20-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Turkey
Turkey is a land where East meets West, offering an incredible tapestry of history, landscape, and hospitality. For families, it is a dream destination that combines the mystery of ancient ruins with modern amenities and a culture that truly cherishes children.
This 20-day epic journey is designed with a relaxed pace to ensure little legs don't get too tired and parents can actually enjoy the view. We focus on comfortable travel, accessible sites, and the best of Turkey's diverse regions from the minarets of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul, Turkey - Arrival & Old City Ease
Airport Arrival and Transfer
Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST). The most family-friendly way to reach your hotel is a pre-booked private transfer with a car seat.
Sultanahmet Square Stroll
Stretch your legs in the heart of the Old City. The square is flat and stroller-friendly, perfect for viewing the Blue Mosque from the outside.
Basilica Cistern
Head underground to this ancient reservoir. The wooden walkways are generally stroller-accessible (though some steps exist at the entrance/exit), and the cool air is refreshing.
Early Dinner in Sultanahmet
Enjoy a traditional 'Testi Kebab' at a local terrace restaurant. Most places are very welcoming to children and offer high chairs.
Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey - Imperial Grandeur
Topkapi Palace Gardens
Explore the outer courtyards and the Harem. The gardens provide plenty of space for kids to run around while you admire Ottoman architecture.
Gülhane Park
Once the royal garden of the palace, this is now a public park with paved paths and plenty of shade for a mid-day picnic.
Hagia Sophia
Visit this architectural marvel. Note that strollers may need to be parked at the entrance depending on current crowd regulations.
Sirkezi Station Area Dinner
Wander near the historic Orient Express station for family-friendly dining options and delicious Turkish Delight shops.
Day 3: Istanbul, Turkey - Bosphorus Breezes
Bosphorus Ferry Cruise
Board a public ferry from Eminönü for a 90-minute cruise. It’s an easy way to see the city skyline without the walking.
Ortaköy Square
Eat a famous 'Kumpir' (loaded baked potato) by the water and admire the beautiful Ortaköy Mosque.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Tour the opulent 19th-century palace. The gardens facing the Bosphorus are stunning and very peaceful.
Galata Bridge Dinner
Walk across the lower level of the bridge to watch fishermen and enjoy fresh seafood while the sun sets.
Day 4: Istanbul, Turkey - Hands-on History
Istanbul Toy Museum
Located in a historic wooden mansion, this museum is a delight for children and a nostalgic trip for adults.
Kadıköy Food Market
Take the ferry to the Asian side. The market is vibrant and offers many kid-friendly snacks like Simit and fresh fruit.
Moda Seaside Promenade
A wide, paved coastal path perfect for a long stroller walk and watching the locals enjoy the afternoon.
Moda Tea Gardens
Relax with a glass of tea while the kids play nearby in the park areas before heading back to the European side.
Day 5: Cappadocia, Turkey - The Fairy Chimney Flight
Flight to Kayseri/Nevşehir
Take a domestic flight to the heart of Anatolia. It’s a short 1 hour 15 minute hop compared to a 10-hour bus ride.
Cave Hotel Check-in
Experience staying in a room carved into the soft volcanic rock. Many offer large family rooms with modern amenities.
Uçhisar Castle
Climb the highest point in Cappadocia for panoramic views. The path is steep, so use a baby carrier instead of a stroller here.
Sunset at Pigeon Valley
A gentle walk along the rim of the valley to see the fairy chimneys glow in the evening light.
Day 6: Cappadocia, Turkey - Open Air Exploration
Göreme Open Air Museum
Visit ancient cave churches with colorful frescoes. Arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Göreme Town Lunch
Enjoy local specialties like 'Manti' (Turkish ravioli), which is a huge hit with children.
Love Valley Viewpoint
An easily accessible lookout point where you can see some of the most unique rock formations without hiking.
Pottery Workshop in Avanos
Try your hand at the potter's wheel in this town famous for its red clay from the Kızılırmak River.
Day 7: Cappadocia, Turkey - Valleys and Views
Hot Air Balloon Watching
Instead of flying (which can be hard with small kids), head to a viewpoint to watch hundreds of balloons take off.
