family tours of turkey

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Turkey Family Tours & Vacation Packages

Let TourRadar take the hassle out of finding a trip for the whole family. With 577 tours of Turkey lasting from one day up to 21 days, you're sure to find a great family-friendly adventure. Looking beyond Turkey? See all family trips .

250+ Turkey Family trips with 1,586 reviews

• Walking Adventure
• Sightseeing

Family Turkey Coastal Active Adventure

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Turkey Family Holiday with Teenagers

• Christmas & New Year

Best of Turkey- 10 Days

What an amazing adventure! We had a wonderful time! The hotel in Istanbul, Celal Sultan, was great! From their superb customer service, to their great breakfasts, good location, they were outstanding. Our guide, Selin, was absolutely first class.smart, intelligent and kind, she helped our group become a family. Visiting such amazing sites, like Ephesus, Konya,Cappadocia, we experienced places, food and a culture that is beyond compare. I have sent many people to visit TourRadar and my Facebook page is full of wonderful photos. Saying goodbye to Selin, Ozgur and our great driver, Borak, we were sad to part. An amazing holiday with two great companies… TourRadar and Altinkum. 5 stars!

• In-depth Cultural

Turkish Breeze-10 Days

Great Tour overall. Lots of sites covered. The first 2 days in Istanbul was a bit of disappointment because of the tour guide Barish. He spent lots of time in a mosques where no entrance fees were required but only 1 hour in Topkapi palace where was a substantial entrance fee. Our second tour guide Ana at the spice bazar was good but she was not attentive enough to sort out the miss information about our lunch. She left us in the middle of the street an told us to go back to our hotel. We had to call Tour Altinkum who corrected the situation. The rest of the tour was excellent thanks to our tour guide who was with us from Cappadocia Efe. His knowledge of history and Greek mythology made a highlight of the trip and he was helpful in every way. Our hotel in Cappadocia was the best and the hotel in Antalya was the worst as far as buffet lunch there. I wish they would not do it at all.

Turkey Family Holiday

10 Days Treasures of Turkey Tour

Barış led a wonderful trip! I took this tour during November 2023, which is during the rainy season. Would recommend an umbrella and rain resistant warm layers. Even so, had the full tour experience with all locations listed. Enjoyable tour that I would highly recommend to others. Tour guide was knowledgeable and led a perfect pace to enjoy each space on the walking tour. Fun full day tour of the main tourist spots in Turkey!

9 Days Highlights of Turkey Tour

I had an awesome and unforgettable experience with the City of Sultans! The tours were all jam packed with things to see and do from morning till afternoon. There was a little misunderstanding with lunch on the walking tour of Istanbul but they went over and beyond to make up for it. The hotel in Kusadasi was the best I've had, with a balcony and a front seat view of the coastline and the cruise ships docked right in front of me! ? The authentic Turkish cuisine at lunch were delicious and elaborate with so many choices on the buffet. ? My flight back to Istanbul was delayed from 8:05pm to 10:15pm. By the time we got our bags and left the airport it was already 12 midnight. The representative who coordinated my ride back to the hotel was still there waiting at the gate for me. ? After a long day of touring and traveling, it felt good to have someone else in charge at this point. I would surely be back with family & friends and book another tour with the City of Sultans! I highly recommend the City of Sultans for your first and next Turkish adventure!

Timeless Cities in Modern Transportation: Turkey Unleashed 10 Day Tour

This was an incredible trip! We saw so much or Türkiye. Hotels and food was top class! We had the best tour guide, Gökalp Saban! He is so passionate and taught is so much about the history and culture. We would recommend this tour to anyone who would like to experience Türkiye.

Turkey in a Nutshell 7 Day Tour

It was a marvellous adventure and worth every single minute. Also our guide was awesome.

• Coach / Bus

Wonders of Turkey (Summer, 11 Days)

Very much impressed by the scenery.

Best of Turkey (Base, Summer, 14 Days)

Memorable trip on a reasonable cost. Thank you.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Turkish Delight with Cappadocia

We had an unforgettable tour of Turkey. This thanks to our wonderful guide Mustufa (he solved every possible problem with a smile) and a fantastic group of travel companions. A vacation to frame this was with many wonderful memories to cherish.

Wonders of Turkey (Classic, Summer, Base, 11 Days)

Wonders of Turkey (Small Groups, Summer, Base, 11 Days)

9 Days Elegance of Turkey Tour

Probably one of the best Solo trip I ever had.The guides were amazing. Even though I’m only traveller Umut Kurt has arranged a separate car just for me. I’m thankful to him. He took care of me really well. I learned a lot travelling with them. I would recommend go with this. Because you don’t need to think about anything. Everything will be taken care by them.

Reviews of Turkey Family Tours

Great Tour company! Especially Mert our tour guide was the best.

Excellent experience wonderful tour beautiful country excellent and knowledgeable guides wonderful and courteous people Turkey was fantastic the history of Anatolia is rich and is a must for everyone. Our local tour operator was more than fantastic keeping us informed everyday. Cannot say enough of Tour ALTINKUM Travel they were fantastic all round and highly recommend them

Regions in Turkey

• Western Turkey (182)
• Aegean (100)
• Anatolia (71)
• Cappadocia (55)
• Marmara (32)
• Thrace (29)
• Eastern Turkey (20)
• Turquoise Coast (10)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Family Travel Agencies 2024
• Turkey Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

• Europe Tours
• Turkey Tours
• Turkey Family Tours

Turkey Family Tours 2024/2025

From cruises in Bodrum to the hot-air balloon rides in Cappadocia to sightseeing tours of Istanbul, our family tours in Turkey are designed to satisfy both young and adult travelers. Whether you are a parent traveling with children or teenagers, maybe adults traveling with your parents, we can help you with just the right kind of family tour in Turkey .

• Best Time to Visit Turkey
• Top 14 Things to do in Turkey

282 family trips in Turkey

• Starts Istanbul, Turkey
• Ends Istanbul, Turkey
• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Explorer
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Boat & Bus
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• May 06 10+ seats left
• May 13 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Turkey Highlights

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Train tours 'data-more-tripid='18192'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus, Flight & Minibus
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,780
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 178
• Total Price from: US$ 1,602
• May 07 Only 1 seat left
• May 16 Only 3 seats left

Premium Turkey in Depth

• Activities Luxury & Cultural, religious and historic sites Luxury , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Chill out 'data-more-tripid='35836'>+2 more
• Transport Boat, Flight & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,580
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 837
• Total Price from: US$ 4,743
• May 12 Only 4 seats left
• May 16 Only 2 seats left

• Starts Ankara, Turkey

Turkey ExclusiveTour

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='23756'>+2 more
• Transport Boat
• Age Range 6-85 yrs
• Operated in English, Turkish
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,200
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 330
• Total Price from: US$ 1,870

The Best of Turkey

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Walking tours & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='4993'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House & Resort
• Transport Flight, Boat, Bus, Private Vehicle & Ferry
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,349
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 405
• Total Price from: US$ 944
• May 12 Only 5 seats left
• May 26 Only 1 seat left

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side

• Activities Cruise
• Accommodation No Accommodation
• Age Range 1-99 yrs

Turkey Encompassed

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Walking tours Cultural, religious and historic sites , Walking tours , Museum and gallery visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3124'>+2 more
• Transport Boat, Bus, Flight & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,595
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 539
• Total Price from: US$ 3,056
• May 06 Only 2 seats left
• May 10 Only 1 seat left

Absolutely Turkey

• Activities City sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='40669'>+1 more
• Transport Coach, Ferry, Private Vehicle & Bus
• Age Range 6-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,925
• Special Deal (50%): - US$ 963
• Total Price from: US$ 962

Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch

Istanbul, Ephesus & Pamukkale in 5 Days

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing , Sightseeing Tours & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='40422'>+2 more
• Transport Flight & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 1-79 yrs

• Starts Rize, Turkey
• Ends Rize, Turkey

Trans Kackar Summit Tour

• Activities Walking tours & Nature and bush walks Walking tours , Nature and bush walks , Trekking and Hiking , Sightseeing Tours & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='40253'>+3 more
• Accommodation Camping, Hostel, Hotel & Tent
• Transport Private Vehicle
• Age Range 12-84 yrs

Highlights of Turkey

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Private Vehicle, Boat & Flight
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,990
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 300
• Total Price from: US$ 2,690
• May 18 Only 7 seats left
• Jun 01 Only 3 seats left

Best of Turkey

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Hot springs , Countryside and village visits , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cruise & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='3127'>+6 more
• Accommodation Resort, Guest House & Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus, Minibus, Taxi & Boat
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,645
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 265
• Total Price from: US$ 2,380
• May 06 Only 4 seats left
• May 13 Only 1 seat left

Turkey Unplugged - 10 Days

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='16115'>+2 more
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,275
• Special Deal (35%): - US$ 796
• Total Price from: US$ 1,479
• May 11 10+ seats left
• May 25 10+ seats left

Chat with a local travel expert who can help design the perfect Turkey family vacation package.

Turkey Family Vacation Reviews

• Terri Cheng
• Karen Clancy

Turkey Family Tours and Trips

Located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey boasts a fascinating history of past empires and civilizations as well as a trove of natural beauty. There is plenty to keep both children and adults entertained on a Turkey family tour — a beach holiday in Antalya, a cultural tour in Ephesus, a fun whirlwind trip of top sights fuelled by Turkish delight and ice creams. Turkey’s vibrant admixture of history, culture and cuisine makes it a great family holiday destination.

Turkey is filled with many sights, attractions, and activities for your family. Here are our top picks:

• Hot-air balloon ride with the family in Cappadocia : Are your kiddos fans of fantasy and adventure books and films? Let their imagination run free by spending four days exploring the magical landscape of Cappadocia, popular for its hot-air balloon rides. Book a flight in Cappadocia for the family and soar high above the otherworldly sights of fairy chimneys and honeycombed hills before coming down to explore the place on foot.
• Family cruise tours in Bodrum : Why not join a family cruise tour from the seaside resort town of Bodrum ? Spend eight days cruising from ancient sites to breathtaking islands. Children can build sandcastles and splash around in the waters while couples can snorkel and explore the magical underwater world. While on the cruise, the entire family can bask under the gorgeous sunshine.
• Sightseeing family tour in Istanbul : Experience the extraordinary and historic Hagia Sophia, where the whole family can learn about a new culture, before buying some tasty candy snacks at the labyrinth market, that is the Grand Bazaar. With hundreds of stalls filled with sweets, snacks, and fresh produce, it is like Willy Wonka’s factory for the kids.

Turkey family tours based on budget

• Luxury family tours in Turkey : If you are looking to treat your family or just want everyone to be extra comfortable on your trip, we can help you with our luxury family tours in Turkey . Experience exclusive excursions and private access to some of the world’s most amazing sights. That means no waiting in line with your children in tow.
• Budget family tours in Turkey : Turkey has so many amazing attractions and excursions that it is easy to cater to any budget. Staying with families means your kids may have someone their own age to hang out with while learning about a new culture. Travel across the country by bus and train and see the real Turkey on a budget , the parts tourists often miss. Stop off at a Turkish ice cream shop as you travel across the country, play car games, and get messy eating mezze.

Turkey family tours based on popular travel theme

Duration-based Turkey family tours

If you are short on time but do not want to miss the major highlights of Turkey, we have tours and itineraries to suit your needs.

• 3-day Family tours in Turkey
• 5-day Family tours in Turkey
• 8-day Family tours in Turkey

Should you have custom requirements when it comes to designing the perfect family tour in Turkey, you could submit a customized trip request for Turkey .

Travel experience and benefits of Turkey family tours

• Turkey family tours feature activities and itineraries tailored to entertain and amaze all age ranges. Kids can run around in theme parks in Antalya while seniors can enjoy a nice thermal bath in Pamukkale.
• With fun activities like snorkeling, watersports, hiking and more, you can give the entire family lasting memories.
• While there is a decent public transport network in Turkey, it can be difficult getting used to the logistical know-how, especially with a family around. Turkey family tours will take this burden off your shoulders with the logistics managed for you.
• There are major discounts for groups from tour companies, especially with family tickets. It might be that children go free or adults get a discount when they are accompanying children
• No waiting in queues with expedited family passes. We know how easy it is for little ones to get bored and grumpy waiting around, so a Turkey family tour takes that out of the equation.

Tips when doing family tours in Turkey

• Even on the milder Turkish days, with all the walking around the sights, older visitors could get easily dehydrated. Keep refilling your bottles.
• The half-term school holidays in February, May, and October are perfect for families as it is not as oppressively hot, and you can actually enjoy the walking tours and activities.

Family tour packages

• Europe family tour packages
• Balkans family tour packages
• Baltic family tour packages
• Eastern Europe family tour packages
• Mediterranean family tour packages
• Northern Europe family tour packages
• Scandinavia family tour packages
• Uk And Britain family tour packages
• Turkey trips
• Turkey budget tours
• Eco tours in Turkey
• Turkey guided tours
• Turkey luxury tours
• Turkey private tours
• Turkey self-guided tours
• Turkey small group tours
• Turkey solo trips
• Turkey tailor-made vacation packages
• Turkey tours for senior citizens
• Turkey tours for young adults
• Turkey group tours
• Turkey last minute deals
• Turkey travel deals

Turkey upcoming departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024

Turkey duration pages

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• Best value-for-money guarantee
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Please do not hesitate to give us a call. We love pre-booking questions and we are always here to help!

+90 384 341 40 44 [email protected]

A Perfect Family Trip of Turkey

• 13 Nights / 14 Days
• Private Tour
• May-November
• Cultural, Historical, Leisure
• Family, Honeymoon, Birthday

Highlights of the Itinerary

Immerse your family in Turkey’s captivating scenery on a 14-day tour of the country’s top highlights. Start this epic adventure on Istanbul’s lively streets and finish it on a private gulet on the breathtaking sea of the Mediterranean.

• Explore the magnificent pieces of architecture left behind by the Byzantine and Ottoman occupiers of Istanbul
• Take a private yacht up the Bosphorus strait as you enjoy a stunning view of Istanbul’s iconic skyline
• From Istanbul, travel to Cappadocia and explore one of the most remarkable landscapes in the world. Visit cave churches, underground towns, and enjoy fairy chimneys
• Embark on one of the most breathtaking experiences in your life as you fly across the Cappadocian sky on a hot air balloon
• Fly to another beautiful city, Izmir, and explore the impressive ruins of an ancient Greek city
• Embark on a relaxing 7-day cruise on the Aegean, from Marmaris to Antalya

Departure & Return Location

Istanbul / Antalya

Approx. Pick-up Time

Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Marmaris, Fethiye, Antalya

Price Includes

• Boutique Style Accommodation
• All Private Transfers
• Professional Tour Guide
• Local (Non-Touristy) Lunches
• Private Bosphorus Cruise Luxury motor-yacht / 2 hours
• Hot-air balloon ride Standard +/- 1 hour flight
• Private gulet yacht Basic standards with full-board menu
• Entrance Tickets/Fees

Price Excludes

• Dinners at hotels
• Room / Cabin Upgrade
• Turkish Bath (Hamam) Experience
• Optional activities and water sports

What to Expect

The 14-day tour will let you explore Turkey’s incredible attractions from every dimension. Start on land as you tour Turkey’s most visited city, Istanbul, before taking to the skies in the magical Cappadocia. Later on, enjoy a peaceful cruise coupled with stops at idyllic towns for the rest of your tour.

