Begin your family-friendly Turkey itinerary in Istanbul, a city spanning Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Visit the Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque to see stunning architecture and learn about Turkey's history. Take a boat tour of the Bosphorus and enjoy a traditional Turkish meal with live entertainment.
Travel to Cappadocia to see the unique landscape peppered with cave dwellings and fairy chimneys. Explore the underground cities, take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, and visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to learn about early Christian societies in the region. Enjoy a traditional Turkish bath before leaving.
Continue your adventure on Turkey's Mediterranean coast in Antalya. Visit the ancient city of Perge and its impressive stadium, see the iconic Hadrian's Gate, and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Take a day trip to the Düden Waterfalls and explore the Kaleiçi neighborhood for shopping and dining.
Spend your last few days in the seaside town of Bodrum. Learn about the ancient history of the region at the Bodrum Castle and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Relax on the beach and explore the local markets for souvenirs. Take a family boat tour to see the beautiful coastline of the Aegean Sea.
Travel between destinations will be by domestic flights. Estimated travel time and costs are included in the itinerary. For shorter distances, taxis and ride-sharing apps are available, along with public transportation options such as buses and trains.
If you have more time, consider visiting the ancient city of Ephesus or the white Cotton Castle in Pamukkale. Subtracting days can reduce the time spent in each destination, but may limit the activities and sights that can be seen.
The primary international airport in Turkey is Istanbul Airport (IST), located approximately 25 miles from Istanbul's city center. Another option is the Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), located on the Asian side of Istanbul. Domestic airports are located in each destination city.