & Spa or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
Please be advised that the Cleopatra Pool is currently closed for renovations, including structural improvements, landscaping, and infrastructure upgrades. At this time there is no confirmed timeline for completion.
Wake up in paradise this morning and get ready to spend a relaxing day sailing and swimming along the Mediterranean coastline with your family. Board your boat and set sail from the bay exploring nearby islands and coves, stopping to swim in the turquoise waters along the way. Enjoy a delicious homemade Turkish lunch onboard prepared by the crew before returning to Fethiye in the afternoon. Later, you might like to wander through the town and have dinner at a nearby restaurant.
- Nevada Hotel & Spa or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Fethiye - Boat Cruise with lunch
This morning, say goodbye to Fethiye and travel to the nearby town of Dalyan. When you arrive, visit Dekamer – a Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. This organisation rescues and rehabilitates any injured loggerhead turtles (the largest hard-shell turtle in the world) found along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. You’ll learn all about these turtles and how Dekamer works to protect them and conserve the local environment. You’ll also be directly contributing to rescue and rehabilitation efforts here, as Intrepid contributes a donation to Dekamer for every person on this trip! From here, it's a short drive to Dalaman Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. When you arrive, head out for a final dinner with the other families to celebrate your whirlwind Turkish adventure.
- Manesol Galata Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Fethiye – Dekamer Sea Turtle Centre
The maximum baggage allowance for domestic flights is 15 kg
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
There are no activities planned for the final day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time following check out. If you would like to stay longer in Istanbul, there’s plenty to do with your family. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
- Breakfast
Learn more at urbanadventures.com/istanbul-tour-Picnic-On-Two-Continents
Inclusions and activities
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Private Minivan, public bus, overnight train, plane
Hotels (8 nights), Overnight train (1 night)
- Istanbul - Orientation Walk
- Istanbul - Ebru (water marbling)
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
- Goreme - Cooking Class
- Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
- Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
- Fethiye - Boat Cruise with lunch
- Fethiye – Dekamer Sea Turtle Centre
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR200
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR230
This trip generates 74 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- This is a relatively fast paced trip which will allow you to see the iconic highlights in Turkey in a short period of time. There's very limited time in Istanbul on the trip so we highly recommend spend more time in this incredible city. Please consult with your booking agent if you wish to book extra accommodation before or after the trip in Istanbul.
GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room.
Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room.
Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room.
While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another.
Manesol Galata Hotel
Arap Cami, Billur Sk. No:1, 34421 Beyoğlu İstanbul
Istanbul
34421
TURKEY
Phone: +90 2122450000
Description
Manesol Galata Hotel is located in Karaköy, a happening harbourside area where modern cafes and stylish restaurants mix with small family owned businesses bringing a comfortable, local atmosphere to the neighborhood. Ottoman-era buildings with a splash of street art, some of the best coffee in the city and just a short 15 min walk to the historical peninsular make for an excellent base for your exploration of Istanbul. There is good access to public tram and ferry services.
Instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport in Istanbul, at least 14 days prior to your departure.
There is two international airports servicing Istanbul. Istanbul Airport (IST) is 50kms/30miles northwest of central Istanbul, on the European side. Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is 50kms/30miles southeast of central Istanbul, on the Asian side. From either airport you can take a metered taxi to the joining point hotel. The taxi fare will cost approximately TRY 1500-2300.
We recommend screenshotting or printing the below details as Wi-Fi in both airports is unreliable.
If you cannot find your transfer representative, or if your flight is delayed, please call the number listed below in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.
Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST)
If you have pre-booked an arrival transfer, you will be met outside the Arrivals Hall. After collecting your luggage, proceed through the Arrivals Hall and exit through Gate 8. On the left-hand side, you’ll see a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign.
Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area. Once the driver arrives, the transfer representative will escort you to meet the driver (two floors down).
The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour but can increase to 90 minutes or more during rush hour.
Arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
If you have pre-booked an arrival transfer, you will be met outside the Arrivals Hall. After collecting your luggage, proceed through the Arrivals Hall, exit, and cross the road between columns 9 and 10 to Simit Sarayi bakery. You’ll find a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign.
Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area.
The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes but can increase to 2 hours or more during rush hour.
Dates and prices
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.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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