Strengthen that family bond on a perfect trip designed for families.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 arrival in turkey.

Arrive at an airport in Istanbul and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Istanbul for the night.

Overnight at Istanbul

Day 2 Istanbul

Kick-off your Turkish escapade with an exploration of Istanbul’s top attractions. Start at the spectacular 15th century Topkapi Palace, the sultans’ residence for around 300 years. Here, visitors experience the extravagant lifestyle that the Ottoman sultans enjoyed for centuries. Enjoy a stunning view of the Golden Horn and marvel at the palace’s stunning architectural style as you explore the lush and shadowy royal gardens before exploring its lavish inner rooms filled with excellent collections and stylish decorations.

Toe to toe with your private guide and family, proceed to the Blue Mosque, known for its iconic six minarets and blue Iznik tiles. The mosque has a dazzling interior decorated by 20,000 breathtaking blue tiles and illuminated by 260 colorful windows. On the same street and opposite the Blue mosque is another incredible treasure from the city’s glory days; the Hagia Sophia.

At the time of its completion in the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia was the grandest church in Christendom. After the fall of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque on Sultan Mehmet II’s order. Today, the structure is a stunning hybrid of a mosque and a giant cathedral, boasting incredible decorations from its Christian and Muslim inhabitants. Some will argue it is the most beautiful religious building in Turkey and the world, and they’re probably right.

Last but not least will be the largest and oldest market in Turkey, the Grand Bazaar. Here, you have the opportunity to shop for some of the finest wares from all over the country. You can find cheap and impressive souvenirs to remind you of your magnificent adventure in Istanbul.

Overnight at Istanbul | Meals: B

Day 3 Istanbul

Start the day with a tour of the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, where your family will enjoy impressive displays of modern Turkish modern art and an expansive collection of 11,500 books written in Turkish and foreign languages. At the time of its opening in 2004, it was the first modern and contemporary art museum in Turkey (depending on the ages of children, we can replace the visit with Maritime Museum or Tophane on request).

Proceed to the Bosphorus for a nice and relaxing two-hour cruise of a private yacht. Along the way, enjoy a different view of Istanbul’s spectacular skyline and architectural marvels. Lining both the Asian and European sides are magnificent palaces, fortresses, iconic mosques, and restored Ottoman villas. If you’re lucky, you can even watch dolphins swimming in the clear waters of the straight.

In the afternoon, proceed to the affluent district of Nisantasi for an elegant shopping and dining experience before finishing your day at the heart of the city in the Pera District.

Spend the night in Istanbul.

Day 4 Istanbul - Cappadocia

Early morning flight from Istanbul to Nevsehir or Kayseri, and drive to Cappadocia. This scenic region boasts of one of the most unique landscapes on earth and is dotted with stunning pinnacles called fairy chimneys, rock castles, caves, and breathtaking valleys. Immediately start exploring the extraordinary landscape at the Goreme Open Air Museum, famed for its rock-cut churches decorated by impressive frescoes painted over 900 years ago.

Proceed to Pasabag Valley, where you will witness the largest concentration of fairy chimneys in Turkey. The thousands of rock pillars in the valley create striking scenery that makes for a fantastic photo spot. As you explore the rock forest, watch out for intriguing cave homes crafted into the fairy chimneys thousands of years ago by medieval monks.

Overnight at Cappadocia | Meals: B, L

Day 5 Cappadocia

At sunrise, embark on a breathtaking hot-air balloon flight across Cappadocia to enjoy spectacular views of valleys, fairy chimneys, vineyards, and monasteries washed in the orange light of the early morning sun.

After the flight, proceed to the expansive Kaymakli Underground City, once a haven for persecuted Christians in medieval times. Descend the four impressive levels open to the public, exploring the stables, schools, storage rooms, living quarters, churches, wine presses, and ventilation shafts that made life possible in the underground town.

Day 6 Cappadocia - Ephesus

Take an early morning flight to the port city of Izmir for a tour of the ancient ruins of Ephesus, which was once the capital of Roman Asia and the second-largest city in the ancient world. Here, you will explore the awe-inspiring ruins of one of the wonders of the ancient world; the Temple of Artemis.

The site is also home to the Great Theatre and the Celsus Library. This theatre was the largest in ancient Rome and could accommodate up to 24,000 spectators eager to witness the valiant gladiator battles, sporting competitions, and art performances. Today, Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches for about 8 square kilometers.

Spend the day walking the cobblestone streets of this magnificent city, followed by a visit to the House of Virgin Mary.

Overnight at Sirince | Meals: B, L

Day 7 Ephesus - Marmaris - Ekincik

You will spend the next 7 days cruising turquoise waters and exploring the seaside towns and ancient ruins.

C/out after early morning breakfast and a couple of hours of swimming in the clear blue waters. private transfer to Marmaris for a 7-day gulet cruise of the sea.

Upon embarkation, enjoy your welcome cocktails while the crew sets the sails off to Ekincik. Disembark for a hike, and trek through a glorious landscape. Along the way, dip into therapeutic natural hot springs, explore the ruins of Caunus and swim in the fresh, clear waters of Lake Koycegiz. Return to the gulet in Semisce Cove for dinner on the sea.

Overnight on board | Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 Aga Limani - Cleopatra Bath - Gocek

Early morning sail to Fethiye, which houses the impressive ruins of Lycia. After a delicious breakfast, enjoy snorkeling in the calm waters of the Aga Limani Cove while surrounded by beautiful coral. After you’ve had enough of the waters, head to land for a three-hour scenic hike through Lydia. Here, explore magnificent ruins rich in Roman and Byzantine history before proceeding to the Batik Hamam (where it is believed that Cleopatra took a bath).

Return to the yacht for lunch and sail for Gocek Lagoon.

Day 9 Gemiler Island - Soguksu Cove

In the morning, the yacht slowly sails towards Gemiler Island. After an easy hike to the shore, spend a few hours exploring this treasure cove of Byzantine-era ruins. Visit the ruins of a monastery, a temple, and a basilica decorated with mosaics. After a delicious lunch, swim in the secluded bay and resume your hiking expedition along the coast for three hours before meeting the Soguksu Cove vessel for some more swimming and snorkeling.

Day 10 Burguncuk - Kalkan - Xanthos - Patara

Sail into the Burguncuk cove and spend some time exploring Lycian and Byzantine ruins by the coast. Proceed to Kalkan through the Seven Capes and drive to the traditional mountain village of Bezirgan for a delicious local lunch. From there, explore the ruins of Xanthos, and proceed to the vast Patara beach. Your yacht will be waiting at the Firnazlar Cove.

Day 11 Kas - Kekova

Sail to the beautiful seaside town of Kas, dominated by charming whitewashed houses and beautiful bougainvillea blossoms. Spend half a day here and after lunch, proceed to the underwater ruins of Aparlae and explore with your snorkel. Climb up the cliffs of nearby Kekova for a breathtaking view of the sunset before returning to your yacht for dinner in Skyrock Bay.

Day 12 Myra - Olympos - Chimaera

After a sumptuous breakfast, start your day with a swim in the calm waters of the bay. Sail to Myra and explore the hillside tombs, and continue to Ulupinar for a delicious lunch with a glass of local wine. Spend the afternoon visiting Olympos, Chimaera, and relaxing on a white sandy beach under the warm sun.

Day 13 Leisure

More swimming and beach time and spend your last night on the gulet.

Day 14 Departure

Disembark the yacht and continue to the next destination (if any) or transfer to Antalya for a domestic flight to Istanbul. From Istanbul, transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Do you have any other suggested routes for the gulet yacht?

Absolutely! At the time of the booking, we will advise the best available route and once we have a better idea of your travel type, we can also discuss other alternatives for sure.

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Uncover the Beauty of the Ancient Spas & Thermal Baths

We just returned from our 12 day tour with two teen daughters that included Istanbul, Cappadocia and Kas. We are season travelers (this was our 26th country), and we all agreed that this was one of the best int’l travel experiences we’ve ever had. Working with Ismael was a great experience beginning to end – he planned the perfect trip for us, he was very communicative and flexible throughout the whole process, and when things went wrong (they always do) he was immediately available to help adjust our plans. The tour guides he chose for us were first rate, the quality of the private shuttles, boats, drivers, etc… far exceeded our expectations. And Turkey was everything we’d hoped for and more. This was the first time we’ve ever used a travel agent to help us plan a trip, but it will not be the last. I couldn’t recommend Made in Turkey more highly.

This was to be a family trip to be remembered! So, we did TONS of emailing back and forth with Ismail before our trip. Ismail!!!…. the most patient, gracious, accommodating and knowledgeable person ever! We cannot say enough about our experience with everything that was arranged and recommended for our 13 day trip. Everything was first class from the hotels in Istambul and Cappadocia, the tours of the city, ballon ride, the transfers, drivers, restaurants, amazing guides, and our fabulous time in the Gulet sailing on the Coast of Turkiye! We were spoilt rotten by the crew with the service and level of comfort and safety. We would not hesitate to recommend Ismail and Made in Turkey Tours to plan the PERFECT holiday for you. We will never forget our time in Turkiye and we definitely plan to come back!

My wife and I travelled to Turkey in late March/early April on a trip organized and customized for us by “Made in Turkey Tours” (MTT). We had a number of ground rules involving a more luxurious trip than is commonly booked. Ismail organized the trip and at every step, he strived to implement our requests. All of his responses were quick, professional, and helpful. We handled our own arrangements in Istanbul, and the tour started with pickup in Istanbul. The conditions were imperfect due to lockdowns starting and ending during the trip. Despite that every contact, pickup, etc. was on time or early, and all accommodations met or exceeded our expectations. The car, driver and guide were excellent.

Our itinerary was Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, and after a break on a gulet, Fethiye, then back to Istanbul. We had a full-time guide named Fathi who was excellent. Fathi had an encyclopedic knowledge of Turkish history and culture. Since there have been dozens of major civilizations in Asia Minor over the years, he knew a lot. Equally important Fathi was able to communicate his excitement over the subject. He was also adept at gauging how tired we might be at times, and how events – like the snowstorm in Cappadocia – changed the itinerary on the fly.

Cappadocia is of course one of the great sights to see in the world, and we saw as much as we could despite the snow and fog storm that lead to a balloon flight cancellation. We were able to see the Dervishes in an 800-year-old caravanserai. There were at most 30 others in the audience in a venue that could have seated hundreds. There are good things and bad things about travelling in the pandemic. We also met and had dinner with Ismail in Cappadocia.

A note on the itinerary – we chose to go to Konya rather than Pamukkalle since we’ve seen unusual rock formations before and it’s not our thing. We also chose to limit the driving time to a maximum of about four hours a day, which the route through Konya facilitated. Konya is itself an interesting city. Travel is about both past and present, and the drive (by accident) through the large and rapidly expanding industrial areas of Konya was a sight in itself. By taking the route through Konya we were able to visit the prehistoric city of Catalhoyuk – arguably the second oldest city in the world. We also visited the caravanserai at Sultanani as one of our rest stops along the way.

We enjoyed Antalya which has major Roman and Greek sights, but it’s basically a beach resort, and when in a beach town, you should go to a beach resort. It must be said that Antalya does have an attractive “old town” which might have been fun to stay in in non-pandemic times. One of the three choices Ismail gave us was the Rixos resort in Antalya. This resort was >90% (by our estimate) inhabited by Russians and predominantly young Russian families. This provided it’s own window on travel and life around the world. The food at the all-inclusive buffets was surprisingly good and authentic as much as we can judge authenticity. Since the Russians (as an Istanbul guide said) “deny the pandemic” the Rixos was fairly busy. There is a long beach and cliff walk in front of the hotel linking much of Antalya.

When you pay in advance there’s always trepidation about what will result. In the case of MTT, everything promised was delivered and everything was very good or excellent. A set of refunds for the balloon rides and a hotel misunderstanding were promptly processed and sent to us.

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How to Plan a Family Trip to Turkey in 2024

Turkey is a vast and historical country that blends the cultures of Europe and Asia. It offers excellent opportunities to strengthen family bonding , including rich culture, vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and various family-friendly activities.

However, planning a family trip for a vacation can be stressful. Read on to learn about things you need to know prior to your trip.

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1. the top 7 things to do in turkey for families with kids, 2. best times to visit turkey for a family vacation, 3. how long to spend in turkey, 4. how much does a family vacation in turkey cost, 5. how to get around in turkey.

Among lots of activities in Turkey, we recommend the following top seven things to do to enjoy yourselves for both adults and children.

1) Be the Captain of a Bosphorus Cruise to See a Sunset in Istanbul

Compared to a long cruise, your kids may prefer a short one, especially an enchanting Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, which spans two continents. It's perfect for a few hours of enjoyment and we could arrange a private yacht for you and your family, ensuring an exclusive experience. 

As you and your partner soak up the romantic scenery and have a soft drink, your children could even play captain and steer the boat toward a romantic sunset, as long as the conditions are good and there is no sea traffic close by. 

With ancient landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant shores, it's an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

2) Hop on a Private Hot-Air Balloon Ride to Appreciate the Beauty of Cappadocia

The sunsets in Cappadocia are gorgeous and even more impressive from the air. Your kids would be thrilled to embark on this adventure.

Unlike the normal big group balloon trips, we would arrange a private hot-air balloon journey so that you and your family could have more room to enjoy some quality time together, appreciating the breathtaking aerial views of valleys, towering "fairy chimneys", and the landscape glowing orange at dusk.

After the aerial trip, we would prepare champagne for you to celebrate the stunning sunset scenery, savoring the happiness and concluding this magical day.

3) Explore the Landscapes of Cappadocia on an ATV

Driving an ATV and venturing into the wild is a thrilling way to appreciate the beauty of nature.

No kids could resist such an adventure. As you explore, you would be in close proximity to picturesque valleys and mushroom-shaped "fairy chimneys". The exciting experience would bring you closer together, with excited yells and laughter filling the air. 

Feel the wind against your face and watch the stunning golden sunset slowly embrace you, creating a truly magical day. Whether you're seeking adventures or looking to create lasting memories, this ATV adventure promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

4) Soak Your Feet in a Natural Hot Spring Pool of Pamukkale

Pamukkale, also known as Cotton Castle, is famous for its ivory-white travertine terraces and azure water. 

Pamukkale is a perfect place for a family adventure. Your kids could burn off energy while exploring, and you could all enjoy the rare experience of walking barefoot on the terraces before taking a dip in the hot spring pools.

Moreover, within minutes, you could visit the nearby ruins of Hierapolis and the Cleopatra Pool. This gives you and your family the opportunity to immerse yourselves in a fascinating history lesson.

5) Marvel at the Wonders of the Ancient City of Ephesus on a Leisurely Stroll

Ephesus is one of the most important ancient cities in the world.

As you wander through its well-preserved ruins, you would be transported back in time, surrounded by impressive monuments and breathtaking architecture. 

