O ur Turkey family adventure is one of our best kept secrets. When families start to brainstorm on where to head on an active vacation with the kids, Turkey is usually not on the top of the list, but we are here to tell you it should be.

We’ve always felt that diversity is the key to a successful family adventure. With that in mind, we’ve designed a trip to Turkey that has it all, from fun family activities to historical explorations into Turkey’s past and warm cultural encounters with its delightful people. Our journey takes us through Istanbul’s scented bazaars, through the passageways of an underground city and on hikes to ancient Crusader castles and crumbling ruins along the stunning Mediterranean Coast.

We’ll also experience village life in the Taurus Mountains, enjoying traditional meals and staying with friends of Thomson Family Adventures who will treat you like one of the family.

A highlight of the trip is our four-night sailing cruise on a gulet, Turkey's traditional wooden yacht. We'll spend five days meandering along the Turquoise Coast, with frequent stops to swim, hike, snorkel and explore hidden ruins.

2009 Dates

Dates

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Days 1 and 2 – Depart U.S. / Arrive Istanbul

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where your Turkey family vacation begins.

Day 3 – Istanbul

A crossroads of East and West that straddles two continents, it’s no surprise that Istanbul is a cultural and ethnic melting pot steeped in historical legends that go back thousands of years. You will get a chance to breathe in some of the flavorful culture at the famous Spice Market, where you can buy countless kinds of spices, seasonings, teas and candy.

Blue Mosque This is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets reaching skyward and even more domes cascading down the exterior. It was built in the 17th century, across from the Haghia Sophia so that visitors to Istanbul could compare the two and determine which is more impressive. A great question to ask the kids! Spice Market Istanbul was the last stop on the ancient Silk Road, and this Spice Market was the final destination for Asian goods. That means this market has been in business for almost 4,000 years! Topkapi Palace Topkapi is more than just a palace. In its heyday this complex, located on the Golden Horn, was home to more than 8,000 people. It’s filled with courtyards, pavilions, halls and kiosks.

Days 4 and 5 – Cappadocia

Located in a once active volcanic region, Cappadocia is known for its exceptional rock formations and valleys. As unusually beautiful as these are above ground, the limestone rock formations are even more impressive below the surface, as you and the kids will discover when you climb down four stories into one of the largest underground cities ever built – Kaymakli.

Hike the Valley of the Spears Walk over the level landscape looking out over the valley below, then begin to descend through narrow paths tucked between the giant spears for which Cappadocia is known. Formed over centuries by a cap of harder rock protecting an under layer of soft volcanic ash, these “fairy chimneys” are miraculous natural wonders. Walking through this valley feels like being on another planet! Göreme open-air museum This open-air museum is a collection of chapels, churches, monasteries and other living spaces carved out of rock. Most impressive are the detailed frescoes that were painted on the inside of stone churches more than ten centuries ago. Terra cotta pottery workshop It’s time to get your hands dirty! First your family will watch a demonstration on how traditional Turkish pottery is made, then you’ll put on a smock and make your own terra cotta creation. Underground City of Kaymakli Equipped with kitchens, store rooms, living quarters, water tanks and surprisingly good ventilation, they say 300 people could live here for months at a time! The question is, why were they created? Protection from enemies? Protection from weather? Some of the tunnels here are still in use today.

Days 6 and 7 – Taurus Mountains

Turkish culture is rich in the villages of the Taurus Mountains, especially in the summer when the locals escape the heat of their towns for the shade of the forests here. Your family will have a blast exploring the region and kicking the soccer ball around with the local neighborhood kids.

Sultanhan Caravanserai A caravanserai was a roadside inn used by travelers long ago as a rest stop. This monumental caravanserai is on the Silk Road and is one of the best examples of 2nd century architecture still in existence. Museum of Rumi Rumi was one of the most respected poets and religious leaders in Turkish history, so this complex is not just a museum but also a shrine, his gravesite, a mosque and even a school. Hike Grotto of the Golden Cradle This downhill hike on the Manavgat River is great for the whole family. Once you reach the end, you’ll hop into pedal boats for some exquisite cave exploring. Soccer game with locals Join the local villagers for an exciting game of pick-up soccer at a nearby park.

