We just returned from an unforgettable 10-day guided family tour through Türkiye (Turkey) with our two teenagers (ages 16 and 14). We booked the trip via GetYourGuide and it was operated by a local company called Euromarmara. From the moment we met our friendly driver ( The Captain ) and enthusiastic guide, we knew we were in good hands. This trip turned out to be a fantastic way to see so much of Türkiye’s history, culture, and natural beauty in a short time – all while keeping our kids engaged and happy.
Below is our day-by-day travel diary, with highlights, personal reflections, and practical tips from each destination we visited. If you’re planning to explore Türkiye with family, I hope our experiences help you prepare for your own adventure!
Day 1: Istanbul – Arrival and First Impressions
Our journey began in Istanbul, the vibrant city where East meets West. After a smooth flight, we arrived at Istanbul Airport and were greeted by a representative holding a sign with our name – a relief after a long journey with kids. Our guide introduced himself (with a warm smile and an impressive knowledge of Turkish history) and our driver helped load our bags into a comfortable, air-conditioned bus that would be our home on wheels for the next 10 days.
Driving into the city, we immediately felt the magic of Istanbul. Minarets and modern skyscrapers spiked the skyline in equal measure. That evening, despite some jet lag, we couldn’t resist taking a short stroll near our hotel. We wandered through Sultanahmet Square, where the illuminated Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque face each other in all their glowing glory. It was a surreal moment to finally stand between such iconic landmarks with my family.
Our kids, initially bleary-eyed from travel, lit up at the sight – our 16-year-old daughter couldn’t stop taking photos of the fountains and the ancient domes. We grabbed some Turkish ice cream (Maras dondurma) from a street vendor, much to the kids’ amusement as the vendor playfully teased them with the stretchy ice cream trick. After this sweet introduction to Istanbul, we headed back for a good night’s sleep, excited for what tomorrow would bring.
Day 2: Istanbul – Exploring the Old City and Beyond
Fully rested, we dove into Istanbul’s rich history and bustling life. In the morning, we joined a guided tour of the Old City. Walking through the massive doors of Hagia Sophia, we were awestruck by the soaring dome and the traces of gold mosaics peeking through aged walls. It’s amazing how this building seamlessly switched between a church and a mosque over the centuries.
Our guide’s stories about Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans really brought the past to life – even our 14-year-old son listened with interest (a minor miracle!). Right nearby, we visited the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). It was partially under restoration, but stepping inside still took our breath away with its cascading domes and blue İznik tile interior. We made sure to dress modestly and had scarves (provided at the entrance) to cover up as needed, a good lesson in respect for the kids.
After soaking in the history, it was time for some fun bargaining at the Grand Bazaar. The teenagers loved this maze of shops – our daughter eyed evil eye bracelets and colorful lanterns, while our son was drawn to stalls selling spices and exotic sweets. The cacophony of shopkeepers calling out “Hello, my friend!” and the scent of apple tea made it an unforgettable sensory experience. We practiced some haggling for souvenirs, guided by our tour guide’s tips to aim for about half the initial price.
In the afternoon, we had free time to explore on our own. We decided to venture beyond the touristic center using Istanbul’s public transport. Getting around was incredibly easy and safe. We bought an Istanbul Kart (the city’s rechargeable transit card) from a kiosk – one card works for all of us by re-tapping it for each person – and hopped on the modern tram. The teens found it cool how seamlessly old and new coexist in this city: one moment we’re outside the ancient Hagia Sophia, and minutes later we’re gliding over the Galata Bridge on a tram, watching fishermen line the railing and the Bosphorus sparkle in the sun.
We even rode the metro to the newer part of town to see Taksim Square and grabbed some tasty Turkish street food (simit bread rings and roasted chestnuts) along the way. By the end of Day 2, we had mastered the tram and felt pretty proud of ourselves. Istanbul’s public transport turned out to be efficient, family-friendly, and a great little adventure.
Day 3: Ankara – Journey to the Capital
After breakfast in Istanbul, we packed up and headed out by bus toward Ankara, Türkiye’s capital city. The drive was about five hours, but the scenery and a couple of well-timed stops made it enjoyable. Our guide knew exactly when everyone would need a break. Midway, we pulled into a roadside service area not just for fuel, but for a taste of local life. We had lunch at a family-run roadside restaurant where they served fresh gözleme (Turkish flatbread stuffed with spinach and cheese) and hot çay (tea) in tulip-shaped glasses. It beat any fast-food stop and gave the kids a chance to try something new; our son even declared gözleme his new favorite snack.
We reached Ankara by early afternoon. Compared to Istanbul’s chaos, Ankara felt more orderly and modern, but it holds great importance for Turkish people. Our first stop was the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, a fascinating place that houses artifacts from ancient cultures that once thrived in this region (Hittites, Phrygians, and more). We saw 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablets and stone carvings that left us all impressed – even the teens asked questions, especially about the spooky mummies in the exhibit! Our guide did a great job contextualizing everything, explaining how these ancient civilizations connect to the sites we’d see later on our trip.