The Library of Celsus and the Great Theater would leave you in awe. Accompanied by your knowledgeable local tour guide, you and your family would discover the history and significance of each fascinating site together, feeling the stories bring the past back to life. 

6) Ride a Horse Along the Beach of Antalya to See a Sunrise

Antalya is renowned as a popular beach resort on the Turquoise Coast and a paradise for family vacations. 

Riding a horse along the coastline with your family could be a unique adventure offering a magical connection with nature and a rare opportunity to witness the beauty of a new day dawning. 

Imagine the gentle sea breeze caressing your face and the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore, painting a picturesque scene against the breathtaking sunrise.

7) Enjoy a Traditional Turkish Bath to Relax in Cappadocia

How could you visit Turkey without experiencing the traditional Turkish bathing culture?

Although you could have this almost everywhere in Turkey, after a few days of traveling and outdoor sightseeing, it would be an amazing opportunity to try a hammam (a traditional Turkish bath) to relax before leaving Cappadocia. 

Don't be afraid of new and exciting activities as we would assign an experienced attendant to guide you once you enter the hammam. Let your weary body feel soothed as you recline on heated marble slabs, covered in a cloud of foam that leaves your skin feeling refreshed. 

Typically, male and female sections are separated. However, if taking a relaxing bath together is of great importance, inform us in advance and we will arrange for a hammam that could offer services for the whole family.

The best times to visit Turkey are April to May (spring) and September to October (autumn) due to fewer crowds and better conditions. Taking a family vacation during this season is a very good choice for both the elderly and children when the sun is shining, the climate is pleasant, and you can breathe the fresh air of nature blossoms.

The summer season from June to August is the high season to visit Turkey, with hot temperatures reaching an average high of 32°C (90°F), sometimes even exceeding 40°C (104°F), which is perfect for a beach vacation but hard for outdoor sightseeing due to crowding. 

June may be the best option if you're planning a family vacation with kids in the summer. Since the peak crowds and heat have not yet arrived, you could explore the country in relative comfort without dealing with such long queues or inflated prices.

November to March is the winter season in Turkey and also the low season due to the cool/cold weather and occasional rain and snow. Although this is the cheapest period to visit Turkey, you may still encounter a temporary rise in prices in the festive season around Christmas and New Year.

To plan a hassle-free family trip, try to avoid these times by arriving prior to or later by about 2 weeks, such as arriving before December 12th or later than January 10th, to save a lot in price rise expenses.

Suggested reading:  Best and Worst Times to Visit Turkey >>>

Typically, we suggest you spend at least 10 days in Turkey to view the main highlights at a relaxed pace for a well-planned family vacation, including Istanbul (3–5 days), Cappadocia (2–4 days), Ephesus (1 day), and Pamukkale (1 day). 

• Istanbul: We suggest spending at least 3 days in Istanbul, 1 day for an old city tour with historical sites, 1 day for the Grand Bazaar and a Bosphorus cruise, and 1 day for a new city tour with museums and theme parks. Feel free to start a food adventure or join a cooking class and many more great options if you have more time for your family trip.
• Cappadocia: A minimum of 2 days is needed in Cappadocia. 1 day for the underground cities and hidden churches, and 1 day for a hot-air balloon ride with outdoor sightseeing. Activities like hiking into the wild or joining an ATV tour are also very popular with families.
• Ephesus: 1 day is enough to explore this ancient city for families, including the Temple of Artemis, which is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Pamukkale: You could spend 1 day fully exploring Pamukkale's main highlights, including the ruins of Hierapolis and the Cleopatra Pool. If a day trip is too tight for your timings, spending a night there would also be a good choice.

With a 2-week vacation and a more flexible schedule in Turkey, we recommend you add a coastal city for beach fun (2–4 days). Antalya is among the best, boasting Blue-Flag-Award-winning beaches and well-developed tourism amenities, which is perfect to act as your last stop for your family vacation. 

Whether you prefer spending quality time with your family on the shores or venturing out on day excursions to discover the natural beauty of the surrounding areas, Antalya has it all.

Below is our handpicked itinerary, for inspiration to plan your family trip.

2-Week Highlights of Turkey for Family Vacations

This itinerary offers a perfect balance of activities to strengthen family bonds, appreciate historical sites, experience the beauty of nature, and catch a glimpse of local life. It is especially suitable for families with teenagers.

• Days 1–4: Istanbul (city tours, a Bosphorus cruise, a food tour, and a cooking class)
• Days 5–7: Cappadocia (a hot-air balloon ride, an underground city, an ATV tour, and staying in a cave hotel)
• Days 8–9: Izmir (a day trip to Ephesus and a city tour)
• Day 10: Pamukkale (travertine terraces, the ruins of Hierapolis, the Cleopatra Pool, and Salda Lake)
• Days 11–14: Antalya (water activities, Duden Waterfalls, Hadrian's Gate, horseback riding on the beach, and an old town tour)

Typically, a private family tour in Turkey would start at a cost of $350 per person per day based on a group of four people. 

Prices include a private guide, private car, domestic transfer fares, a full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, and 4-star hotels. International flights are not factored in.

However, this is only for reference since it may vary depending on the time of year. For instance, during the peak season between July and August and festivals like Christmas, prices may rise 50% higher with more crowds.

It's recommended to book your flights and hotels 3–6 months prior to your journey to get the best deals. Or simply reach out to us at Global Highlights and we will customize a hassle-free private tour to meet your budget.

Turkey is a large country with rich tourism resources for planning a family trip. While major cities like Istanbul have good public transportation, intercity travel could be inconvenient with limited options, such as domestic flights, buses, and highways.

Most intercity flights in Turkey take about 1½ hours but they may be limited to one daily direct flight or none at all between certain cities. In such cases, travelers have to transit through Istanbul or Ankara .

When traveling to Turkey, Istanbul is the most common entry point for most visitors. For a well-planned family itinerary, we recommend considering Cappadocia as your next destination as it could be conveniently included in your travel plans and it's also popular with families for embarking on some outdoor activities.

Izmir , on the other hand, is often associated with day trips to Ephesus and Pamukkale , while Antalya is best saved for the last leg of your journey, offering a great opportunity for relaxation at its beautiful beaches.

However, if you're visiting places without direct flights , such as Canakkale or Pamukkale, it's recommended to choose private transfers for a more enjoyable and stress-free family trip in Turkey.

Reach out to us at Global Highlights and we will relieve you of the burden of route planning and navigating, creating a customized private tour for you.

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Turkey Family Holiday

10 days | 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.

Trip overview

• 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
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.
• 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.

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 before joining your fellow travellers for an optional group dinner to toast to new adventures.

• Manesol Galata Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Istanbul - Orientation Walk

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. You'll have time to settle into your hotel before meeting a local pottery master who will demonstrate how the local Turkish ceramics are made, you'll even have the opportunity to give it a go yourself. After getting your hands dirty, you'll have free time to enjoy and explore Goreme. When night falls, head to a cooking class in one of the city's distinctive homes with a local family. You'll have the opportunity to explore the house and garden while learning how to make local dishes with organic, local produce in a hands-on guided class. Then the best part, enjoying the delicious dishes for dinner! 

• Çiner Hotel or Similar (1 night)
• Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
• Goreme - Cooking Class

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 an optional bike ride through pink-tinged Rose Valley and the mushroom shaped rocks of Love Valley. Check out the small village of Cavusin, where dwellings are built into the rock face, admire the views at the top where you'll find 5th-century Church of St John the Baptist, before returning to Goreme. Those who do not wish to ride can opt for a free afternoon to explore Goreme further on foot or spend the afternoon by the pool.

• Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
• Goreme - Bike Riding - EUR230

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 before hoping on a private bus to make the 3 hour drive 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. Upon arrival to Konya in the mid afternoon 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)

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 by train into Izmir at around 7 am and transfer by private minivan for the 1 hour drive to Selcuk. Here you can grab some breakfast and enjoy free time to soak in the culture and natural wonder of this fascinating city. 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.

In the afternoon you will visit the nearby ruins of Ephesus, 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 – 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.

• Kalehan Hotel or Similar (1 night)
• Ephesus - Archaeological site visit

Board a train and travel inland through the mountains, towards one of Turkey's most photographed sites, Pamukkale, which literally translates to "cotton castle". 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. You'll have 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, if you choose. 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 further explore before a visit to the Pamukkale National Park in the afternoon.

• Anya Resort or Similar (1 night)
• Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park

Today's travel will take around 3.5 hours by train plus a short bus ride.

Today it's off 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.

• Bilgin Hotel or Similar (1 night)
• Kas - Leader-led orientation walk

Total travel time today is around 5.5 hours (first private bus Pamukkale to Denizli then public bus onwards to Kas)

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.

• Kas - Cruise with lunch

After breakfast, make the 3.5-hour drive to the airport where you will board a flight to Istanbul, touching down about 1.5-hours later, in the afternoon. You'll have time to check into the hotel before partaking in a unique 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 to celebrate your whirlwind Turkish adventure. 

• Istanbul - Ebru (water marbling)

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.

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Private Minivan, public bus, train, plane

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

Dates and availability

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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Family tours in Turkey

Welcome to OsaBus family tours in Turkey. Our designed family tours in Turkey offer you the key to unlocking this beautiful country’s hidden treasures. Whether you’re seeking a small family tour, or a longer family tour to explore Turkey, our tours are designed to cater to all your travel desires.

Check out our ready made family tour packages or request a custom made private family tour.

Special offer and Wholesale deals available for Travel professionals. Contact us for more information.

Family tours Turkey

Looking for the perfect family tour vehicle? Our Luxury Sprinter selection is the best in Turkey. We know how important comfort is. That’s why we offer Business class Sprinters on all our family tours in Turkey.

Minibus tours in Turkey

Need a Sprinter for your family tour? Comfortable Sprinter minibuses in Turkey or smaller minivans in Turkey, we got you covered.

Minivan tours Turkey

Private and Individually built family tours by luxury minibus or a small van. Luxury or economy chauffeur driven minivan tours in Turkey. Extra small group bus trips in Turkey and in other parts of Europe.

Ready to go Packages

We offer many different family tour packages: all-inclusive , custom made, private as well as luxury family tours. Ask for more information.

Hotels included

All our packages include accomodation, which in most cases is a centrally located 4 star Hotel. For private family tours we can adjust the accommodation per customer requirements.

Everything else

Our tours also include tour guides and group leaders, if needed. Additionally on a request basis we can help you with everything else, flight booking, custom itinerary development and much more.

What are the options for family tours in Turkey?

Family trips (4 people and above).

Our tours in Turkey are perfect for families looking to create cherished memories together. With a minimum requirement of just 4 people, families can explore the wonders of Turkey in a comfortable and engaging environment. Guides ensure that both adults and children have an enriching experience, catering to the interests of all family members.

Small family tours (Up to 7-8 People)

All our family tours in Turkey, accommodating up to 7-8 people, can be tailor-made just for you or you can choose from our ready to go family trip package deals in Turkey. These small family group tours allow for flexibility, spontaneous stops, and a deeper connection with the destination, making your journey through Turkey truly unique.

Large family tours (Up to 16 People)

Our Turkey family tours cater to the needs of larger groups and families as well, accommodating up to 16 people and even bigger if needed per customer requirements. With our spacious coaches, comfortable seating, and knowledgeable guides, larger groups can travel together seamlessly. Check out our ready to go family tour packages in Turkey.

What to expect on a family tour around Turkey

Prepare for an unforgettable journey through the most captivating regions of Turkey on our family tours.

With our local guides, you’ll unravel the mysteries of iconic landmarks, indulge in gourmet delights throughout the entire family vacation in Turkey. Expect seamless travel, delightful cultural encounters, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Book your European family tour with OsaBus.

Looking for the best family tour in Turkey? You just found the best rated and the best organized family tours in Turkey and Europe.

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The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Turkey

Fun for the whole family: unforgettable adventures.

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with your loved ones? Look no further! We've meticulously analyzed all the family-friendly tours to Turkey, ensuring that you and your children have the time of your lives. Say goodbye to the stress of planning a trip with kids and hello to the joys of traveling as a family, as we present to you a terrific range of meticulously organized tours and vacation packages designed to cater to your family's every need. One of the best aspects of these family-friendly guided tours is that many of them offer an all-inclusive travel style. All of these tour options are well-planned, and they also cater to travelers under 18, too! This means that you can focus on what truly matters: spending quality time on vacation with your family. So, why wait any longer? It's time to pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and embark on an extraordinary journey to Turkey.

• Timeless Cities in Modern Transportation: Turkey Unleashed 10 Day Tour 10 Days, $1200.00
• Fethiye and Kekova Gulet 8 Days, $780.00
• The Seven Churches Trail – Biblical Tour Turkey 10 Day Tour 10 Days, $1258.00

What types of child-friendly tours are available in Turkey?

Here are the important factors:

• 216 trip options analyzed
• $216 average price per day (USD)
• 1 to 21 days in length
• 4.69 of 5 average rating
• 23 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of family-friendly tours in Turkey, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.69 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 23 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 8 days, with tours ranging from 1 to 21 days long. Regarding physical activity , the tours are categorized as easy, moderate, relaxing, and serious, with the majority being easy. As for transportation options, the tours are thoughtfully categorized as coach / bus and ocean cruise, with the most being coach / bus. With our thorough analysis of 216 family-friendly tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that Turkey has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Family-Friendly Tours in Turkey

Timeless cities in modern transportation: turkey unleashed 10 day tour.

• On Sale: 30% Off See Prices
• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for family-friendly tours.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

This fantastic voyage has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. This trip visits 10 destinations, including Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Pamukkale, Konya, and Cappadocia along the way. Your adventure starts and ends in Istanbul. With an emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities, you know you'll have an amazing adventure. Lasting 10 days, the maximum group size is 35 people, and it's good for guests age 8 and older. Organized by Dorak Tours , this is a great deal because it's only $84 per day. Act fast to take advantage of the current sale.

• In-depth Cultural

Fethiye and Kekova Gulet

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary trip is the perfect choice. Experience a trip that takes you to 4 remarkable destinations, including Tersane Island and Gocek. Fethiye will be the beginning and end of your trip. Spanning across 8 days, the trip accommodates 16 individuals, and is suitable for guests age 8 to 95. Offered by Encounters Travel , this remarkable trip is priced at just $98 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

The Seven Churches Trail – Biblical Tour Turkey 10 Day Tour

This exceptional trip offering by Dorak Tours has received a 5 out of 5 rating. On this 10-day journey you can unwind while also making new memories. Explore 9 incredible locations on this trip, including Bursa, Pergamum, Kusadasi, and Selcuk. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Istanbul. With a group size of 35 people, it's suitable for guests age 8 and older. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $88 per day. It's also on sale right now!

Sacred Pathways: Tracing the Legacy of the Seven Churches 10 Day Tour

Check out this journey that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 5 out of 5 rating. Discover a journey that spans 10 destinations, with notable stops in Ankara, Çanakkale, Pergamum, and Izmir. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Istanbul. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture and family-friendly activities. Spanning across 10 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 35 participants, and it's great for guests age 8 and older. Brought to you by the renowned Dorak Tours , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $89 per day - an unbeatable value. Take advantage of the current sale and secure your spot today!

