Spending 20 days in Ankara with your family sounds like a fantastic adventure, especially with the freedom of having a car. Since your trip isn’t focused on tourism, I’ll craft an itinerary that balances family time, local experiences, and some leisurely drives around the area. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Ankara
Morning: Arrive in Ankara, settle into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely drive around the city to get your bearings. Visit the , the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Turkish dishes like kebabs or mezes.
Day 2: Explore Local Markets
Morning: Head to , the heart of Ankara. Explore the local shops and markets.
Afternoon: Visit for some shopping and grab lunch at a café.
Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a restaurant with a view of the city.
Day 3: Family Day at the Park
Morning: Visit for a family picnic. There are playgrounds and walking paths.
Afternoon: Rent a pedal boat on the lake or just relax in the park.
Evening: Head back home for a cozy family dinner.
Day 4: Day Trip to
Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). Explore the charming streets and traditional houses.
Afternoon: Visit the and try the local specialty, kurusu (a type of biscuit).
Evening: Return to Ankara and have dinner at home.
Day 5: Cultural Day
Morning: Visit the to learn about the rich history of the region.
Afternoon: Explore the nearby.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant featuring live music.
Day 6: Nature Escape
Morning: Drive to for a day in nature. Pack a picnic!
Afternoon: Enjoy walking or cycling around the lake.
Evening: Return to Ankara for a relaxed evening at home.
Day 7: Family Fun Day
Morning: Visit . The kids will love the animals!
Afternoon: Explore the farm and enjoy some fresh produce from the market.
Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 8: Historical Sites
Morning: Visit and the nearby .
Afternoon: Explore the for stunning views of the city.
Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
Day 9: Relaxation Day
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café.
Afternoon: Visit a local spa for some relaxation and pampering.
Evening: Family movie night at home.
Day 10: Day Trip to
Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes). Enjoy the lakeside views.
Afternoon: Have a picnic by the lake and let the kids play.
Evening: Return to Ankara for dinner.
Day 11: Art and Culture
Morning: Visit the .
Afternoon: Explore local art galleries in the Çankaya district.
Evening: Dinner at a trendy restaurant.
Day 12: Family Sports Day
Morning: Visit a local sports complex for some family-friendly activities (like bowling or swimming).
Afternoon: Have lunch at the complex.
Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at home.
Day 13: Scenic Drive to
Morning: Drive to (about 1 hour). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Afternoon: Visit the thermal springs and relax.
Evening: Return to Ankara for dinner.
Day 14: Local Cuisine Day
Morning: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Turkish dishes.
Afternoon: Enjoy the meal you prepared together.
Evening: Family game night at home.
Day 15: Visit Local Schools
Morning: If you have kids, consider visiting local schools to understand the education system.
Afternoon: Engage with local families or communities.
Evening: Dinner at a local family-run restaurant.
Day 16: Day Trip to
Morning: Drive to (about 1 hour). Visit the .
Afternoon: Explore the local area and have lunch.
Evening: Return to Ankara for a quiet evening.
Day 17: Family Adventure Day
Morning: Visit for a fun family outing.
Afternoon: Explore the nearby shopping mall for some retail therapy.
Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 18: Relax and Reflect
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and reflect on your trip.
Afternoon: Visit a local café for some coffee and dessert.
Evening: Family dinner at a favorite spot.
Day 19: Last Day of Exploration
Morning: Visit any remaining sites or neighborhoods you haven’t explored yet.
Afternoon: Take a final drive around the city to soak in the sights.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant.
Day 20: Departure
Morning: Pack up and prepare for departure.
Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a last stroll around the city or a final meal.
Evening: Head to the airport for your journey home.
This itinerary balances family activities, local culture, and relaxation, all while allowing you to explore Ankara and its surroundings at your own pace. Enjoy your trip, and safe travels! If you have any specific interests or adjustments, feel free to let me know!