19-Day Ultimate Turkey Family Adventure: Epic & Relaxed Journey
Turkey is a playground for families, offering a rich tapestry of history, vibrant bazaars, and stunning coastlines that cater to all ages. This 19-day itinerary is specifically designed for families who want to experience the country’s epic highlights without the stress of a rushed schedule, focusing on comfort, accessibility, and engaging activities for children.
From the fairy-tale chimneys of Cappadocia to the shallow turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, we have curated a route that prioritizes smooth intercity travel and destinations with ample space for little ones to roam. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Anatolian peninsula.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul, Turkey - Arrival & Old City Glimpse
Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST)
Complete your entry procedures and collect your luggage. The airport is modern and stroller-friendly with dedicated family lanes.
Check-in at Sultanahmet Hotel
Settle into a family-run hotel in the historic district to stay close to major sites. Many hotels offer triple or connecting rooms for families.
Sultanahmet Square Stroll
Take a relaxed walk between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The wide, flat square is perfect for strollers and letting kids stretch their legs after a flight.
Dinner at a Local Kebab House
Enjoy your first Turkish meal. Most restaurants are very welcoming to children and often provide high chairs upon request.
Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey - Palaces and Parks
Topkapi Palace & Harem
Explore the opulent home of Ottoman Sultans. The Harem section is particularly fascinating for older children with its intricate tile work and stories.
Lunch at Gülhane Park
Grab a quick bite and enjoy a picnic or a cafe lunch inside this massive park adjacent to the palace. It has plenty of shade and playgrounds.
Archaeological Museums
Located within the palace grounds, these museums house the Alexander Sarcophagus and are surprisingly quiet and cool on hot afternoons.
Street Food Sampling
Try some 'Simit' (Turkish bagel) or roasted chestnuts from the iconic red carts—a big hit with picky eaters.
Day 3: Istanbul, Turkey - Bosphorus Views
Bosphorus Cruise
Take a public ferry or a private boat tour to see the city from the water. Kids love the wind in their hair and spotting the Rumeli Fortress.
Lunch in Ortaköy
Try the famous 'Kumpir' (giant loaded baked potatoes) by the waterfront while watching the boats go by.
Galata Tower Area
Wander the cobblestone streets of Galata. While the tower climb might have a line, the surrounding musical instrument shops are fun to explore.
Galataport Stroll
Visit the modern waterfront area. It is entirely pedestrianized, making it the safest place in the city for kids to run around freely.
Day 4: Istanbul, Turkey - Miniatures & History
Miniatürk
A huge open-air park featuring 1:25 scale models of Turkey's most famous landmarks. It's a favorite for children who feel like giants here.
Pierre Loti Hill
Take the cable car (Teleferik) up the hill for a panoramic view of the Golden Horn. The ride itself is the main attraction for kids.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
A private museum dedicated to the history of transport, industry, and communications. It features vintage cars, planes, and even a submarine.
Farewell Istanbul Dinner
Enjoy a traditional meal in the Balat district, known for its colorful houses and family-friendly atmosphere.
Day 5: Cappadocia, Turkey - Flight to Fairy Chimneys
Flight to Nevşehir/Kayseri
A short 80-minute domestic flight beats a 12-hour bus ride with kids any day. Domestic flights in Turkey are affordable and frequent.
Transfer to Göreme
Take a pre-arranged shuttle to your cave hotel. The unique architecture of staying in a cave is a highlight for most children.
Check-in & Rest
Take some time to acclimatize. Many cave hotels have terraces with views of the unique rock formations.
Göreme Town Exploration
Walk through the small town center, visit the carpet shops, and grab some local ice cream.
Day 6: Cappadocia, Turkey - History & Pottery
Göreme Open Air Museum
Explore ancient cave churches with colorful frescoes. The paths are mostly manageable, though some caves require climbing stairs.
Pottery Workshop in Avanos
Visit the town of Avanos where kids can try their hand at the potter's wheel under the guidance of a master artisan.