"From Istanbul to the Coast: An 8-Day Adventure through Turkey's Most Beautiful Landscapes"

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This 8-day voyage is ideal for guests of all ages. And priced at only $90 per day, it's a great value, too. This trip takes you on an adventure to 4 destinations, including Kusadasi and Pamukkale. Istanbul kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. It's offered by Guide of Ephesus , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides. Act fast to take advantage of the current sale.

10 Days Turkish Delight Vacation Package With Guaranteed Departure

Priced at just $104 per day, this terrific 10-day journey is ideal for guests of all ages. With 6 destinations to explore, you'll get the chance to see Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, and Kusadasi, and more. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Istanbul. Organized by the reputable TravelShop Turkey , this is one of the best tours on this list.

The Seven Churches of Revelations Tour: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Bible in 11 Days

Check out this incredible trip that has received a 5 out of 5 rating from previous guests. You'll love the emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities, too. With a duration of 11 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 35 people, and is good for guests age 2 and older. Along the way, this journey encompasses 9 destinations, including Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia, and Çanakkale. Istanbul will be both the start and end of your journey. This fantastic option, organized by Dorak Tours , presents an unbeatable value at just $94 per day.

11 DAYS SPECIAL TURKEY VACATION PACKAGE WITH GUARANTEED DEPARTURE

Spanning over 11 days, this trip has a maximum size of 99 individuals. Welcoming guests of all ages, it is organized by TravelShop Turkey , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. This itinerary covers 10 captivating destinations, with stops in Kusadasi, Sirince, Pamukkale, and Antalya, among others. Your adventure starts and ends in Istanbul. Available at an unbeatable price of only $104 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

The Wonders of Turkey: Classical Turkey 13 Day Tour

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional trip that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 13 days, this jouney will have 35 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests age 8 and older. And since the priority is on local culture and family-friendly activities, this tour is a great choice. Expertly organized by Dorak Tours , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $101 per day. Act fast to take advantage of the current sale.

Cappadocia City Break-3 days

This memorable trip is offered by Tour Altinkum Travel which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $103 per day. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Cappadocia. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. The maximum group size is 12 people, welcoming guests age 2 and older.

See also The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Turkey , The Best Historical Tours in Turkey , The Best 10-Day Tours in Turkey , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey , The Best 3-Day Tours in Turkey , The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Turkey , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey , The Best Adventure Tours to Turkey , The Best Eco Tours in Turkey , The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Turkey , The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Turkey , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Turkey , The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Turkey , The Best Religious Tours in Turkey , The Best Walking Tours in Turkey , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Turkey , The Best Luxury Tours to Turkey , The Best Budget Tours to Turkey , The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey , or The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Fethiye , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Antalya , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bodrum , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kas , The Best 10-Day Tours from Istanbul , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Istanbul for more package tour options.

How much do family-friendly tours to Turkey cost?

Visitors will find a large range of terrific options for family-friendly tours when planning a visit to Turkey. The price of these specific trips can vary according to length, destinations, and travel style. The average price of family-friendly tours in Turkey based on data from 216 options is an affordable $216 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Turkey .

And for more information on Turkey, see Turkey Travel Costs and Turkey Hotel Costs .

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The Ultimate Multi-Day Turkey Itinerary For Families: Where To Go And What To Do

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Planning a multi-day Turkey itinerary for families is the perfect way to explore everything this dynamic country offers! Located on the border of Europe and Asia, it’s becoming an increasingly popular destination, and it’s not hard to see why! Its diverse geography includes everything from stunning coastlines to towering mountains, while its vibrant cities offer a wealth of activities and attractions. Turkey is also an excellent choice for families traveling with children, as there are plenty of kid-friendly activities and attractions throughout the country. Enjoy delicious food and historical attractions in Istanbul, go hiking through stunning landscapes in Cappadocia, or just take a relaxing beach vacation. Either way, this Multi-Day Turkey Itinerary for Families will surely please everyone in your group. Keep reading to learn more! 

What to Know Before Visiting Turkey with Kids

Turkey is a country full of culture, history, and natural beauty. It’s also a great place to visit with kids. However, you should know a few things before booking your vacation. Firstly, all US, Canadian, and Australian citizens must acquire a Turkish Visa before arriving at Istanbul International Airport. Be sure to start the process as soon as you start researching and booking your trip to give yourself enough time to get everything in order.

Once you arrive in Istanbul, you’ll notice that the downtown area is around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. The city is divided into two, split by the Bosphorus Strait over two continents – Europe and Asia. Most overseas visitors fly into Istanbul International Airport (IST) on the European side. A second main passenger airport, Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) , is also located on the Asian (Anatolian) side. On this side, families will find the old city of Constantinople and Karaköy (the modern name for Galata) in the Beyoglu district, as well as some accommodations. 

READ MORE HERE : All About Turkey With Kids: Important Information To Know

Start Your Multi-Day Turkey Itinerary for Families in Istanbul

From exploring the ancient city of Istanbul to swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, there’s something for all ages in Turkey. Now that you’ve read what to know before booking your vacation with kids, here’s a sample multi-day Turkey itinerary for families. Whether you need a 3-day itinerary or a two-week itinerary in Turkey with kids, this article will help you fill your days with plenty of family-friendly activities.

Day 1: Explore Downtown Istanbul

Istanbul is the perfect place to start if you’re looking for the ultimate multi-day itinerary. Indeed, if you only have time for a 3-day itinerary in Turkey with kids, you’ll want to start in Istanbul. We also recommend spending at least a day or two in the downtown area and staying nearby for convenience. Plus, it’s easy to find a taxi during the holiday season if you stay downtown since the traffic can be heavy in certain areas of the city. 

Start your explorations at the iconic Sultanahmet district, home to landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Formally a 6th-century Christian church, Hagia Sophia is an opulent mosque widely regarded as the ‘8th Wonder of the World,’ showcasing the history of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.

Meanwhile, the Blue Mosque dates back to the 1600s and is still an active place of worship today. This 17th-century masterpiece features intricate tilework, ornate capitals, and breathtakingly beautiful vaulted ceilings. Both will be highly educational (and photo-worthy) opportunities for families! 

If you have more time to experience impressive architecture, add Topkapi Palace to your list too. It houses one of the world’s most colossal collections of art through a complex of museums and historical sites, filled with wonders for kids and adults alike. This includes a spectacular Imperial Treasury , with elaborately carved furniture and priceless paintings that kids will appreciate. If you want to combine a visit to some of the best landmarks in Istanbul, consider booking this best of Istanbul in a 1-day tour by Get Your Guide. 

Evening Activity Recommendation: See a Light Show at Basilica Cistern

After you’ve spent the day exploring downtown Istanbul, enjoy an evening by the Basilica Cistern . Also known as the Cistern of Theodosius , it’s the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns beneath Istanbul ​​near Sultanahmet. It’s now illuminated with colorful lights and lasers, creating an incredible effect. Not only is the light show beautiful to watch, but it’s also educational. Kids can learn about Islamic history while seeing dazzling light displays bounce off the ancient columns, synchronized to fun music! Depending on the time of year, you might also see lights spelling out words or messages. 

Keep in mind it’s not stroller-friendly. The cistern is open from 9 AM to 7 PM, but the first and last light shows are at 10 AM and 6 PM.

GetYourGuide offers an Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Tour and Skip The Line with Guide . 

Day 2: Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Hamaam

Day 2 of your multi-day Turkey itinerary for families is about exploring some of Istanbul’s most iconic markets and getting a taste of traditional Turkish culture. Start your day at the Grand Bazaar , where you can haggle for anything from Turkish carpets to spices to souvenirs. Then, check out the Spice Bazaar . Located in the Eminönü district, this bustling market is full of sights, sounds, and smells that will tantalize your senses, from exotic, aromatic spices to fresh fruits and vegetables. While planning a 3-day itinerary to Turkey with kids, these two stops are a must!

Kids who are animal lovers will also appreciate all the city-dwelling creatures that call Istanbul home. When you visit Seven Hills Restaurant for dinner or a snack, you’ll get great city views (perfect for watching the sunset!) and even some snacks (like fish) for customers to feed the seagulls. In the Old Town, you’ll also find many stray dogs and cats roaming the streets. 

These animals are well-fed, and residents often take care of them. (Turkish people are incredibly kind and animal-loving people.) However, your kids may still enjoy feeding these animals too. You can find dry cat food outside shops and restaurants as well. The animals are extremely friendly if you allow them to sniff you! 

RELATED : How To Have A Fun-Filled Family Vacation In Istanbul? Click here to read 20+ Things To Do With Kids !

Evening Activity Recommendation: Eat a Meal at a Rooftop Restaurant 

The best way to end a long day of family adventures in Istanbul is by enjoying a meal at a rooftop restaurant! This vibrant city has various rooftop restaurants, perfect for an evening out. Not only will you get to see the incredible views of the cityscape, but you’ll also be able to enjoy some delicious Turkish cuisine. We suggest kid-friendly options like  360 Istanbul , GRACE Rooftop Restaurant , and Ararat Terrace Restaurant & Rooftop if you want to marvel at the incredible views! Regardless of how else you spend your 3-day or 5-day itinerary in Istanbul, Turkey, with kids, you’ll want to reserve at least one or two dinners for this type of experience!

Evening Activity Recommendation: See A Mevlevi Sema Ceremony 

Families looking for an authentic cultural experience in Istanbul should save an evening to experience a Mevlevi Sema Ceremony . This sacred event features music, dance, and poetry by renowned members of the Mevlevi sect of Sufism. During this special event, participants dress in ornate clothes and perform dances to summon the blessings of the Mevlevi Saint Dervish Mehmed Aga. You don’t even have to be religious to enjoy this event; just take it all in and appreciate the simple beauty of this experience! 

Kids will especially love it because there is always something happening onstage (e.g., the dervishes spinning around or Bekir dancing on top of a lion). One popular place to see the ceremony is one of Istanbul’s most well-known tourist attractions, the HodjaPasha Cultural Center . Or, you can book a ticket through GetYourGuide to Watch a stunning Mevlevi Sema ceremony in Istanbul .

Optional/Evening Activity: Try a Hamaam

There’s no better way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing than at a traditional Turkish hammam ! While some have kids’ hours, parents can also get a break from the little ones and enjoy a quintessential Turkish pastime. Dating back to Roman times, it was popularized during the Ottoman Empire as a communal activity. Enjoy the steam, heat, and water while getting a relaxing massage, and you’ll feel completely ready to tackle the rest of your multi-day Turkey itinerary for families! If you’re looking for top-rated hammams around Istanbul, we recommend Kılıc Ali Pasa Hamam or Hurrem Sultan Hamam .

Take a Day Trip from Istanbul: Explore the Beşiktaş District on the Bosphorus

Spending at least two days in downtown Istanbul is a must for any multi-day Turkey itinerary for families. However, if you’re looking to plan an extended Istanbul itinerary for families, there are plenty of things to do in the city beyond downtown, especially in the Beşiktaş District on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait.

For example, you can take a boat ride to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks from a new perspective. Or, visit the historic Dolmabahçe Palace , once the residence of Ottoman sultans. Istanbul also has fantastic museums, including the Istanbul Naval Museum , located inside the palace. Families can also take a boat ride to the nearby Princes’ Islands for a fun day trip. Indeed, if you are planning a 5-day or 7-day itinerary for Istanbul, Turkey, with kids, adding this day trip option is a great idea!

Where to Stay in Istanbul with Kids

If you’re wondering where to stay in Turkey with kids, we have some fantastic family-friendly hotel recommendations for Istanbul. Whether you are seeking a stay for a 3-day, 5-day, or two-week itinerary in Turkey with kids, these kid-friendly hotels in Istanbul will ensure you have a great place to sleep at the end of each day of exploration.

Where to Stay Outside the Old Town in Istanbul with Kids

Are they looking for somewhere to stay in Istanbul with kids beyond the Old Town? In the Beşiktaş District, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski and ​​ Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus offer luxury accommodations right on the water. For families with older kids, the Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas and Hotel Raffles Istanbul have great city views and plenty of activities to entertain everyone. And finally, no trip to Istanbul would be complete without a stay at one of its iconic properties like The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul , or The St. Regis Istanbul . 

Where to Stay in Downtown Istanbul with Kids

If you need somewhere to stay in Istanbul with kids during your multi-day Turkey itinerary for families, look no further! For an option near the Old Town or in the Sultanahmet district, check out Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet . It also has amenities like an indoor pool and spacious rooms.

Interactive Map of Turkey

Discover the best places to stay, restaurants, and local attractions with our interactive map. You can filter by what you’re looking for, so it’s quick and easy to select which area you want to explore.

Continue Your Multi-Day Turkey Itinerary for Families in Cappadocia

After spending a few days in Istanbul, it’s time to continue your 5-day to two-week itinerary for Turkey for families in Cappadocia ! Here’s how to enjoy this beautiful part of Turkey with kids.

Day 3: Fly to Cappadocia

If you’re looking for the ultimate multi-day Turkey itinerary for families, Cappadocia is the perfect destination. With its unique landscape of fairy chimneys and cave houses, it’s a visually stunning place that will surely captivate your children’s imagination. To reach Cappadocia from Istanbul , you can take a domestic flight to Kayseri Airport , which takes around an hour and a half. 

We suggest resting and taking it easy on your first day in Cappadocia since you’ll spend the rest of your multi-day Turkey itinerary for families on an epic adventure! Families who still want to maximize their time can use this day to explore Göreme , a quaint town known for its location near the Göreme Open Air Museum. With its winding streets and traditional Turkish houses, the village feels like something out of a fairytale. Full of charming cafes, shops, and homes, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir.

Remember to try some of the local cuisines, like Testi Kebab or Pottery Kebab , an Anatolian specialty made with lamb or beef and cooked inside a clay pot. Kids will also enjoy one of Cappadocia’s oldest specialties, Turkish ravioli ! Of course, for parents, the local wine is also a must-try. For specific restaurant recommendations, we suggest Dibek Restaurant, Top Deck Cave Restaurant , Inci Caves Restaurant , Millocal Restaurant , Nostalji Restaurant , and Pumpkin Goreme Restaurant & Art Gallery.

Day 4: Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

There’s plenty to do in Cappadocia with kids, from exploring the many caves and tunnels to hiking through the spectacular valleys. And, of course, no visit to Cappadocia would be complete without a hot air balloon ride – it’s a relaxing and calming experience you’ll never forget! Get plenty of rest the night before so you’re all well-rested and ready for the adventure ahead. The early morning start (around 5 to 5:30 AM) is worth it when you see the sunrise over the stunning landscape, and your kids will love watching the world float by from up high. Then, you’ll have plenty of time to recharge before the rest of your day and the tours you’ve booked!

Many local companies offer this service, as well as providers such as Viator or GetYourGuide . However, we recommend scheduling it on the first full day you spend here, just in case it gets canceled. These experiences are often canceled due to high winds, but don’t get discouraged! Scheduling it on your first day ensures you have plenty of time to reschedule in case it does get canceled. 