Devrent (Imagination) Valley
A fun spot for kids to spot rock formations that look like animals, including the famous camel rock.
Paşabağ (Monks Valley)
Features some of the most striking multi-capped fairy chimneys with easy, flat walking paths.
Zelve Open Air Museum
Less crowded than Göreme, this cave town is great for letting kids explore the safe areas of the abandoned dwellings.
Day 8: Cappadocia, Turkey - Underground Mysteries
Kaymakli Underground City
Explore the tunnels and rooms of this subterranean city. Note: Tunnels can be low, so tall adults be careful!
Ihlara Valley Walk
A lush canyon with a river. Walk the first section which is relatively flat and has a charming riverside café.
Selime Monastery
A massive rock-cut structure at the end of Ihlara Valley that looks like something out of a movie set.
Traditional Turkish Night
Enjoy a dinner show with folk dancing and music. It’s loud and colorful, usually entertaining for older children.
Day 9: Antalya, Turkey - Transition to the Coast
Drive/Flight to Antalya
Take a morning flight from Kayseri to Antalya for the quickest transition to the Mediterranean coast.
Hotel Check-in and Lunch
Choose a resort or a boutique hotel in the old town. A pool is a must for the kids in the Mediterranean heat.
Hadrian’s Gate
Enter the historic Kaleiçi district through this monumental Roman gate, which is very well-preserved.
Old City Marina
Walk down to the marina for dinner. The atmosphere is lively and there are many child-friendly pasta and pizza options.
Day 10: Antalya, Turkey - Water and Wonders
Antalya Aquarium
Home to one of the world's largest tunnel aquariums, this is a perfect indoor activity for a hot morning.
Konyaaltı Beach Park
A wide, pebbly beach with a long promenade, perfect for strollers and a quick dip in the sea.
Antalya Museum
One of Turkey's best museums, featuring incredible Roman statues. The garden area is very peaceful for kids.
Kaleiçi Evening Stroll
Explore the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town once the sun goes down and the air cools.
Day 11: Antalya, Turkey - Cascading Beauty
Düden Waterfalls (Upper)
Visit the park where the river drops into a gorge. It's lush, green, and has paths that are mostly stroller-accessible.
Lara Beach Lunch
Head to the sandy side of Antalya for a relaxed lunch at a beach club with full facilities.
Düden Waterfalls (Lower)
See where the water plunges 40 meters directly into the Mediterranean Sea from a coastal park.
The Land of Legends Night Show
A short drive away, this theme park offers a spectacular free evening boat parade and fountain show.
Day 12: Kaş, Turkey - The Scenic Coastal Drive
Drive to Kaş
Rent a car for this 3-hour drive. The road hugs the cliffs and offers some of the best views in the country.
Kaputaş Beach Photo Stop
Stop at this famous turquoise cove. The stairs are steep, so maybe just enjoy the view from the top with a stroller.
Check-in at Kaş
Kaş is a charming, bohemian town. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the slower pace of life.
Kaş Town Square
The heart of the town is pedestrianized and perfect for kids to wander while you shop for local crafts.
Day 13: Kaş, Turkey - Sunken Cities
Kekova Boat Trip
A full-day boat trip is the highlight of Kaş. Boats are comfortable, shaded, and usually provide a great lunch.
Sunken City of Simena
View the ruins of an ancient city underwater through the clear sea. Kids love looking over the side of the boat.
Kaleköy Village
The boat stops at this car-free village. Hike up to the castle for a view or just enjoy some homemade peach ice cream.
Return to Kaş Marina
Relax after a day on the water and enjoy a quiet dinner near the harbor.
Day 14: Kaş, Turkey - Ancient Antiphellos
Hellenistic Theatre
Visit this small, well-preserved theatre right by the sea. It's an easy walk from the town center and very accessible.
Small Pebble Beach
A tiny beach close to town. The water is crystal clear and calm, ideal for a midday refresh.
Meis Island (Optional)
If you have your passports, take a 20-minute ferry to the Greek island of Meis for a few hours of exploration.
Seafood Dinner in Kaş
Kaş is known for its incredible mezze. Choose a garden restaurant where kids can play nearby.
