Best of Turkey Family Holiday





Explore the best of Turkey on a family adventure through ancient ruins and diverse landscapes
Join this 15-day adventure through the best of Turkey as you discover archaeological sites and natural wonders from the diverse city of Istanbul, the valleys of Cappadocia and the coastline of Antalya. Create your own masterpiece through the art of water marbling in Istanbul, join local women for a cooking class in Cappadocia, spend a day sailing and swimming in Kas, and bring history to life at the ancient sites of Troy, Gallipoli and Ephesus – all in one family adventure. With a local leader guiding the way, you’ll get inside scoops and history lessons that are hard to beat in the classroom. A mix of culture and fun, this trip will bring you through the highlights of Turkey.
Start: Istanbul, Turkey
End: Istanbul, Turkey
- Duration
- 15 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
- Learn the art of water marbling (Ebru) by using traditional materials like earth dyes, horsehair and rose branch brushes – you can paint your own masterpiece to take home!
- Be enchanted by the unique rock formations, coloured valleys and houses carved into cliffs in Cappadocia, and join local women for a hands-on cooking class to learn their recipes and traditions
- Spend a full day sailing in the Mediterranean in Kas and have a homecooked lunch on the boat after an afternoon of swimming and soaking up the sun.
- Visit ancient sites like Troy, Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove for real-world educational experiences outside of the classroom.
- See the impossibly blue natural hot springs of Pamukkale, which have been used as a spa since 200 BC and are believed to have healing properties.
Itinerary
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.
- Weingart Hotel or similar (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Istanbul - City 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 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.
- Weingart Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Istanbul - Ebru (water marbling)
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!
- Ciner Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Cappadocia - Hereni Women’s Cooperative Cooking Class
- Goreme - Open Air Museum - EUR20
Your flight time today will be approximately 1.5 hours, and your total drive time will be approximately 2 hours.
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.
- Ciner Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR200
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR230
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Sightseeing from the Valley - EUR20
- Cappadocia - Whirling Dervish Performance with transport - EUR40
Hot air balloons in Cappadocia can only be booked directly with your trip leader locally. Please speak to your Turkish group leader early on your trip to secure a spot for this popular activity. Due to local regulations, sunrise hot air balloon excursion times 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. The price of the hot air balloon activity is indicative only as the prices may fluctuate between different seasons. Your tour leader will advise you of the correct rate when booking.
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.
- Dogan Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Antalya - Kaleici orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
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.
- Dogan Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Antalya - Farewell dinner
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.
- Dogan Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Antalya - 5pm meeting + welcome dinner
Since this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your leader are likely to change today.
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.
- Linda Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
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.
- Linda Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Kas - Boat cruise with lunch
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.
- Kalehan Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
Your travel time will be approximately 6 hours.
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.
- Kalehan Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Selcuk - Ephesus + Gozleme demonstration/lunch
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.
- Kule Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Canakkale - Visit Troia (Troy) ancient city
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
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.
- Weingart Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Istanbul - Visit Gallipoli ANZAC Commemoration sites
Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
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.
- Weingart Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Istanbul - Free day + dinner
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.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
Plane, private vehicle, public transport
Hotel (14 nights)
- Istanbul - City walk
- Istanbul - Ebru (water marbling)
- Cappadocia - Hereni Women’s Cooperative Cooking Class
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
- Antalya - Kaleici orientation walk
- Antalya - Farewell dinner
- Antalya - 5pm meeting + welcome dinner
- Kas - Boat cruise with lunch
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
- Selcuk - Ephesus + Gozleme demonstration/lunch
- Canakkale - Visit Troia (Troy) ancient city
- Istanbul - Visit Gallipoli ANZAC Commemoration sites
- Istanbul - Free day + dinner
- Goreme - Open Air Museum - EUR20
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR200
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR230
- Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Sightseeing from the Valley - EUR20
- Cappadocia - Whirling Dervish Performance with transport - EUR40
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
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Before you book you should know
- This trip will be fast paced with long drives, but the destinations and memories will be worth it.
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.
Weingart Hotel
Hacımimi, Necatibey Cd. No:69
Istanbul
TURKEY
Phone: +90 212 945 60 20
Description
In the heart of historic Istanbul, right near Sultanahmet Square, Weingart Hotel is ready to offer you an unforgettable stay. This unique hotel is situated in a prime location where historical treasures meet modern comforts.
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. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
2. CHILD AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old. Most children travelling on Intrepid Family trips are between 10 and 14 years old.
3. DISCOUNT: A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.
4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room to themselves. The single supplement applies to all nights and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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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