Additional Activity Recommendation: Explore Northern Cappadocia

Since a hot air balloon ride usually takes place pretty early in the morning, you’ll still have a full day ahead of you to see Cappadocia with kids. You can rent a car, hire and taxi, or arrange a tour through the northern portion of Cappadocia, an area famous for its rock formations, fairy chimneys, and other beautiful landscapes. Certainly, families on a 7-day or two-week itinerary of Turkey with kids will want to add Northern Cappadocia to their visit.

Start by visiting Goreme National Park & Open-air Museum . Occupying over 40 miles in the Nevşehir Province, this exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a wealth of incredible rock formations, cave dwellings, and churches carved into the stone. Visit the open-air museum, which is full of astonishing cave dwellings, then explore some of the nearby underground cities used as a refuge from invaders centuries ago. Kids will love traveling back in time and learning about Turkish life and culture!

Families can also explore the caves and discover beautiful churches with ancient fresco paintings. Afterward, add a hike in Love Valley and Monk Valley. Both beautiful valleys are worth the visit, and your kids will love running and exploring, hiking, and climbing the caves. If you have extra time, make sure to try the Love Valley Trail with your teens. Starting in Goreme and ending at Uchisar Castle, this moderate, 4.6-mile hike is popular for its view of Cappadocia’s unique fairy chimneys.

Red Tour Options to Consider Adding to Your Itinerary for Northern Cappadocia

You can hire a cab or rent a car and visit some spots a Red Tour would typically stop at. Alternatively, various local tour companies also offer this experience, as well as some bigger providers. Viator has a Cappadocia Small-Group Red Tour , and GetYourGuide also offers a Full-Day Cappadocia Red Plus Tour . 

On a Red Tour , families can also visit the Avanos pottery workshops to see villagers making pots from local red clay. Even though your kids will enjoy the hands-on pottery demonstration, and it’s a great place to escape the heat, this place can feel like a bit of a tourist trap. You might feel obligated to buy pottery, and it isn’t cheap! Should you decide to add this to your 5-day to 7-day itinerary in Turkey with kids, just beware of this.

Day 5: Explore Southwestern Cappadocia

Once you’ve experienced the best of northern Cappadocia with kids, families with extra time can also explore southwestern Cappadocia during a unique, full-day experience. Various companies offer this tour, as it’s quite popular, but most follow the same route. Certainly, this is a great option if you plan a 7-day, 10-day, or two-week itinerary in Turkey with kids!

Start with a visit to the Derinkuyu Underground City. Kids will get a chance to learn about local Turkish traditions and see where people took shelter from invasions. And, they’ll also get a thrill running around and exploring these underground cities! These underground cities can go up to 10 floors underground. It is definitely a unique experience for families. Then, for more options, Kaymakli is also a popular underground city, and it’s usually a bit less crowded than Derinkuyu. However, you can’t go wrong in visiting either one of them!

Then, families can also hike through the Ihlara Valley on a 2.1-mile trail to see the mesmerizing fairy chimney rock formations, the Ihlara Canyon, and the stone-carved Selime Monastery. It’s easy to hike along the river with various stops, but the initial stairs to the bottom can be tiring for some. Pack a lunch or snacks to eat by the water too. Surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of the river, it’s a unique experience that families can’t miss in Cappadocia!

Kids will especially enjoy how most tours stop in Pigeon Valley, where you can learn about the many different uses for pigeon eggs. There’s also a short hike that starts and ends at Goreme.

For specific tour suggestions, we recommend GetYourGuide, which offers a Cappadocia: Green Tour in the Ihlara Valley . 

Additional Day: See the Sunset or Sunrise at Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü)

Cappadocia is an otherworldly place, and it’s even more magical when seen during sunrise or sunset! If you have additional days on your multi-day Turkey itinerary for families, you can either grab a taxi or drive yourself to Tuz Gölü, otherwise known as the “Pink Salt Lake.” It’s near Aksaray, around an hour away from Cappadocia, and features stunning glimmering waters and views of the surrounding landscape. Though you can visit anytime, early morning or early evening is best due to the incredible colors from the sunrise and sunset, giving the entire body of water an ethereal glow! Indeed, those planning a 10-day or two-week itinerary for Turkey with kids will love this special stop!

Additional/Optional Adventure Activities in Cappadocia to Consider

If you’re traveling with teens and tweens and have more time on your multi-day itinerary in Turkey for families, indulge in more adventure activities in Cappadocia. Here are some suggestions!

Take an ATV Tour

If you’re looking for an exhilarating and unique way to explore Cappadocia with your kids, an ATV tour is worth considering! Not only is it loads of fun, but it’s also a great way to bond with your teen or older child. The tours typically last about two hours, and you can choose from various routes depending on your skill level. Book a From Göreme: Cappadocia Valleys at Sunset ATV Tour . Either way, it’s sure to be an experience you won’t forget! 

Go Horseback Riding or Hiking

Cappadocia’s landscape is unlike anywhere else, with its towering rock formations and picturesque valleys. So why not explore this enchanting place on horseback? Teens or preteens will love exploring during sunrise or sunset and seeing the views from a new perspective. Book a Göreme: Horseback Riding Experience in Cappadocia or Cappadocia: Sunset Horse Trek Through the Valleys through GetYourGuide for an incredible adventure! If you’d rather hike through the landscape, there are plenty of kid-friendly options, like the 3-mile Red and Rose Valley Hike, which passes through white, pink, and red stone spires.

Goreme Sunset Point Hike , also known as the Red Valley Sunset Point Hike, has earned its name because the sunset is simply spectacular here. From this viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and canyons and Uchisar Castle in the distance. Zemi Valley Loop (2 miles) and the Hidden Church Hike (2.5 miles) are easy and short hikes you can take with kids.

Pro Tip: Throughout these hikes or adventures, you’ll find various Instagram-worthy lookouts with swings to take photos with your kids. Ask your tour guide or taxi driver to stop at these destinations and snap a family picture!

Where to Stay in Cappadocia with Kids

Wondering where to stay in Cappadocia with your kids? We recommend the Argos in Cappadocia , set within ancient walls and nearby Pigeon Valley.

In Uchisar , Museum Hotel Cappadocia is an upscale boutique hotel with a fantastic location, plus amenities like an outdoor pool. Families can also check out Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge if they want something more private, tucked within the rolling hills of the Uchisar Valley.

Continuing Your Multi-Day Turkey Itinerary for Families: Choose Your Own Adventure

How much time you spend on your multi-day Turkey itinerary for families depends on your trip length. If you only have a 5-day or 7-day itinerary in Turkey with kids planned, we recommend following the above suggestions in Istanbul and Cappadocia. However, consider adding these options if you have a 10-day or two-week itinerary in Turkey for families! 

Find out why Istanbul is one of the 10 Best Places to Travel with Kids in Europe !

Option 1: Fly to Izmir for a Trip to Ephesus

Few things are more magical than spending a day exploring the ruins of ancient Ephesus. Once an essential destination during Roman times, this ancient city is located in Turkey’s Central Aegean region, near modern-day Selçuk. This makes it a must-do on any trip to Turkey! It’s around a 5-hour drive from Istanbul, but the quickest option is to fly to Izmir and drive an hour to Ephesus. You can also book a From Istanbul: Day Trip to Ephesus with Flight and Lunch through GetYourGuide. 

There is so much to see at the ruins of Ephesus. The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive buildings, built in 135 AD and holding over 12,000 scrolls. The Great Theater is another must-see. It could seat 25,000 people and was used for plays, concerts, and gladiator fights. Walking through ancient Ephesus’s streets is like stepping back in time. You can imagine life in this bustling city centuries ago, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone in the family!

Where to Stay in Izmir with Kids

If you need somewhere to stay in Izmir when visiting Ephesus, we recommend the Key Hotel. It’s 10 minutes from the landmark İzmir Saat Kulesi Clock Tower and Konak Square, plus there are large suites with separate living rooms. 

Option 2: Take a Family Beach Vacation

Families looking to soak up the sun in Turkey can also add a beach visit to their family-friendly Turkey itinerary. Here are some options for families planning a 10-day or two-week itinerary in Turkey with kids!

Moderate/Local Option: Cesme

If you’re looking for a fun and festive beach vacation that the whole family will love, Cesme is the perfect spot. This charming Turkish seaside town is teeming with activities for kids of all ages, from exploring the vibrant waterfront to learning about the area’s rich culture and history. Best of all, Cesme is just a short trip from Izmir (around an hour away), so you can hire a taxi or ask your hotel for a car service. 

There are also plenty of things to do with kids, like relaxing on Dilaila Beach and playing in the sand. Other activities for kids include boat rides, mini golf, and go-karting. Plus, there are lots of kid-friendly restaurants and shops to browse. 

Where to Stay in Cesme with Kids

If you need somewhere to stay in Cesme with kids, check out the upscale Reges, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa with a kids’ pool and game room. Families also love the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Cesme , showcasing a kids’ club, multiple pools, and spacious suites with separate living room areas. 

Mid-Range And Most Popular Option: Antalya

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey with your family, add Antalya to your itinerary. This beautiful city on the Mediterranean coast is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday, but there’s also plenty to keep the kids occupied. Though it’s quite touristy, it’s also easier to find budget-friendly options or mid-range pricing here. It’s a haven for chain resorts and ideal for families who want to benefit from the kids’ club and escape for an adventure whenever they want. Plus, it gets even better if you are vacationing with older kids or teenagers! 

Antalya has two major beaches, Konyaaltı Beach and Lara Beach , which are fantastic for families who want to relax. For something more active, visit one of the many water parks or take a boat trip to the Düden Waterfalls, located around 7.5 miles northeast of Antalya. Families can also learn more about history at the Antalya Archeology Museum or check out the ancient Hadrian’s Gate and Clock Tower. Or explore the old town of Kaleiçi, with its narrow streets and traditional Turkish architecture. After, you can stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Luxury Option: Bodrum

Another option for families wanting a beach vacation in Turkey is Bodrum , around 3 hours from Izmir. It’s a good choice if you don’t want to stay long in Izmir or see Ephesus, because you can fly here from Cappadocia via Istanbul.

This beautiful beach town is located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, known for its clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and lush green landscapes. It also houses several luxurious resorts that families will love – make sure to snag a beachfront option for the ultimate relaxing beach vacation!

Spend your days lounging on Gumbet Beach, which boasts golden sand, calm waters, and lots of shade to rest under. You could also take a boat tour to see Bodrum and its stunning coastline views. Several boat tour companies are operating in Bodrum, so be sure to shop around for the best deal. If you’re looking for more things, check out the Bodrum city center for shopping, cafes, restaurants, and more. Also, visit Yalıkavak Marina, a St. Tropez of Turkey. It’s home to various restaurants, cafes, clubs, high-end designer stores, etc. Kids will love seeing the mega-yachts coming in and out of the marina. Adults can indulge in high-end designer stores or visit one of the seaside restaurants and bars.

Then, Bodrum Castle is a must-see attraction, as kids can explore the castle’s many towers and courtyards. Plus, don’t miss visiting the adjoining Museum of Archaeology to learn more about sea life. Finally, families can also go go-karting, horseback riding, or check out Bodrum Aquapark Ortakent! 

Where to Stay in Bodrum with Kids

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Bodrum with kids and want an upscale option, consider the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum , which overlooks the stunning Paradise Bay. It also has a private beach area and indoor and outdoor pools. Or, check out Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum , which is also set on the beach. Finally, families also love the Mivara Luxury Bodrum .

Option 3: Antalya to Pamukkale 

Looking for more things to add to your multi-day Turkey itinerary for families? Pick up early from your hotel in Antalya to drive to Pamukkale , which is around 3 hours away in western Turkey. Famous for its mineral-rich waters and location adjacent to Hierapolis, it features limestone cliffs covered in a thick layer of pink and white sedimentary rock, exposed by the warm waters of the springs flowing down from the mountains.

One of the most important things to see here is the Hierapolis , the capital of the province of Caria in ancient times. Besides colorful pools and tunnels filled with natural gas and water, ruins include an ancient theatre, baths, and workshops. Kids can dip in the Antique Pool all year round, aka Cleopatra’s pool! Or, head to the Pamukkale Thermal Baths , a great place to relax after a busy day. 

Just remember that some places might be crowded during peak seasons. After spending the day in Pamukkale, drive to nearby Kusadasi and transfer to your hotel. It’s easier to stay overnight in Kusadasi because more accommodation options exist. 

Option 4: Antalya to Kaş with Stops in Chimera & Myra

Families can also consider driving from Antalya to Kaş , a lovely town on the southwest coast of Turkey. The journey is absolutely beautiful, and the kids will love seeing all the amazing sights along the way.

On the way, stop to explore the ruins of Chimera, an ancient city that was destroyed by an earthquake in the 4th century BC. It’s a must-see for its unique rock formations and stunning views. Then, it’s off to Myra , where you can see the world’s largest outdoor relief carving at the Lycian Tombs.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Kaş, one of Turkey’s most beautiful coastal towns. Here, you can relax on the beach – there’s Kaputas Beach located directly in the city. Or, about an hour away, families can also visit Patara Beach , one of the most famous in Turkey! Families can also take a boat tour or visit the various shops and restaurants in town. Certainly, if you are planning a two-week itinerary for Turkey with kids, this is an excellent option for sightseeing, as well as a little time on the sea.

Plan your next summer vacation to one of these 16 Exciting European Beach Destinations For Families ! 

Happy Travels!

We hope you liked this Ultimate Multi-Day Turkey Itinerary For Families: Where To Go And What To Do! From the ancient city of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the beaches of Kas, there’s so much adventure awaiting your family. Enjoy Turkey with your kids!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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Plan Your First Trip to Turkey

Are you looking for all the details on how to plan your first trip to Turkey? We know it can be overwhelming getting started so we’ve created this step-by-step guide to get you started.

If the thought of walking through historic Mosques, seeing spectacular Ottoman architecture, listening to the call to prayer, and having magical adventures in a faraway land is on your bucket list, Turkey is the perfect place for your next vacation.

When To Go To Turkey

To plan your first trip to Turkey, you want to go when the weather is great. Are you wanting to see the tulips bloom in Istanbul in the Spring, enjoy the Mediterranean without the intense heat and humidity, or make sure you miss the rainy season? Depending on what you want to do and where you want to go, there are best times to travel to Turkey. Generally, the best time to visit is April to October. Here’s what you can expect:

Spring | March-May

In March and April, the weather is starting to warm up and it’s a great time to explore without it being too hot or humid. The wildflowers begin to bloom, and you’ll find colorful fields of flowers across the country. In the cities, you’ll find flowers and specifically in Istanbul, the famous tulips will be blooming.

Summer | June – August

This is the peak tourist season. It’s hot and you’ll find the prices higher during this time. Expect high humidity and temperatures along the coastal regions of Turkey. It’s a great time to enjoy the beach and swim in the Mediterranean.

Fall | September – November

The tourist season begins to slow down between September – November. The temperatures are still warm; you can still plan a beach vacation and enjoy swimming in warm waters. You’ll find the classic sites to still be a buzz but less crowded than the summer months. This is our favorite time of the year to travel in Turkey. In Istanbul moving into late October and November , you may begin seeing rain, so it’s always good to come prepared with a rain jacket or umbrella – just in case.