Days 8 and 9 – Antalya

Where the Taurus Mountains recede from the shore, set high up on the cliffs, you’ll find the picturesque seaside town of Antalya. En route you’ll stop at Koprulu Canyon National Park for some ideal whitewater rafting. The Koprulu River has crystal clear waters and towering canyon walls that reach up to 1,300 feet high.

Whitewater rafting As you raft down this Class II river, make sure to keep an eye out for the Roman bridges that arch over the watercourse. They are engineering feats of the ancient times. This rafting trip is first-timer friendly. Free time Explore the city, go for a hike or just relax. Hike to Termessos Termessos is considered to be Turkey’s “Machu Picchu,” so as you get to the top prepare to set your eyes on an entire unexcavated Roman village. This spot is also known to be the only town Alexander the Great never tried to overtake. Friends Across Borders meeting (pen pals) Thomson families love this program! Children traveling with us can choose to exchange letters with a local child of similar age before leaving on their adventure. While on the family trip we organize a pen pal meeting with a scheduled activity like soccer or hacky sacking. It’s amazing how such interaction can be a real eye-opener for everyone involved.

Days 10 to 13 – Yachting along the Mediterranean Coast

Over the next four days, we will meander slowly along the Turquoise Coast, dropping anchor at quiet coves, sheltered beaches and small harbor towns. We’ll have opportunities to swim (kids love jumping off the side of the boat for a splash landing!), snorkel, hike and explore. It’s a relaxing, carefree life with surprise encounters and lots of choices for family activities.

Hikes to a Crusader Castle and Roman ruins Hike through olive groves and an herb garden of thyme, sage, carob and oregano and up a goat path with spectacular views to a virtually unknown Roman aqueduct and a Crusader castle. Ships and cargos from thousands of years ago have been discovered along the coast, raised from the depths and displayed here. Church of Saint Nicholas (a.k.a. Santa Claus) Have you or your kids ever wondered where Santa Claus came from? That’s right – the inspiration for Old Saint Nick lies in Demre, Turkey, where his legendary acts of kindness are said to have begun. Explore Gemiler Island As you ramble ashore, discover the remains of a Byzantine settlement including marvelous mosaic floors and a mysterious covered walkway that goes from the center of the island all the way out to sea. Explore Kayaköy Have you ever wondered what a real ghost town would look and feel like? Once a thriving Greek village of over 25,000 people, Kayaköy was completely deserted in 1923 and now has the distinction of being the eeriest place in Turkey.

Days 14 and 15 – Istanbul

You can see its dome for miles and miles, it has been rebuilt three times in 200 years and is the last relic of Constantinople. The Haghia Sophia museum remains Turkey’s most staggering landmark, and your family can explore this marble masterpiece inside and out. Make sure to listen to your echo upon entering the enormous main chamber.

Haghia Sophia The architectural mastery of the Haghia Sophia was so far ahead of its time that it went unmatched for 1,000 years. Built in the 6th century, for 916 years it remained a church, then was converted into a Mosque for a few hundred years and in 1935 was transformed into a museum. Free time Shop, explore the city or just relax.

Day 16 – Depart Istanbul / Arrive U.S.

Please Note:   Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

Why Turkey?

