Itinerary

Türkiye is a fantastic destination for families, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. Here’s a relaxed 20-day itinerary that avoids museums and focuses on family-friendly activities. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

• Morning: Arrive in Istanbul. Settle into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around Sultanahmet Square. Enjoy the views of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque from the outside.
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant with traditional Turkish cuisine. Try some kebabs and pide!

## Day 2: Istanbul - [Bosphorus](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=[Bosphorus](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Bosphorus&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround")&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround") Cruise

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
• Afternoon: Take a [Bosphorus](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=[Bosphorus](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Bosphorus&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround")&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround") cruise. Kids will love seeing the palaces and fortresses along the water.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Ortaköy. Grab some kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes) for dinner.

## Day 3: Istanbul - Princes' Islands

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes' Islands. Rent bikes or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore the island. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the sea.
• Evening: Return to Istanbul and have dinner at a local eatery.

## Day 4: Istanbul - Asian Side

• Morning: Head to Kadıköy on the Asian side. Explore the local market and grab some simit (Turkish bagel).
• Afternoon: Visit Moda Park for a relaxing afternoon. Kids can play while you enjoy the sea view.
• Evening: Dinner in Kadıköy, perhaps at a meyhane (tavern) for some meze.

## Day 5: Istanbul to Cappadocia

• Morning: Fly to Cappadocia. Check into your hotel, preferably a cave hotel for a unique experience.
• Afternoon: Explore the fairy chimneys in Pasabag Valley. Kids will love the unique rock formations!
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try the testi kebab (pottery kebab).

## Day 6: Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Ride

• Early Morning: Experience a hot air balloon ride at sunrise (book in advance!).
• Late Morning: Enjoy a hearty breakfast after your flight.
• Afternoon: Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum (just for the scenery, no need to go inside).
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant with a view of the fairy chimneys.

## Day 7: Cappadocia - Ihlara Valley

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Ihlara Valley. Enjoy a family-friendly hike along the river, stopping for a picnic lunch.
• Evening: Return to your hotel and relax. Dinner at a local eatery.

## Day 8: Cappadocia to Pamukkale

• Morning: Fly or drive to Pamukkale. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the stunning travertine terraces. Kids can splash around in the thermal pools.
• Evening: Dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

## Day 9: Pamukkale - Hierapolis

• Morning: Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis (just the outdoor areas).
• Afternoon: Enjoy more time in the thermal pools.
• Evening: Relax and have dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 10: Pamukkale to Fethiye

• Morning: Drive to Fethiye. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Ölüdeniz Beach. Enjoy swimming and relaxing on the beach.
• Evening: Dinner at a seaside restaurant.

## Day 11: Fethiye - Boat Trip

• All ## Day: Take a family-friendly boat trip to the 12 Islands. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and a delicious lunch on board.
• Evening: Return to Fethiye and have dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 12: Fethiye - Saklıkent Gorge

• Morning: Visit Saklıkent Gorge for a fun day of hiking and river activities.
• Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant.
• Evening: Return to Fethiye for dinner.

## Day 13: Fethiye to Antalya

• Morning: Drive to Antalya. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the old town (Kaleiçi) and enjoy the beautiful harbor.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant with a view of the sea.

## Day 14: Antalya - Beach Day

• All ## Day: Spend a relaxing day at Konyaaltı Beach. Enjoy swimming and beach games.
• Evening: Dinner at a beachside restaurant.

## Day 15: Antalya - Düden Waterfalls

• Morning: Visit the Düden Waterfalls. Kids will love the natural beauty and the chance to explore.
• Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch in the park.
• Evening: Return to Antalya for dinner.

## Day 16: Antalya to Bodrum

• Morning: Drive to Bodrum. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit Bodrum Castle (just the outside and the views).
• Evening: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

## Day 17: Bodrum - Beach Day

• All ## Day: Spend the day at one of Bodrum’s beautiful beaches. Enjoy water sports or just relax.
• Evening: Dinner at a beachside café.

## Day 18: Bodrum - Day Trip to Ephesus

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Ephesus. Explore the ancient ruins (just the outdoor areas).
• Evening: Return to Bodrum for dinner.

## Day 19: Bodrum to Istanbul

• Morning: Fly back to Istanbul. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the Spice Bazaar and enjoy some Turkish delight.
• Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the [Bosphorus](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=[Bosphorus](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Bosphorus&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround")&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround").

## Day 20: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Last-minute shopping or a stroll along the [Bosphorus](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=[Bosphorus](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Bosphorus&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround")&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround").
• Afternoon: Depart for the airport.

This itinerary balances relaxation with adventure, ensuring that your family has a memorable experience in Türkiye. Enjoy your trip! 🌍✈️