Winter | December – February

These are the cold months with a slow amount of activity happening across the major cities. In Istanbul and the northern part of Turkey, you’ll have snow and rain and along the coast, you’ll have torrential rain the blows through regularly. You can still plan on visiting the classic sites, just remember your winter coats, hat, and gloves.

Inflation in Turkey for Travel- **Updated

**As of January 2023, inflation in Turkey is at an all-time high. Due to inflation, costs have changed quickly over the last year. Our advice is to know the exchange rate for the currency you’ll be using for your trip and do your research on costs. We believe the Luxury travel market will feel the largest cost difference when pricing out hotels for their trip.

The national currency is the Turkish Lira (TL).

To plan your first trip to Turkey, you need to know how much to save for your trip .  Where you go and the time of year that you decide to visit will play into the cost. The tourist season runs from April to October, with the peak season and highest prices from June to August. :

Staying in hostels, pensions, and one & two-star hotels. This would include eating at inexpensive restaurants and traveling in-country by bus and by train.

Staying in three & four-star hotels, dining in some nicer restaurants, traveling by air, and possibly some car rental.

Staying in 5-star hotels, dining in high-end restaurants, traveling by plane, rental car, and enjoying some private tours or a private blue cruise.

Next, let’s look at the exchange rate for the Turkish Lira.

What is the Exchange Rate for Turkish Lira?

As of 2023, the exchange rate for the Turkish Lira to US dollars has been 1 USD to 18 TL respectively. The exchange rate for Euros is 1 EU to 20 TL. Be sure to check your favorite currency converter for the most recent exchange rate as you plan your first trip to Turkey.

Pre-Trip Planning

Passports and visa.

Before you start researching your trip, make sure your passport will be valid more than 6 months before you plan to travel. It can take time to process applying for or renewing your passport even if you expedite it. Allow for 8 – 12 weeks to receive your passport in the mail.

You will need to get a Visa to enter Turkey. You can get your visa at the official Turkish e-visa site here: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

Type of Travel

Before you start researching locations of where to go and what to do when you plan your first trip to Turkey, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself first:

How do you like to travel?

• Do you enjoy slow travel or like to go at a fast past seeing as much as you possibly can?
• Are you looking for some adventurous activities like hiking, paragliding, or a hot air balloon trip?

What are your interests?

• Are you a foodie and you want to try all of the “best of the best” foods in each of the areas you travel?
• Do you want to see the historical or faith sites in the cities you visit?
• Do you want to see the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Turkey ?
• Do you want to enjoy time a the beach or water activities?

How many days do you have to travel?

• Do you have a full week to travel, 14 days or a whole month? This will help you determine how much time you have for each location or activity.

After answering all of these questions and having a general idea of how much time you have, your interests, and what type of travel you enjoy, you can dig into the locations and activities that match up with what your ideal trip to Turkey looks like.

Research Your Trip to Turkey

There are thousands of resources you can research and plan your first trip to Turkey online. A few places that we recommend are:

• Adventurefolio’s Travel Guides
• Adventurefolio Instagram Community
• Best Turkey Travel Apps for Families
• Online News & Magazines

The options will feel endless, and you’ll feel like you want to do everything. Before you start making any decisions for your family trip to Turkey , start collecting your ideas and bookmarking sites or activities you’d like to do. You can create a bookmark folder on your favorite browser or even create Pinterest boards that you can organize for your destinations.

Picking up a traditional guidebook at your local bookstore is a great reference guide for all things in Turkey. They’ll give you in-depth information on destinations and activities as well as travel tips.

PLANNING TIP : Don’t go too far down the rabbit hole as you’re researching destinations in Turkey. Getting stuck and feeling overwhelmed can hinder your planning process. Give yourself a set amount of time to research and then start narrowing down activities and destinations to fit your time frame and budget.

Small Group Tours in Turkey

Are you looking for a small group tour option? Tour companies design tours that cover the main sites in the areas you are visiting. You can also find group tours around a certain interest. It’s an inexpensive option to experience Turkey together before going off to explore on your own.

Private Tours

If you’re wanting a personalized custom tour experience, a private family tour may be right up your alley. You’ll have a licensed English speaking guide with you at all times that will take you to explore based on your requests and interests and share their knowledge of the area.

Build Your Itinerary

There are so many magical places to see when you’re building out your itinerary for your first trip to Turkey . Once you’ve gone through the process of researching locations and activities that fit your style of Travel. It’s time to start building out your itinerary. Many people get stuck here because of decision fatigue and wanting to do everything. Here are some suggestions on where to start:

Itinerary Suggestions

As a baseline, you can start with a minimum of three nights in each place to minimize the time you spend traveling and enjoy each location as much as possible.

• 3-5 travel day s after arrival – We suggest choosing one destination – a city or a region.
• 7-10 travel days after arrival – We suggest choosing 2 – 3 destinations.
• 9-14 travel days after arrival – We suggest choosing 3 – 4 destinations.

The most popular itineraries will range 8 – 14 days that generally includes traveling to the classic areas of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and the Mediterranean region.

Try not to squeeze in too much. If you underestimate your travel time, you will end up tired, feeling like you’re spinning your wheels, and not have time to enjoy and soak in your experiences during your trip.

TRAVEL TIP: Plan – but leave time for the magic to happen on your trip.

Most Popular Cities

• Aegean Region
• Mediterranean Region 

You can browse our city and region guides from our Destinations page for inspiration. If you’re going East, you can visit Noah’s Ark near Dogubeyazit.

When Should You Start Booking Your Trip?

It’s never too early to start booking and planning your trip to Turkey.

We would suggest starting with your hotel bookings first to ensure you get the hotels and rooms that you want. If you wait too long, many hotels will fill up or the best rooms will not be available. You can book directly with the hotels or go through a booking site such as Booking.com or Airbnb. Check the cancellation policies when booking.

Depending on where you are flying in from, you may be able to find a direct flight into Istanbul from a city near you. You can book at least 6 months in advance. We suggest setting up a travel comparison on Skyscanner to find the best price for your ideal flights.

Tours & Activities

Day tours and activities can sell out during peak travel times. If you are wanting to experience the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia, book this as soon as you have your travel dates for your trip. Most activities will provide a full refund up to 24 hours before your activity starts. Be sure to ask for the refund policy before booking.

Booking Your Flights to Turkey

If you’re flying in from the U.S. you may be able to find a direct flight into Istanbul . We highly recommend direct flights because it is a long flight and it will cut down on your travel time getting there and getting home.

To find flight deals, we use the following:

• Skyscanner: Set up alerts on Skyscanner for the month you want to travel. You’ll be notified of price drops.
• Google Flights: Check schedules and airline routes
• Turkish Airlines: We love flying Turkish Airlines for long-haul international flights.

PLANNING TIP: Always use an incognito browser window to search for your flights. The sites will track your dates and search criteria and you may see the flight prices going up for dates you are looking for each time you return to the site. If you’re incognito, this will not happen.

Travel Insurance

We always recommend buying travel insurance for your trip. This will cover health costs should you become ill while traveling. Be sure to check that your insurance covers COVID 19 as well. Make sure you read all of the terms and conditions of the policy before you commit to buy.

We recommend Allianz or World Nomad Insurance – they provide a quick no-obligation quote for your review.

Accommodations and Transportation

Choosing where to stay at each destination is an important part of planning your trip to Turkey. We recommend staying in areas that are walking distance to most of the sites and attractions. You can view our City Guides to get all the details for each recommended area to stay.

The rooms of hotels, pensions, and rental flats are going to be smaller than rooms in the U.S. Adjust your expectations for things to be a little tighter. If a room says it will fit 2 people, typically this will be the max number of people allowed in the room.

If you are traveling in a group of 5 or more people, you may want to look at booking a flat through Airbnb. It will be cost-effective, and you can find some amazing places in all of the major cities in Turkey.

Best Accommodation Sites:

• Booking.com

Please Note : If you are booking a hotel through booking.com, you must be located outside of Turkey to complete the transaction.

Transportation

In-country flights.

Once you’re in Turkey and you want to travel between cities and regions, we suggest flying to save time traveling and to get to your next destination as quickly as possible. You can fly one of the smaller inexpensive airlines such as Pegasus, SunExpreses, Atlas Jet, or Onur Air. If you fly a major airline such as Turkish Air, you will pay more for your flight. You can set up alerts on Skyscanner for the routes you want to fly. Be sure to book early for flights in the summer months because they will fill up.

Train & Bus

If you have more time and want to try another mode of transportation, there are options to travel by train or by bus throughout the country. It’s difficult to find accurate departure times and this would be something you would have to organize once you arrive in Turkey.

Within many of the larger cities in Turkey, there will be options for tourists to ride local trains, trams, and buses to get around. Visit our city guides for more information on transportation in a specific city.

You can visit smaller towns from the cities in Turkey by renting a car and going out on the open road. Driving in Turkey is not for the faint of heart – make sure you have nerves of steel and an adventurous spirit!

Here are some tips:

• You need to bring your driver’s license from your home country
• Most cars are NOT automatic. They will be manual, so make sure you know how to drive a stick shift before renting a car in Turkey.
• There will be lots of honking – it’s like another language in Turkey. It’s not personal – don’t be afraid to use the horn.
• We do not recommend driving in the city.

You can use RentalCars.com to find a car rental deal in Turkey including one-way options. They search for international and local providers so you get a wide variety of choices and there is 24/7 support if you need it.

If you’re going somewhere further than walking distance in the city, you can take a taxi. Ask your driver to use the meter before you go anywhere. If they will not use the meter, use a different taxi.

Airport Transfers

Planning your arrival for each destination is recommended. Most of the airports are far out from the city center and you’ll have an easier transition to your location if you schedule a transfer to take you straight to your hotel.

Some hotels will schedule your transfer for you. You can ask when you book your accommodations; otherwise, you can book hotel transfers through Get Your Guide.

Activities and Tours

There are many different options for exploring independently, with a small group, or with a private guide. Each has its pros and cons – you know yourself best and how you like to travel. Use the tips below while you plan your trip to Turkey.

Istanbul is the most visited city in all of Turkey with an array of activities and tours. A few of our recommendations:

• Hagia Sophia
• Blue Mosque
• Topkapi Palace
• Bosphorus Boat Tour
• Grand Bazaar
• Turkish Bath
• Local Food Tour

Next in line is the area of Cappadocia with one of the most unique landscapes you’ve seen you can visit fairy chimneys, interconnected underground cities with the largest going 8 stories underground, and head up in the air in a famous sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Travel along the Mediterranean Coas t to visit Antalya , Cirali, Kas , or Fethiy e and enjoy some fun in the sun canyoning, hiking, rafting, paragliding or simply enjoying a beach holiday by the water.

Head over to the Aegean region to visit the ancient city of Ephesus , taste the fruit wines of Sirince and the thermal pool of Pamukkale .

Don’t forget the food! Every area is famous for a specific food unique to its area. Learn more about Turkish food in our Foodie’s Guide to Turkey .

You can explore all these areas on your own or schedule a private or small group tour with a licensed English speaking guide.

Get Ready to Go

The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira TL.

You can convert your local currency to TL once you arrive at the airport or you can find an ATM to withdraw TL. We would suggest finding one of the national bank ATMs such as Garanti Bank, Yapi Kredi Bank, Vakifbank, or Isbank.

As you are planning your trip to Turkey, be sure to notify your bank and credit cards when and where you will be traveling so they do not put a block on your card due to unusual activity during your trip. We suggest bringing several cards with you just in case.

How to access the internet on your trip

You want to make sure you have wi-fi access on your trip to either make calls or to use data. You have several options:

• Check your phone company to see if they have an international plan you can use while traveling. Some companies have plans for as little as $10 per day.
• If you don’t use an international plan, you can purchase a SIM card at the airport once you arrive in Turkey at Vodafone or Turkcell. If you go this route your U.S. or local number will not work while in Turkey but you will have wi-fi access for data to access apps such as What’s App to make or receive calls as needed.
• If you don’t want to purchase a SIM card for your phone, you can purchase a wi-fi device at Vodafone in the airport that includes a SIM card. This will give you direct wifi access as needed and you can still have access to your U.S. or local number.

We recommend traveling with a carry-on or mid-sized suitcase to make it easy to go from one place to another while in Turkey. If a carry-on suitcase won’t work for you, take the smallest suitcase you can and skip using a large suitcase.

Travel Gear

Essentials for your trip:.

• Carry-On Luggage
• Day Pack or Purse
• Plug Adapter
• Portable charger
• Phone or Digital Camera
• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Water bottle or Life Straw
• Disinfecting wipes & Hand sanitizer
• Masks (Bring more than 1)
• Shawl or Scarf (for women entering faith sites)

Learn more about it from our ultimate travel packing guide.

Dania Demirci is your go-to travel expert for exploring Turkey and co-founder of Adventurefolio.com. With her extensive knowledge and personal experiences, Dania helps fellow travelers create the ultimate Turkish itineraries. From hidden gems to must-visit spots, she shares practical tips to empower you to confidently explore Turkey.

TURKEY FAMILY TOUR

Arranging a family trip to Turkey can be a daunting task, but with our expertise, we weave a luxurious and memorable journey for you and your loved ones.

Through our vast experience in designing family trips to Turkey, we’ve uncovered the secret to success – deep, empathetic listening. We delve into understanding your family’s unique wishes, ambitions, and dreams, and curate an itinerary that offers the perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Our skilled guides have a knack for engaging all family members, irrespective of their age. From the youngest enthusiast to the most mature traveler, we ensure each person is actively engrossed and their hearts filled with anticipation throughout the journey.

Your family’s Turkish adventure will take you through historical landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia. But we pride ourselves on going beyond the usual, discovering less-traveled paths and facilitating meaningful interactions with the local culture that form the essence of Turkey.

We take the burden of logistics off your shoulders; your only duty is to relish in the shared moments with your family. Our focus is to keep you stress-free, allowing you to fully immerse in the Turkish experience. In terms of safety, we uphold the strictest standards, staying informed about the latest news and cooperating closely with Turkish defense authorities.

Our aim is not just to provide a vacation, but to offer deeper connections with the places and people you encounter. Our journey will be far from ordinary, laden with delightful surprises that enhance your experience to an extraordinary level.

We see “challenges” as opportunities to create unique experiences that cater to everyone. We readily accommodate special requests or unique needs, and we dedicate ourselves to ensuring every detail is looked after, freeing you to appreciate the marvels of Turkey.

Keeping children inspired throughout the trip is our specialty. Depending on their interests and passions, we tailor activities that range from art, history, wildlife, sports, cooking, and more. Whether it’s a private tour of a Sultan’s palace or an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, we ensure their curiosity is rewarded with unforgettable memories.

Every journey we craft is unique, just like your family. Let us curate a magical Turkish luxury tour that will forever be engraved in your hearts, granting you cherished memories that reverberate through generations.

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10 Day Turkey Tour of Istanbul, Pamukkale and Cappadocia

10 days, 1 country and 15 cities

Accommodation

9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 7 Dinners

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Travel along the age-old trading routes that linked East and West, where the Highlights of Turkey are revealed. Haggle in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, daydream through the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks in Ephesus.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

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10 days itinerary trip from Istanbul to Istanbul visiting 1 country and 15 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Istanbul with a Local Specialist

Visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Byzantine Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the poignant War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, the Asclepion Medical Center at Pergamon, the ancient city of Ephesus, the Virgin Mary's House at Ephesus, the ruins of the Roman health spa at Hierapolis and the Göreme Open-Air Museum. 