Day 15: Fethiye, Turkey - Gorge and Ghosts
Drive to Fethiye
A 1.5-hour drive through the mountains. Stop at Saklıkent Canyon on the way.
Saklıkent National Park
Walk on the wooden boardwalks suspended over the rushing water. Very cool and dramatic landscape.
Tlos Ancient Ruins
Visit this hilltop Lycian city nearby. It has a mix of Roman and Ottoman history and is usually very quiet.
Fethiye Harbor Walk
Check into your hotel and enjoy the wide, flat promenade that runs along the entire Fethiye bay.
Day 16: Fethiye, Turkey - The Blue Lagoon
Ölüdeniz Beach
Spend the day at the Blue Lagoon. The inner lagoon is shallow and still, perfect for toddlers and young children.
Beachfront Lunch
There are many shaded cafes along the Ölüdeniz strip serving both Turkish and international favorites.
Watching Paragliders
Ölüdeniz is world-famous for paragliding. Sitting on the beach and watching them land is free entertainment for the kids.
Fethiye Fish Market
Pick your fresh fish from the stalls in the center and have one of the surrounding restaurants cook it for you.
Day 17: Fethiye, Turkey - Kayaköy Exploration
Kayaköy Ghost Village
Explore the abandoned stone houses of this former Greek settlement. Stick to the lower, flatter paths with a stroller.
Gözleme Lunch
Eat at one of the village stalls where local women make fresh Gözleme (savory pancakes) on a griddle.
Fethiye Old Town (Paspatur)
Wander through the 'Umbrella Street' and shop for spices, textiles, and souvenirs in the shaded alleys.
Amintas Rock Tombs
Watch the sunset from the base of these impressive tombs carved into the cliffside overlooking the city.
Day 18: Selçuk, Turkey - Driving North
Drive to Selçuk (Ephesus)
This is a longer drive (about 3.5 hours). Stop in the town of Muğla or Akyaka for a break by the river.
Selçuk Town Lunch
Try the famous 'Çöp Şiş' (small lamb skewers) which is a local specialty in the Selçuk region.
St. John’s Basilica
Visit the ruins of this grand church and the nearby Ayasuluk Castle, which offer great views of the plain.
Selçuk Museum
A compact and modern museum that houses many of the best artifacts found at Ephesus.
Day 19: Selçuk, Turkey - Ancient Echoes
Ephesus Archaeological Site
Enter from the lower gate to avoid walking uphill. The site is largely paved, making it one of the most accessible ancient cities.
Library of Celsus
Take your time at the most iconic structure in Ephesus. It's a great spot for a family photo.
Şirince Village
A short drive into the hills leads to this picturesque village known for its fruit wines and olive oil products.
House of the Virgin Mary
A peaceful site located on a mountain top, believed by many to be the final home of Mary.
Day 20: Istanbul, Turkey - Final Farewells
Fly Izmir to Istanbul
Drive 45 minutes to Izmir Airport and catch a short flight back to Istanbul for your connection home.
Galataport Istanbul
Spend your final hours at this modern waterfront development. It is perfectly stroller-friendly with great cafes and views.
Last Minute Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some Turkish tea or coffee to take the flavors of your journey back home.
Farewell Dinner
Reflect on your 20-day journey over a final Turkish feast before heading to the airport.
Best Time to Visit Turkey
The ideal times to visit Turkey are during the shoulder seasons: Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm but not scorching, making it perfect for exploring ancient ruins with children. Summer (June to August) can be very hot, especially in Ephesus and Antalya, while Winter can be surprisingly cold and snowy in Cappadocia.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in tourist areas, it is essential to carry some cash for smaller markets, rural cafes, and tipping. Tipping is customary in Turkey; 10-15% at restaurants is appreciated. ATMs are plentiful in all the cities mentioned in this itinerary.
Getting Around Turkey
For intercity travel, domestic flights are the most efficient and comfortable option for families, saving hours of travel time. Within cities like Istanbul, the tram and ferry systems are excellent. For the Turquoise Coast (Antalya to Fethiye), renting a private car is highly recommended as it allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints and travel at your own pace with children. High-speed trains also connect Istanbul with Ankara and Konya if you decide to extend your trip.