Devrent (Imagination) Valley
A valley filled with rock formations that look like animals. It’s a natural playground for kids to run and spot the 'camel' rock.
Sunset Point Hike
A gentle walk up to the ridge above Göreme to watch the sky change colors over the valley.
Day 7: Cappadocia, Turkey - Valleys & Views
Hot Air Balloon Watching
If you don't want to take kids on a balloon, watching hundreds of them rise from the valley floor is just as magical and free.
Paşabağ (Monks Valley)
Home to the most striking multi-headed fairy chimneys. The site is relatively flat and easy for kids to explore.
Lunch in Çavuşin
Enjoy a slow lunch in this old village, which features a massive rock face with abandoned cave dwellings.
Uçhisar Castle
The highest point in Cappadocia. The climb to the top provides a 360-degree view of the entire region.
Day 8: Cappadocia, Turkey - Underground Secrets
Kaymakli Underground City
Explore the tunnels and rooms of this subterranean city. Note: It can be tight, so skip if anyone is claustrophobic.
Pigeon Valley Walk
A gentle downhill walk from Uçhisar to Göreme. It's scenic and dotted with ancient pigeon lofts carved into the cliffs.
Turquoise Stone Workshop
Learn about 'Zultanite' and other local stones. Most shops have small demonstrations that are quite educational.
Traditional Turkish Night
Enjoy a dinner show with folk dancing and music. It’s a loud, vibrant experience that children usually find entertaining.
Day 9: Antalya, Turkey - Moving to the Coast
Flight to Antalya
Direct flights between Cappadocia and Antalya are available seasonally; otherwise, it’s a quick connection through Istanbul.
Check-in in Kaleiçi
Choose a hotel within the old walled city of Antalya for a charming, pedestrian-friendly home base.
Hadrian's Gate
Walk through the monumental Roman gate that marks the entrance to the old city.
Antalya Marina
Walk down the stairs or take the glass elevator to the marina for a view of the harbor and a sunset dinner.
Day 10: Antalya, Turkey - Waterfalls & History
Düden Waterfalls
Visit the upper waterfalls which are set in a lush park with plenty of shade and a cave behind the falls.
Lara Beach Lunch
Head to the sandy shores of Lara for a beachside lunch and some playtime in the sand.
Lower Düden Falls
See the spectacular point where the river drops directly into the Mediterranean Sea from a cliff.
Antalya Toy Museum
Located near the marina, this small museum is a delight for children and a nostalgic trip for parents.
Day 11: Antalya, Turkey - Underwater & Sand
Antalya Aquarium
Featuring one of the world's longest tunnel aquariums, this is a great air-conditioned escape for the kids.
Lunch at Konyaaltı Beach
Enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes along the pebbly shore with views of the Taurus Mountains.
Sandland (Antalya Sand Sculpture Museum)
An open-air museum featuring massive sand sculptures that often include mythological and movie characters.
Karaalioglu Park
A large city park with great views, playgrounds, and plenty of space for a family evening walk.
Day 12: Antalya, Turkey - Ancient Theatre
Aspendos Theatre
Visit one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. Kids can run around the massive structure and test the acoustics.
Picnic at Perge
Explore the nearby ruins of Perge, which include a stadium and a long colonnaded street.
Antalya Museum
One of Turkey's best archaeological museums. The 'Children's Section' is specially designed to engage younger visitors.
Kaleiçi Shopping
Browse for souvenirs like spices, lanterns, and Turkish delight in the winding streets of the old town.
Day 13: Kaş, Turkey - The Scenic Coast Drive
Drive to Kaş
Rent a car for the 3-hour drive. The route along the D400 highway offers some of the best coastal views in the world.
Kaputaş Beach Stop
Stop at this iconic turquoise cove. Note: There are many stairs, so be prepared if carrying a stroller.
Lunch in Kalkan
A quick stop for lunch in this pretty hillside town before continuing the short drive to Kaş.
Check-in in Kaş
Settle into your hotel in this bohemian fishing village. Kaş is very laid back and walkable.