View the Wooden Horse at Troy

See the exquisite Blue Mosque

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale

Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Central & Eastern Europe

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Mediterranean Europe

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Saudi Arabia

An adventure of a lifetime awaits you. Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the last frontier on Earth, the serene beauty of icebergs, and witness landscapes that seem straight out of your dreams.

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per person on twin sharing

We had a great time during the tour. The itinerary of the trip was mainly a road trip which explored the best of the country. The 11 day tour was so amazing thanks to our well- informed and knowledgeable tour guide Prashant and Mehmat (local tour guide) and our lovely bunch of co-travellers. I will definitely recommend this trip to all those who wish to explore turkey in detail and not only the well- known spots. Kudos to the team who planned this tour!

This trip was wonderful.Very well organised showcasing so many beautiful cities and it's architecture. Natural beauty and scenic bus routes. Well organised with an eye on day to day sightseeing.Good hotels lavish spread of food .Good local guide and an excellent coach captain. On the whole an excellent experience. Most importantly I would like to thank VW for the most committed,deligent, caring tour manager with a pleasant disposition,Mr.Prashant Handore. He shared with us his vast experience of many years as a manager . Will definitely go for and also recommend Veena World tours to my friends.

A wonderful trip we’ll organised with a great tour manager and a wonderful group enjoyed and will be in our memories always Excellent management from Veena world Thanks

Tour was osum🤗.nice experience with all dear guest.Tour guide, Prashant Handore,Ahmat and captain coach was excellent person. Prashant was helpful,humble ,kind and friendly with us.my mom is 78 years old and guest was taking care of her very well. We like Turkish food too. Thank you Veena world 🤝🙏 Shraddha kale,Pune 😊

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Note: The highlights and sightseeing's may change depending on the departure date you choose.

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• 5% GST is applicable on given tour price.
• Mentioned tour prices are Per Person for Indian Nationals only.
• TCS (5% or 10%) is applicable for international.

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Tour Information

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• Policy & Terms

Itinerary (Day Wise)

Istanbul (2 nights).

‘Mumbai to Mumbai Tour’ guests will report at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai as per the scheduled flight departure time and proceed to Istanbul – a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Upon arrival, Veena World Tour Manager will guide all guests for airport formalities and proceed to the city. Joining and Leaving tour guests will join the group on their own at the designated place or hotel. Note: As per the Schengen visa rule, we need to process your Schengen visa from the consulate of the country we’ll be entering first on our Europe tour or staying in for the maximum number of days. 'Joining & Leaving' guests will also have to get their visas processed from the consulate of the same country; otherwise, boarding might be denied by the airline, or even entry into that country can be banned.

Today we enjoy Istanbul city, we visit Topkapi Palace – the largest and oldest palace in the world and the heart, brain and centre of the Ottoman Empire, Hippodrome square - also known as Atmeydani (Horse Square), Sultan Ahmet Tsami popularly known as Blue Mosque- a historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design, Hagia Sofia Museum – once the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum. We then experience the most scenic cruise through Bosphorous strait – a natural strait and an internationally significant waterway. It forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia. Later we visit Grand Bazaar – the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here we can shop for famous flavoured Turkish tea, Turkish Ceramics, Carpets, textiles.

• Night Stay in Istanbul
• Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner
• Tea/ Coffee during Istanbul city tour, Soft drink on the Bosporus cruise

Istanbul – Eskisehir (1 Night)

Today we proceed to Eskisehir – The name Eskisehir literally means 'Old City' in Turkish. Upon arrival we walk through Odunpazari- the word Odunpazari in Turkish means “wood market”, as it is the first residential area of the city. We then visit Sazova Park- a green heaven in the heart of the city. In the evening we enjoy a boat ride on the Porsuk River.

• Night Stay in Eskişehir
• Coffee en-route to Eskisehir

Eskisehir – Cappadocia (2 Nights)

Today we proceed to Cappadocia - best known for its moon-like landscape, Underground cities, Caves Churches and houses in the rocks. Upon arrival we enjoy whirling dervish show – the part of the Turkish history, tradition, culture and beliefs.

• Night Stay in Cappadocia
• Tea/Coffee en-route to Cappadocia

Today we enjoy Cappadocia city, we visit the famous valleys of Cappadocia like Devrent Valley – also known as Imagination Valley. It was never inhabited by humans. There are no rock-hewn churches or ancient castles, nor are there any troglodyte caves or pigeon homes. Instead what draws visitors to Devrent Valley is the incredible pink hued rock formations and geological anomalies that have been formed by centuries of erosion, Pasabag Valley – also known as Monk Valley. Pasabag contains some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin and even triple rock caps - formations that are unique even for Cappadocia! Locals refer to them as the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, Goreme open air museum- the UNESCO World Heritage site which hosts the most important Byzantine cave churches in the world that where the monks and nuns pursued monastic life, Kaymakli underground city - one of the most famous and the widest Underground city of the Cappadocia. Kaymakli’s history dates back to Hittites and Phrygians Period in the 7th and 8th century B.C. Kaymakli Underground City has acted as a safe haven for those fleeing from religious persecution, and it was mainly used by Christians during the Byzantine era for protection from invading Arabs. They estimate that up to 3,500 people once lived here. In the evening, we visit Ceramic Workshop - the area is famous for the art work, souvenirs and household utensils all made from the red clay of the Avanos River.

• Turkish Ice Cream

Cappadocia – Antalaya (1 Night)

Today we proceed to Antalya- a Turkish resort city with a yacht-filled Old Harbour and beaches flanked by large hotels. Upon arrival we visit Konyaalti Beach.

• Night Stay in Antalya
• Tea/Coffee en-route to Antalya, Coffee at Konyaalti Beach

Antalaya – Pamukkale (1 Night)

Today we walk through the Old Town (Kaleici)- a maze-like neighbourhood perfect to live and breathe the simple antiquated ambience. Further we visit Perge Excavations- a magnificent ancient city Invaded by Alexander the Great. Here we visit The Theater, The Stadium and The Roman Bath. We then proceed to Pamukkale – known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. Here we visit beautiful snow white ‘Cotton Castle’- one of the most visited places in Turkey. The word Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. It contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. It is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley. Later we visit the ancient city of Hierapolis- a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name Hierapolis also means the sacred city. Here we visit its masterpiece theatre.

• Night Stay in Pamukkale
• Tea/Coffee en-route to Pamukkale

Pamukkale – Ephesus – Kusadasi (1 Night)

Today we visit yet another UNESCO World Heritage site and the cradle of early Christianity- Ephesus. Upon arrival we visit Great Theatre- the most magnificent structure in Ephesus ancient city. It was constructed in Hellenistic period during the third century BC and It took 60 years to complete, Temple of Hadrian- dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian, who came to visit the city from Athens in 128 A.D, Library of Celsus- built in 117 A.D, considered as an architectural marvel, and is one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire. Further we visit Textile Outlet- Textile industry is one of the most important sectors in the economy of Turkey in terms of GDP, exports, and employment. We then proceed to Kusadasi – a beach resort town.

• Night Stay in Kusadasi

Kusadasi – Sirince – Izmir – Ayvalik (1 Night)

Today we proceed to Sirince village - famous for its local grapes and the production of fruit wines. Upon arrival, we walk through this beautiful village and discover the local life in a real Turkish village. Later we proceed to Izmir – a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast, was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans and rebuilt by Alexander the Great. Upon arrival, we take a photo stop at the backdrop of Izmir Clock Tower - a historic clock tower in Konak Square. We then proceed to Ayvalik- a seaside town on the north western Aegean coast of Turkey.

• Night Stay in Ayvalik
• Coffee at Sirince

Ayvalik – Troy – Istanbul (1 Night)

Today we visit Trojan Horse statue – a huge hollow wooden horse constructed by the Greeks to gain entrance into Troy during the Trojan War. Later we proceed to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we enjoy Turkish dinner with show.

• Tea/Coffee during Ayvalik to Istanbul journey

Istanbul – Departure

It’s time now to say goodbye, Phir Milenge! Let’s stay in touch with each other through email, phone, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc. and meet again on yet another memorable Veena World tour. See you all! ‘Mumbai to Mumbai’ tour guests will proceed to the airport as per their scheduled group flight departure time and start their journey back home. 'Joining & Leaving' tour guests will proceed on their own to their scheduled departure destination, like an airport, railway station, bus terminal, or cruise terminal. Tour concludes. Please note: Airline: On group tours, we generally fly well-reputed airlines that are group-friendly. During your air travel, refreshments and meals are provided as per the airline policy. However, we recommend you carry dry snacks of your choice for the flight journey. Transport: For transfers and sightseeing, we use mini coaches, big coaches, or small vans, depending on the respective tour group size. If you wish to have a separate vehicle solely for yourself or your family, it can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability. Sightseeing attraction: Given the current dynamic situation, some monuments or sightseeing places may be closed temporarily without any prior notice; in such cases, every attempt will be made to visit an alternate sightseeing place if possible. Hotels: The hotels on tour are comfortable and have been appreciated by Veena World’s guests in the past. The category of hotels on international tours is a mix of three-star, three-star superior, and basic four-star. Meals: On tour, we provide all meals, from day one to the last day, as mentioned in the itinerary. Breakfasts are generally continental on European tours, whereas, lunches and dinners are Indian OR Indian along with a local dish OR local cuisine, OR at times fast food meals from Subway, McDonald’s, etc., depending on the convenience and ease of execution of the itinerary or the availability of food at the respective destination. Visa: Veena World takes maximum tourists from India to Europe through group tours, customised holidays and corporate tours (MICE). Every month Veena World Visa Facilitation Team of 80+ members assists thousands of our guests for visa documentation, visa application and submission to VAC/VFS/ consulate, collection of passports from the VAC/VFS/ consulate on guest’s behalf when applicable.However, all guests should be aware of the fact that ‘issuance or granting of visa to any guest’ is at the sole discretion of respective country’s consulates/embassy. Veena World does not play any role in the actual granting of the visa. Veena World cannot be held responsible for delay or rejection of the visa by the respective consulate. In the rare event of a visa delay or rejection, cancellation charges will apply as per the policy. We request all our guests to start the visa application process well in advance or immediately after the tour booking.

Tour details

Best facilities with no added cost.

Departure & Arrival

Reporting point, dropping point.

Note: Flight details are tentative only. The airline, departure, arrival times and routing may change. Hotel details are tentative only. The hotel or place of accommodation may change.

Read this to prepare for your tour in the best way!

• To and fro economy class air travel for ‘Mumbai to Mumbai Tour’ guests as mentioned in the itinerary
• Airfare, Airport taxes and Visa Fees
• Baggage Allowance as per the airline policy
• Tour Manager Services throughout the tour
• Travel by comfortable A/C coach as per the tour itinerary
• Entrance fees of all sightseeing places to be visited from inside
• Accommodation in comfortable and convenient hotels on twin sharing basis
• All Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (set menu) as mentioned in the itinerary
• All Tips – Guide, Driver & Restaurants
• Cost of internal airfare as mentioned in the itinerary
• Complimentary insurance up to 59 years of age
• Govt Tax of 5% over and above the Tour Cost mentioned
• TCS(5% or 10%)is applicable on GST inclusive price for international tour.
• Any increase in Airfare, Visa fees, Airport taxes, Govt Taxes, Fuel Surcharges and any applicability of new taxes from Govt
• Any up gradation in Airline class or hotel room category
• Cost of Air ticket deviation charges
• Any Increase in the rate of exchange leading to an increase in all land arrangements which may come in to effect prior to departure
• Cost of pre or post tour hotel accommodation
• Any extra expense such as route change, Airline change, Date change, Accommodation facilities, etc incurred due to the unforeseen, unavoidable forced majeuere circumstances during the tour
• Cost of insurance for 60 years and above
• Porterage, laundry, telephone charges, shopping, wines & alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature and food or drink which is not part of a set group menu
• Any extra cost incurred on behalf of an individual due to illness, accident, hospitalization, or any personal emergency
• Any services or activity charges other than those included in the group tour itinerary
• To and fro Air fare, Airport transfers, visa fees to join/leave the group for joining and leaving guests
• Anything specifically not mentioned in the ‘tour price includes’ column
• As everyone is becoming a frequent traveller now, we suggest that you make your own travel accessories kit to ensure a stress free holiday.
• Always make sure to carry less and light luggage, use a four wheel small or medium suitcase and please make sure that you are carrying only one suitcase per person. This will ensure that you will travel smartly and without any inconveniences.
• It is also recommended that you have one cross shoulder bag or haversack for your handy needs which will ensure that you are comfortable at the time of sightseeing and also easy for photography during your tour.
• A smart cap/hat and sunglasses are definitely something that you should have in your kit.
• Though Veena World provides all three meals, that is breakfast, lunch, dinner and Veena World treats as per the itinerary, you can carry dry snacks of your choice in small sealed packets for munching during air travel or road journeys.
• If you are travelling during the monsoon or to destinations where it is rainy, please carry a small umbrella or poncho.
• For international tours, please carry a universal adapter for charging your cameras and mobile phones.
• Ensure that your clothing and footwear is suitable for the destination you are travelling to.

Things to consider before the trip!

• For detailed Information about weather kindly visit www.accuweather.com

Air Travel:

• Mumbai - Istanbul // Istanbul - Mumbai. We use combination of Airlines like Air India / Kuwait Airways / Oman Air / Turkish Airlines / Qatar Airways / Emirates etc.

Coach Tavel

• A/C coach - Seating capacity depends upon group size

Documents Required for Travel

• Original passport with minimum 6 months validity from the date of tour arrival along with sufficient blank pages for the stamping of visa
• A valid Tourist Visa for the duration of the tour
• For all Schengen countries passport validity should not exceed more than 10 years
• Handwritten passport is not acceptable

Cancellation Policy & Payment Terms

We keep it transparent, crystal clear!

Payment Terms

Guest can pay by Cheque/ Demand Draft/ Debit card / Credit card/ NEFT/ RTGS/ IMPS. For Debit / Credit card payment additional 1.8 % convenience charge will be applicable Cheque / Demand draft should be in favour of "Veena Patil Hospitality Pvt ltd"

• All meals are provided by Veena World in case the flight reaches the stipulated destination early morning or leaves destination late in the evening.
• ‘In Case if any sightseeing is not done due to weekly closure, an alternative sightseeing will be done for the same’.
• Under unavoidable circumstances itineraries may be changed or reversed, however all inclusions in the itinerary will remain same.
• Standard Check-in and check-out time of International hotels is usually 1500hrs and 1200hrs respectively.
• Guests may please note that for Domestic flights or internal flights from one city to another city on international tours, the baggage allowance will be as per the respective airline baggage policy and weight regulations. Guests are requested to pack their belongings and carry luggage in accordance to the respective airlines baggage allowance. Excess baggage (if any) will be chargeable as per the airline policy and the same has to be borne by the guest.