Gateway to the East and West Sitting astride the continents of Asia and Europe, Turkey is home to one of the world’s most unique and intriguing cultures. A blend of various elements of Ottoman, Anatolian, Oguz Turkic and western peoples, the unique culture was born from being located at the gateway for migrations from the east and west for centuries. History…  Empires, Crusades, whirling dervishes Wow, what a history! Turkey is one of the oldest continually inhabited areas of the world and home to some of the earliest settlement in the world. From empires that date back to well before the 10th century BC, to settlements and invasions by Greeks, Romans and Mongols to the great Ottoman Empire, you’ll experience the great history of Turkey. You’ll also learn about Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes and other religious history such as the clashes with the Holy Roman Empire during the crusades. Istanbul Istanbul is one of Europe’s most populated cities and is Turkey’s financial and cultural capital. Discover firsthand why Istanbul is the coolest city in the world.  At the crossroads of history for three millennia, Istanbul’s narrow streets are home to the Spice Market, Covered Bazaar, the historical Sultanahmet District, and such architectural treasures as the Basilica Cisterns, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome. Istanbul was the last stop on the ancient Silk Road, and this Spice Market was the final destination for Asian goods. That means this market has been in business for almost 4,000 years! Remarkable, beautiful cave dwellings You’ll experience the unbelievable beauty of Cappadocia, a region in Turkey's central highlands noted for its frescoed cave churches, remarkable underground dwellings and conical "fairy-chimneys." Here entire villages are carved from soft volcanic stone! From hiking though fantastic canyon landscapes to visiting villages where locals ride donkeys and dry apricots on their rooftops, you’ll witness a wonderful and timeless culture.

Why Turkey with Thomson?

Diversity of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Taurus Mountains and the Turquoise coast With Thomson, you’ll experience the wide variety of places that Turkey has to offer! From enjoying the intricate beauty of the mosques of Istanbul to exploring the caves of Cappadocia, hiking the Taurus Mountains to sailing along the Turquoise Coast, your family will create memories to last a lifetime. The mystery and magic of this extraordinary place are all yours to experience, for an unforgettable family vacation. Explore the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Haghia Sophia of Istanbul The Blue Mosque is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets reaching skyward and even more domes cascading down the exterior. It was built in the 17th century, across from the Haghia Sophia so that visitors to Istanbul could compare the two and determine which is more impressive. A great question to ask the kids! 
The Topkapi Palace is more than just a palace. In its heyday this complex, located on the Golden Horn, was home to more than 8,000 people. It’s filled with courtyards, pavilions, halls and kiosks.
The architectural mastery of the Haghia Sophia was so far ahead of its time that it went unmatched for 1,000 years. Built in the 6th century, for 916 years it remained a church, then was converted into a Mosque for a few hundred years and in 1935 was transformed into a museum. Explore the caves of Cappadocia where the kids will be enchanted Located in a once active volcanic region, Cappadocia is known for its exceptional rock formations and valleys. As unusually beautiful as these are above ground, the limestone rock formations are even more impressive below the surface, as you and the kids will discover when you climb down four stories into one of the largest underground cities ever built – Kamala. Soccer game with the locals in the Taurus Mountains Driving out over the great Anatolian plains, we visit Sultanhan Caravanserai, where ancient camel caravans stayed, before reaching our destination, the forested Taurus Mountains. We'll sleep in a small mountain village, meet new friends, and perhaps engage in a soccer match. Exploring the area we'll discover the headwaters of the Manavgat River, and if you're bold enough you can enjoy an invigorating dip in the icy waters! Mediterranean yachting You’ve been trekking all over the lands of Turkey, now it’s time to hit the seas! In Finike you’ll board your very own private yacht – a Turkish gulet – the perfect vessel for exploring Turkey's Mediterranean Coast. Gulets are traditional double-masted wooden sailboats.
For the next four nights, you and your family meander slowly along the coast. Dropping anchor at quiet coves, sheltered beaches and small harbor towns, you have many opportunities to swim, snorkel, hike and explore.  Enjoy an evening hike to a hilltop Crusader castle, visit Lycian Cliff Tombs and a Roman theater, snorkel over sunken ruins, hike through olive groves and fragrant herb gardens, visit Demre, home to Santa Claus, and where his legendary acts of kindness are said to have begun, and sail to the island of Gemiler for a hike around a monastery with breathtaking views.