Turkey Family Holiday

Join this seven-day family adventure through Turkey as you discover its incredible archaeological and natural sights. Learn about the unique landscapes and culture with a local leader by your side as you explore the city of Istanbul, the caverns and valleys of Cappadocia and the Mediterranean coast of Antalya. Create your own masterpiece through the art of water marbling in Istanbul and join local women for a cooking class in Cappadocia for both hands-on fun and local immersion with the kids. Finish your adventure with a relaxing two days on the coast as you unwind from your adventure through the highlights of Turkey.

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
Your Intrepid adventure comes to an end this morning. If you wish to spend some more time in Antalya, 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.