Next, we visited Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (modern Turkey’s founding father). The mausoleum complex is massive and solemn. We walked up a long path flanked by lion statues to reach the monumental hall where Atatürk rests. As we stood in the quiet chamber, we felt the weight of history and national pride surrounding us. Our 16-year-old, who had studied a bit about World War I and the Ottoman Empire in school, seemed moved and asked our guide a lot of questions about Atatürk’s reforms. It was a proud moment for us as parents to see genuine curiosity sparked. By evening, we checked into our Ankara hotel for dinner and rest. The kids noted that Ankara’s night skyline, with its modern buildings and the lit-up Atakule Tower, felt surprisingly like a European capital. Tomorrow, we’d head into completely different terrain.
Day 4: Cappadocia – Underground Cities and Fairy Chimneys
We left Ankara early in the morning, and as we drove southeast, the landscape gradually changed from city scenes to wide open plains and then to otherworldly hills. On the way to Cappadocia, we made a stop that ended up being one of the coolest surprises for the kids (and us adults too): an ancient Underground City.
Cappadocia is famous for its vast underground cities, carved out hundreds of years ago by early Christians seeking refuge from invaders. We descended into a maze of tunnels and rooms chiseled from soft volcanic rock. Bending through narrow passageways and peeking into centuries-old living quarters deep underground was an adventure straight out of an Indiana Jones movie. The teens were equal parts spooked and fascinated as we turned off our flashlights to imagine what life was like down there. Our guide pointed out ingenious features like rolling stone doors and ventilation shafts that kept these multi-level hideouts habitable. It made history feel very real and tangible – my daughter remarked that this was “way cooler than history class!”
Back on the surface, we continued towards Cappadocia. We reached Göreme in the late afternoon and were immediately greeted by a panorama of strange, beautiful rock formations. Conical towers of stone, known as “fairy chimneys,” dotted the landscape. They looked like something from a fairy tale (hence the name) or an alien planet. We settled into our accommodation – a charming cave-style hotel built right into the rock. The novelty of sleeping in a cave room was not lost on the kids; they were ecstatic and spent a good hour exploring every nook and cranny of our family suite, exclaiming how cool it was.
That evening, we watched the sunset from a viewpoint in Uçhisar, near a high rocky outcrop riddled with caves (Uçhisar Castle). The sky turned orange and pink over the valleys filled with fairy chimneys. We felt like we were on another planet. For dinner, our guide arranged a meal at a local restaurant where we tried the famous testi kebab – a slow-cooked stew in a clay pot that’s dramatically cracked open at the table. The kids found the presentation awesome, and luckily, they loved the tender meat and veggies inside too. We went to bed that night in our cozy cave, feeling like the adventure had truly kicked into high gear.
Day 5: Cappadocia – Cave Churches and Balloons at Dawn
Cappadocia rewarded us for our early wake-up with a scene we’ll never forget. Before dawn, we dragged our sleepy teenagers out of bed (with promises of a surprise) and hiked a short way up a hill. As the sun began to rise, dozens of hot air balloons lifted off the ground across the horizon, their multicolored stripes and patterns glowing against the morning light. We didn’t ride in one (maybe next time!), but simply watching them float over the valleys and fairy chimneys was magical enough. Even our initially grumpy 14-year-old admitted it was “worth waking up for,” as he snapped photos to show his friends back home.
After breakfast, we set out to explore more of Cappadocia’s unique sites. First stop was the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This area is a collection of ancient rock-cut churches and monasteries dating back to the Byzantine era. We wandered among the cave chapels, ducking into small sanctuaries carved into rock faces. Inside, we found surprisingly vivid frescoes of biblical scenes painted on the walls and ceilings centuries ago. Our guide explained the symbolism and pointed out details like the figure of St. George slaying a dragon in one painting, which the kids thought was super cool (dragons always win points!). It was humbling to stand in these simple caves that once housed monks and worshippers, imagining them living and praying here over a thousand years past.
Next, we visited Devrent Valley, also nicknamed “Imagination Valley.” Here, the rock formations naturally resemble all sorts of shapes – we spotted one that looked like a camel, another like a dolphin, and the kids found one that, with a bit of silliness, they said looked like a dragon. We had fun as a family trying to identify as many funny shapes as we could; it was like cloud-watching but with rocks. Nearby, in Paşabağı (Monks Valley), we walked among some of the most striking fairy chimneys, which have multiple “caps” of harder rock on top, making them look like giant stone mushrooms. The kids pretended they were tiny villagers in a fantasy land, which gave us all a good laugh and some cute photos.