Day 14: Kaş, Turkey - Sunken Cities
Kekova Boat Trip
Join a boat tour to see the sunken ruins of an ancient city through the clear water. Most boats include lunch and swimming stops.
Kaleköy Village
The boat will stop at this village accessible only by sea. Climb up to the fortress for a stunning view of the islands.
Snorkeling in the Bay
Kaş is known for its clear water. Many boat tours provide gear for kids to see the fish and underwater life.
Dinner in Kaş Square
Eat at one of the restaurants surrounding the main square where kids can play while parents finish their meal.
Day 15: Kaş, Turkey - Ancient Theatres & Ice Cream
Antiphellos Theatre
A small, intimate ancient theater with a view of the sea. It's just a short walk from the town center and very accessible.
Hidayet Koyu Beach
A family-friendly beach club with calm waters and good facilities for a relaxing afternoon.
Ice Cream at Uzun Çarşı
Wander the most famous street in Kaş, lined with boutiques and the best ice cream shops in town.
Harbor Walk
Watch the fishing boats come in and enjoy the sea breeze before your final dinner in Kaş.
Day 16: Fethiye, Turkey - Blue Lagoons
Drive to Fethiye
A pleasant 1.5-hour drive through the mountains and along the coast brings you to the Fethiye region.
Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon
The lagoon's waters are still and shallow, making it the safest and best swimming spot in Turkey for toddlers and young children.
Lunch on the Beach
There are many beachfront restaurants in Ölüdeniz offering everything from pizza to traditional Turkish pides.
Fethiye Promenade
Drive into Fethiye town and walk along the long, flat promenade which is perfect for strollers and evening sea views.
Day 17: Selçuk, Turkey - Heading North
Drive to Selçuk
A longer travel day (about 3.5 hours). The roads are excellent and there are many high-quality rest stops with clean facilities.
Lunch in Selçuk Town
Try the local 'Çöp Şiş' (small lamb skewers), a specialty of the region that kids usually find very manageable.
St. John’s Basilica
Explore the ruins of this massive church located on Ayasuluk Hill, which offers great views of the surrounding plains.
Temple of Artemis
Visit the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—only one column remains, but it’s a quick and easy stop.
Day 18: Ephesus, Turkey - Ancient Wonders
Ephesus Ancient City
Arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. The main marble road is stroller-friendly, but the Terrace Houses require many stairs.
Ephesus Experience Museum
A new, high-tech immersive museum that uses light and sound to bring the ancient city to life—very engaging for kids.
Şirince Village
Spend the afternoon in this beautiful hill village. Kids will love the fruit wines (for parents) and the traditional pancakes (Gözleme).
Farewell Feast
Enjoy a final traditional dinner in the countryside surrounding Selçuk, featuring fresh, local Aegean ingredients.
Day 19: Istanbul, Turkey - The Final Leg
Drive to Izmir Airport
A quick 1-hour drive to Adnan Menderes Airport. Drop off your rental car here.
Flight to Istanbul
Take a domestic flight back to Istanbul to connect with your international departure.
Last Minute Bazaar Shopping
If you have a long layover, head to the Spice Bazaar for some last-minute Turkish delight and souvenirs.
International Departure
Head to the gate for your flight home, bringing back memories of a grand Turkish family adventure.
Best Time to Visit Turkey
The best time for a family trip to Turkey is during the shoulder seasons of Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm but not scorching, making it comfortable for walking with strollers and children. Summer (July and August) can be extremely hot, especially in Ephesus and Antalya, while Winter can be quite chilly and rainy in Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, it is essential to carry cash for small purchases, local markets, and tipping. Tipping is customary but not mandatory; 5-10% at restaurants is appreciated. ATMs are plentiful in all major cities and tourist hubs.
Getting Around Turkey
For intercity travel, domestic flights are the most efficient and comfortable option for families, saving hours compared to buses. Within regions like the Turquoise Coast, renting a car is highly recommended for the flexibility it offers. In Istanbul, the public transport system (tram, metro, and ferry) is excellent, though some metro stations may have limited elevator access for strollers.