Upgrades Available

Want luxury? Add luxury at minimum cost!

Need to upgrade to business or first class? Please get in touch with our team on 1800 22 7979 for more details.

You can select the prime seat(s) in your coach at an additional cost. Please get in touch with our team on 1800 22 7979 for more details.

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U.S. tourist faces 12 years in prison after taking ammunition to Turks and Caicos

An Oklahoma man faces up to 12 years in prison on a Caribbean island after customs officials found ammunition in his luggage.

Ryan Watson traveled to Turks and Caicos with his wife, Valerie, to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 7. They went with two friends who had also turned 40.

The vacation came to an abrupt end when airport staff members found a zip-close bag containing bullets in the couple's carry-on luggage. Watson said it was hunting ammunition he had accidentally brought with him — but under a strict law in Turks and Caicos, a court may still impose a mandatory 12-year sentence.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," Watson told NBC Boston in an interview conducted last week that aired after their first court appearance Tuesday.

"I recognized them, and I thought, 'Oh, man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there,'" he said.

The couple were arrested and charged with possession of ammunition. Authorities seized their passports and explained the penalties they faced.

Valerie Watson said in the interview: "When I heard that, I immediately was terrified, because I was like we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home, and this is such an innocent mistake."

The charges against her were dropped, and she returned home to Oklahoma City on Tuesday after the court hearing to be reunited with her two young children.

"Our goal is to get Ryan home, because we can’t be a family without Dad," she said.

The couple also spoke about the financial burden of a much longer-than-planned trip. "This is something that we may never recover from," Ryan Watson said.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning to travelers in September about a law that strongly prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition in Turks and Caicos, an overseas British territory southeast of the Bahamas that is a popular vacation spot.

It said: "We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI [Turks and Caicos Islands] and will result in your arrest."

The embassy added: "If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody."

The embassy and the government in Turks and Caicos did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The same thing happened to another American, Bryan Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, who was arrested after ammunition was found in his luggage before he tried to board a flight out of Turks and Caicos in February. He said he accidentally left it in his bag.

Hagerich was on a family vacation with his wife and two young children but has now been in the country for 70 days. He spent eight days in prison before he posted bail.

"It’s incredibly scary. You know, you just don’t know what the next day may bring — you know, what path this may take," Hagerich told NBC Boston.

"You know, it’s certainly a lot different than packing your bags and going away with your family for a few days. It’s been the worst 70 days of my life," he said.

Hagerich, once a professional baseball player, was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the MLB 2007 June amateur draft from the University of Delaware.

His case goes to trial May 3.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

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The family home where Captain Sir Tom Moore walked 100 laps to raise nearly £40m for the NHS during the first COVID lockdown is up for sale for £2.25m.

The Grade II-listed Old Rectory is described as a "magnificent seven-bedroom property" by estate agents Fine & Country.

In a video tour of the house, a sculpture of Captain Tom with his walking frame can be seen in the hallway, while a photo of the fundraising hero being knighted by the Queen is on a wall in the separate coach house building.

Introducing the property, an estate agent says in the tour video: "I'm sure you'll recognise this iconic and very famous driveway behind me as it was home to the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who walked 100 laps of his garden, raising over £37m for NHS charities."

It comes less than three months after the demolition of an unauthorised spa pool block in the grounds of the property in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.

Speaking at an appeal hearing over that spa, Scott Stemp, representing Captain Tom's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband, said the foundation named after the fundraising hero "is to be closed down" following a Charity Commission probe launched amid concerns about its management.

For the full story, click here ...

"Status symbol" pets are being given up by owners who get scared as they grow up, an animal charity has said, with the cost of living possibly paying a part in a rise in separations.

The Exotic Pet Refuge, which homes parrots, monkeys, snakes and alligators among others, says it receives referrals across the country, including from zoos and the RSPCA.

"They're a status symbol. People will say, 'OK, I'll have an alligator or a 10ft boa constrictor'," co-owner Pam Mansfield told the BBC.

"But when the animal gets big, they will get too frightened to handle them, and then the pet has to go."

She added people who want to get rid of the pets sometimes call zoos for help, which then call on her charity.

In some cases, owners don't have licences to own dangerous animals, she says, blaming a "lack of understanding" for what she says is a rise in the number of exotic animals needing to be rehomed.

She says people "just don't have the space" for some snakes, for example, with some growing to as much as 12ft and needing their own room.

The cost of living crisis has also forced owners to give their pets away, she says.

Her charity has also been affected by those increased costs, with the electricity bill rising to £10,000 a month at their highest, to fund things like heated pools for alligators.

Private car parks are accused of "confusing drivers" after introducing a new code of conduct - despite "doing all they can" to prevent an official government version.

The code of practice launched by two industry bodies - British Parking Association and the International Parking Community - includes a ten-minute grace period for motorists to leave a car park after the parking period they paid for ends.

It also features requirements for consistent signage, a single set of rules for operators on private land and an "appeals charter".

Private parking businesses have been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.

That comes after a government-backed code of conduct was withdrawn in June 2022, after a legal challenges by parking companies.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "We're flabbergasted that the BPA and the IPC have suddenly announced plans to introduce their own private parking code after doing all they can over the last five years to prevent the official government code created by an act of Parliament coming into force.

"While there are clearly some positive elements to what the private parking industry is proposing, it conveniently avoids some of the biggest issues around caps on penalty charges and debt recovery fees which badly need to be addressed to prevent drivers being taken advantage of."

BPA chief executive Andrew Pester said: "This is a crucial milestone as we work closely with government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists."

IPC chief executive Will Hurley said: "The single code will benefit all compliant motorists and will present clear consequences for those who decide to break the rules."

Sky News has learnt the owner of Superdry's flagship store is weighing up a legal challenge to a rescue plan launched by the struggling fashion retailer.

M&G, the London-listed asset manager, has engaged lawyers from Hogan Lovells to scrutinise the restructuring plan.

The move by M&G, which owns the fashion retailer's 32,000 square foot Oxford Street store, will not necessarily result in a formal legal challenge - but sources say it's possible.

Read City editor Mark Kleinman 's story here...

NatWest says its mortgage lending nearly halved at the start of the year as it retreated from parts of the market when competition among lenders stepped up.

New mortgage lending totalled £5.2bn in the first three months of 2024, the banking group has revealed, down from £9.9bn the previous year.

The group, which includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Coutts, also reported an operating pre-tax profit of £1.3bn for the first quarter, down 27% from £1.8bn the previous year.

An unexplained flow of British luxury cars into states neighbouring Russia continued into February, new data shows.

About £26m worth of British cars were exported to Azerbaijan, making the former Soviet country the 17th biggest destination for UK cars - bigger than long-established export markets such as Ireland, Portugal and Qatar.

Azerbaijan's ascent has coincided almost to the month with the imposition of sanctions on the export of cars to Russia.

Read the rest of economics and data editor Ed Conway 's analysis here...

Rishi Sunak has hailed the arrival of pay day with a reminder his government's additional National Insurance tax cut kicks in this month for the first time.

At last month's budget, the chancellor announced NI will be cut by a further 2p - so some workers will pay 8% of their earnings instead of the 12% if was before autumn.

The prime minister has repeated his claim this will be worth £900 for someone on the average UK salary.

While this additional cut - on top of the previous 2p cut in January - does equate to £900 for those on average full-time earnings of £35,000, there are two key issues with Mr Sunak's claim:

• Once the effect of all income tax changes since 2021 are taken into account, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reports an average earner will benefit from a tax cut of £340 - far less than £900;
• Moreover, anyone earning less than £26,000 or between £55,000-£131,000 will ultimately be worse off.

In short, this is because NI cuts are more than offset by other tax rises.

We explain below how this is the case...

Tax thresholds

This is partly down to tax thresholds - the amount you are allowed to earn before you start paying tax (and national insurance) and before you start paying the higher rate of tax - will remain frozen. 

This means people end up paying more tax than they otherwise would, when their pay rises with inflation but the thresholds don't keep up. 

This phenomenon is known as "fiscal drag" and it's often called a stealth tax because it's not as noticeable immediately in your pay packet.

That low threshold of £12,570 has been in place since April 2021. 

The Office for Budget Responsibility says if it had increased with inflation it would be set at £15,220 for 2024/25.

If that were the case, workers could earn an extra £2,650 tax-free each year.

Less give, more take

Sky News analysis shows someone on £16,000 a year will pay £607 more in total - equivalent to more than three months of average household spending on food. 

Their income level means national insurance savings are limited but they are paying 20% in income tax on an additional £2,650 of earnings.

In its analysis , the IFS states: "In aggregate the NICs cuts just serve to give back a portion of the money that is being taken away through other income tax and NICs changes - in particular, multi-year freezes to tax thresholds at a time of high inflation."

Overall, according to the institute, for every £1 given back to workers by the National Insurance cuts, £1.30 will have been taken away due to threshold changes between 2021 and 2024.

This rises to £1.90 in 2027.

The UK could face a shortage of cava due to a drought in the sparkling wine's Spanish heartlands.

The Penedes area of Catalonia is dealing with its worst drought on record, with vineyards across the region so parched the roots of 30-year-old vines have died.

It's left shrivelled red and green grapes languishing under intense sun, fuelled by fossil-fuel driven climate change.

Cava is an increasingly popular drink in the UK, with 17.8 million bottles sold in 2023 - an increase of 5% from the previous year, when Britons stocked up on 16.8 million bottles, according to the Cava Regulatory Board.

That makes the UK the fourth-biggest buyer, behind only the US, Belgium and Germany.

Workforce slashed

The problems have been compounded after Catalonia-based cava producer Freixenet announced it will temporarily lay off 615 workers, almost 80% of its workforce.

Under Spanish law, companies facing exceptional circumstances can lay off staff or reduce working hours.

This measure is expected to take effect from May and it is not known how long it will last.

Price rises

One industry source told retail publication The Grocer  that cava shortages would push up prices "certainly for next year" if there isn't enough supply.

This could last for years if the drought persists, they added.

Consumer expert Helen Dewdney told MailOnline the staff cuts at Freixenet can only mean one thing - price rises.

However, she added, supermarkets say they are not experiencing any issues right now.

Parents are being hammered by rising childcare costs, according to a new study that suggests they may spend more than £160,000 raising their child to the age of 18.

Research by Hargreaves Lansdown has found that parents with children pay £6,969 a year more than couples without.

Over 18 years and assuming an annual inflation rate of 3%, that amounts to a whopping £163,175, the investment platform said.

Its study also found that parents were less likely to have money left at the end of the month.

Single parents carry the biggest burden, with the research suggesting they have just £85 left on average compared to £365 for couples with children.

Hargreaves Lansdown also found just 23% of single parents reported having enough emergency savings to cover at least three months' worth of essential expenses, compared to 63% of couples with children.

Parents are also at a slight disadvantage when it comes to pensions, the research found, with only 43% of couples with children on track for a moderate retirement income, compared to 47% without. Only 17% of single parents have a decent projected pension fund.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at the firm, said "having children is one of the most expensive decisions a person can make".

She adds that as a result of having a child, "financial resilience suffers across the board", and added: "For single parents, life is even tougher, and they face far lower resilience on almost every measure.

"It means we need all the help we can get."

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

One of the top stories shaking up the markets this morning is that UK-based mining company Anglo American has rejected a major $38.8bn (£31bn) takeover bid.

Details of the attempted buyout by Australian rival BHP emerged yesterday  - sending Anglo American shares soaring.

The deal would have created the world's biggest copper mining company - with the news coming as the price of the metal hit record highs this week.

However, Anglo American has now dismissed the proposal as "opportunistic" and said BHP had undervalued the company.

Anglo's shares are slightly down by 0.8% this morning - suggesting investors may not have given up hopes that a deal could eventually be agreed.

However, overall the FTSE 100 is up around 0.4% this morning, buoyed by strong reported earnings from US tech giants Microsoft and Google owner Alphabet.

It's helped the index, of the London Stock Exchange's 100 most valuable companies, hit yet another intraday (during the day) record of 8,136 points this morning.

The winning streak comes after a week of all-time highs on the index - including a record close of 8,078 points yesterday. The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

Among the companies doing well this morning is NatWest - despite the bank reporting a fall in pre-tax profits of nearly 28% for the first quarter of the year.

Shares in the lender are up more than 3% after its results were better than expected by analysts.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.25 US or €1.16, almost on a par with yesterday.

Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil has crept up slightly to $89 (£71).

Self-checkouts - they're like marmite, people seem to either love them or hate them.

But the boss of Sainsbury's has claimed that his customers do  enjoy using self-checkouts, despite criticism that that machines don't always provide the convenience promised.

Simon Roberts told The Telegraph that there are more of them in Sainsbury's stores "than a number of years ago" as shoppers like the "speedy checkout".

But despite this, he said there won't be a time when they'll replace cashiers completely.

"Over the last year, where we've put more self-checkouts in, we're always making sure that the traditional kind of belted checkout is there," he said.

His comments come after northern supermarket Booths ditched self-checkouts at all but two of its sites after customer feedback. 

Walmart and Costco in the US have also scaled back on the systems.

Let us know in the comments - do you love or hate self-checkouts?

We've all heard consumer advice that's repeated so often it almost becomes cliché. So, every Friday the Money team will get to the bottom of a different "fact" and decide whether it's a myth or must.

This week it is...

'Smart meters save you money'

For this one, we've enlisted the help of Dr Steve Buckley, also known as the Energy Doctor and head of data science at Loop...

So do smart meters help you save? 

"The short answer is both yes and no," Steve says.

"Installing a smart meter by itself won't magically reduce your energy consumption. But, by giving you easy access to your energy usage data, smart meters pave the way for savings that you couldn't achieve otherwise."

Before smart meters, most households only found out how much energy they had used when the bill arrived. 

By that stage it's too late to address wasteful usage, leading to what's known as "bill shock". 

"With a smart meter, you can see your usage and costs in real-time through an in-home display or an app provided by your supplier," Steve says. 

"This immediate feedback encourages you to use less energy. If you measure it, you can control it."

In 2022, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero found that homes with smart meters used about 3.4% less electricity and 3% less gas. 

"This might not seem like a lot, but it adds up to a saving of over £50 per household annually," Steve says.  

If all homes in the UK made similar cuts, that would amount to savings of around £1.5bn and a potential reduction in CO2 emissions by about 2.7m tonnes each year. 

"Good for individual households but also great for the planet," Steve says. 

Smart meters are often installed at no extra cost to the consumer - it's effectively free data for households. 

Limitations

Smart meters are more or less what you make of them - a simple, free tool that allows you to see headline figures. 

However, "without detailed analysis, it's tough to identify and eliminate" where you could be wasting money, Steve says. 

Apps like Utrack, Loop and Hugo Energy can help you work out where you might be losing money by offering a more detailed breakdown if connected to your smart meter. 

Those tools are often free, but you may need to register your card details as proof of address. 

The tools give a number of useful insights, including looking at consumption in other households of similar size or monitoring where chunks of your money are going, such as to a faulty boiler or the "phantom load" (energy wasted by devices left on unnecessarily).

Myth or must?

Although smart meters alone don't reduce energy bills, they are a vital tool to help energy efficiency and cost savings. 

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