Others

Istanbul - Orientation Walk Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration Goreme - Cooking Class Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City Ephesus - Archaeological site visit Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park Kas - Leader-led orientation walk Kas - Cruise with lunch Istanbul - Ebru (water marbling)

Accommodation

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS: Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room. Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room. Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room. While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another. Hotels (8 nights), Overnight train (1 night)

Transport

Private Minivan , public bus , train , plane

Guide

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. European Union or Swiss travellers who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting.

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Day 1 Day 1: Istanbul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey! This family adventure kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called home. Your trip officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. Please make sure you have your next of kin and insurance information to hand over to your leader at the meeting. Following the formalities and introductions, get acquainted with the streets of Istanbul on an orientation tour of the city before joining your fellow travellers for an optional group dinner to toast to new adventures.
Day 2 Day 2: Cappadocia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Cappadocia

Rise and shine for an early, one-hour flight to Cappadocia. Hillside has been carved and hollowed to make dwellings and churches, resulting in a city that can truly be called magical. You’ll have time to settle into your hotel before meeting a local pottery master who will demonstrate how the local Turkish ceramics are made, you’ll even have the opportunity to give it a go yourself. After getting your hands dirty, you’ll have free time to enjoy and explore more of Cappadocia. When night falls, head to a cooking class in one of the city’s distinctive homes with a local family. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the house and garden while learning how to make local dishes with organic, local produce in a hands-on guided class. Then the best part, enjoying the delicious dishes for dinner!
Day 3 Day 3: Cappadocia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Cappadocia

Photographs of hot air balloons soaring over strange rock formations in golden light are what most people associate with the Cappadocia region. While this activity is not included in the trip price, it is highly recommended. Those who choose to fly this morning will have the unique experience of seeing Cappadocia from above and below, as an underground city tour is planned for later this morning. Explore the caverns and tunnels of Kaymakli Underground City, located about 20 minutes away. It was built during between the 9th and 10th centuries as a defensive mechanism. Spend a few hours wandering this eight-storey marvel. Later, head to the surface and explore the region’s valleys with pedal power on an optional bike ride through pink-tinged Rose Valley and the mushroom shaped rocks of Love Valley. Check out the small village of Cavusin, where dwellings are built into the rock face, admire the views at the top where you’ll find 5th-century Church of St John the Baptist. Those who do not wish to ride can opt for a free afternoon to explore Cappadocia further on foot or spend the afternoon by the pool.
Day 4 Day 4: Konya / Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Konya / Overnight Train

Enjoy a last morning in Cappadocia before hoping on a private bus to make the 3 hour drive to Konya. A city where religion and conservative traditions combine with the modern and cosmopolitan, providing the perfect opportunity to experience Turkish culture unspoiled by mainstream tourism. Upon arrival to Konya in the mid afternoon your leader will take you on a walk around the town to see a few of the sights and allow you the opportunity to grab something to eat before boarding the overnight train in the early evening.
Day 5 Day 5: Selcuk
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Selcuk

Arrive by train into Izmir at around 7 am and transfer by private minivan for the 1 hour drive to Selcuk. Here you can grab some breakfast and enjoy free time to soak in the culture and natural wonder of this fascinating city. A short distance out of Selcuk is one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world – the Temple of Artemis – although, sadly, only a single column (of 127 originally) remains after it was ultimately destroyed in AD 401. After enjoying a delicious Gozleme lunch, you’ll head off to explore the nearby ruins of Ephesus, former capital of the Byzantine Empire and the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey. According to Christian tradition, St John came to Ephesus with the Virgin Mary from Jerusalem, and lived here until his death sometime around AD 100, and the basilica stands over his believed burial site. On the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historic buildings like the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built by Justinian I in the 6th century.
Day 6 Day 6: Pamukkale
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Pamukkale

Board a train and travel inland through the mountains, towards one of Turkey’s most photographed sites, Pamukkale, which literally translates to "cotton castle". See the impossibly blue, natural terrace baths, formed by calcium-rich springs and used as spas since 200 BC. Though you’re not allowed to bathe in the travertines, you can walk through them after removing your shoes and see for yourself if the pools alleged healing properties are for real. You’ll have some time to visit the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis and enjoy a dip in the clear waters of a historical pool – sculpted as a gift from Marc Antony to Cleopatra, if you choose. Hierapolis is known for an abundance of temples and religious structures, vast necropolis and strange tombs. You will have most of the day free to relax, swim or further explore before a visit to the Pamukkale National Park in the afternoon.
Day 7 Day 7: Kas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Kas

Today it’s off to the picturesque village of Kas, where whitewashed buildings covered in bougainvillea line cobbled streets. Check in, take a guided orientation walk and then explore at your leisure. The best places in town to swim are the waterfront restaurants that have private water access. The price of an occasional drink will get you a deck chair, umbrella and unbeatable views. In the evening watch the sunset over the sea, then perhaps explore the handicraft markets, where beautiful handmade wares with a distinctly Turkish flavour are on offer.
Day 8 Day 8: Kas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Kas

Drive to Kekova this morning and board a local boat for a relaxing cruise through a series of peaceful and picturesque islands, all with distinctive rock formations. Keep an eye out for an otherworldly sight – ancient ruins submerged in the crystal-clear water. Sail from large bays to beautiful protected inlets, where there is the chance to take a refreshing dip off the boat. Enjoy a homemade Turkish meal onboard prepared by the crew and later alight at the quaint village of Ucagiz, a township of stone houses drenched in colourful flowers. Return to Kas for the evening, where you will have free time to explore further or relax.
Day 9 Day 9: Istanbul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Istanbul

After breakfast, make the 3.5-hour drive to the airport where you will board a flight to Istanbul, touching down about 1.5-hours later, in the afternoon. You’ll have time to check into the hotel before partaking in a unique marbling workshop. Learn how to create artwork using traditional materials such as earth dyes, horse hair and rose branch brushes. Learn about the history and art of marbling, learning how to hold the brush, how to throw the paint and how to achieve the best results. Later, head out for an optional final dinner with your fellow family travellers to celebrate your whirlwind Turkish adventure.
Day 10 Day 10: Istanbul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Istanbul

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time following check out. If you would like to stay longer in Istanbul there is plenty to do with your family. See the European and Asian sides of the city and stock up on goodies from both on an afternoon food tour with Urban Adventures. Learn more at urbanadventures.com/istanbul-tour-Picnic-On-Two-Continents.

10 days tour

Turkey Family Holiday

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Turkey Family Holiday

Day 1: Istanbul

Day 2: Cappadocia

Day 3: Cappadocia

Day 4: Konya / Overnight Train

Day 5: Selcuk

Day 6: Pamukkale

Day 7: Kas

Day 8: Kas

Day 9: Istanbul

Day 10: Istanbul

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