We also stopped by a local workshop where artisans demonstrated traditional Cappadocian crafts. We watched a potter shape clay on a kick-wheel, just as his ancestors have for generations. Our daughter even got to try her hand at the wheel, and though her clay pot collapsed, we all clapped and cheered at her effort. We learned about the region’s rug weaving and onyx stone carving too – our guide had arranged these stops not just as shopping breaks, but as cultural insights. It was actually fascinating to see how Turkish carpets are hand-knotted; our teens gained a new appreciation for the hours of work behind each rug (and we were grateful the staff weren’t overly pushy about sales).
By evening, we were tired but exhilarated by Cappadocia’s wonders. Back at the hotel, we sat on the terrace as a family, sipping sweet apple tea under a sky full of stars. The kids couldn’t stop talking about the day’s adventures – a sure sign that Cappadocia had cast its spell on them.
Day 6: Pamukkale – Thermal Terraces and Ancient Pools
We said goodbye to Cappadocia and hit the road westward. This was one of our longest drives, but our driver and guide kept it interesting with stories, Turkish music on the radio, and well-timed rest stops. Along the way, we visited the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a huge 13th-century stone inn where Silk Road travelers (and their camels) used to rest. Walking through its archway and echoey courtyard felt like stepping back into the days of caravans and sultans. Our guide explained how these caravanserais were safe havens in their time – a fascinating piece of living history along our modern highway route.
By afternoon, we reached the town of Pamukkale, and from a distance we could see what looked like a snow-white mountainside shimmering in the sun. As we got closer, the white cliffs revealed themselves as the famous thermal terraces of Pamukkale (whose name means “Cotton Castle”). We kicked off our shoes and spent the next couple of hours enjoying this natural wonder. Warm, mineral-rich water trickles down the mountainside, forming tiered pools in the white travertine rock. Walking barefoot on the terraces felt a bit like walking on a sponge – slightly rough but not painful – and the warm water was soothing on our travel-tired feet. The teens loved wading through the crystal blue pools, taking goofy photos that made it look like we were walking on clouds. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience: at one point, our son said he felt like we had entered a giant marshmallow world on another planet.
At the top of the terraces lie the ruins of the ancient city Hierapolis, so we got a dose of history along with our nature. We saw the remains of a grand Roman theater perched on a hillside and wandered among crumbling stone pillars and bathhouses. Our guide told us that Hierapolis was a Roman spa city, and people have been coming here for healing in these hot springs for over two millennia! We even took a quick dip in the Antique Pool (also called Cleopatra’s Pool) — a thermal swimming hole among fallen marble columns where, legend says, Cleopatra herself swam. The teens thought it was surreal to swim around submerged ancient ruins. (Tip: bring swimsuits in your day bag if you plan to swim; we almost forgot ours in our luggage, but thankfully our guide gave us a heads-up that morning.)
That evening, we watched the sunset over Pamukkale’s terraces, which turned golden in the fading light. We then settled in for the night at a hotel nearby. Another delicious Turkish dinner was waiting for us – the lentil soup and stuffed eggplants were a surprising hit with the kids. We went to bed feeling relaxed after our thermal adventure, with everyone excited for the ancient history awaiting us the next day.
Day 7: Ephesus & Izmir – Walking in Ancient Footsteps
We departed Pamukkale and headed for the Aegean coast. The drive to Ephesus took a few hours, but anticipation kept us buzzing – Ephesus is one of those legendary places we’d all read about in history class. To set the scene, we first stopped at the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred little stone house in the hills above Ephesus. According to tradition, the Apostle John brought the Virgin Mary to live out her final years here.
The house itself is small and humble, but the atmosphere is peaceful and reverent. We lit a candle inside and paused for a moment of quiet reflection. Outside, there’s a wishing wall where visitors leave prayer notes; our daughter wrote a wish (she wouldn’t show us, of course) and added it to the thousands of folded papers tucked into the wall. Whether one is religious or not, it was a touching place and a nice calm start before diving into the big ruins of Ephesus down the hill.
Arriving at the archaeological site of Ephesus, we felt like we were stepping straight into ancient Roman times. We walked down Marble Street, the main thoroughfare of this once-bustling city. Our teens were amazed to learn that around 250,000 people lived here two millennia ago. We explored the beautifully preserved ruins: the Odeon (a small theater for political meetings and concerts), the remains of the Temple of Hadrian with its detailed carvings, and even the public latrines (which prompted some giggles and “eww” from the kids when they learned people used to sit side-by-side!). The highlight, without a doubt, was the grand Library of Celsus. As we rounded a corner and its iconic two-story façade came into view, we all just gasped, “Wow!” The guide showed us how the columns create an optical illusion of being taller than they are, and we took turns posing for photos in front of this magnificent backdrop. It’s incredible to imagine that it once held nearly 12,000 scrolls and was one of the greatest libraries of the ancient world.
Continuing through Ephesus, we stood in the massive Great Theatre, which could seat about 25,000 people in its heyday. We climbed up a few rows of the stone bleachers (carefully, as they’re steep and worn) to appreciate the view. Our son tested the acoustics by clapping and was amazed that even a small sound carried all the way to where we were standing – those Roman engineers knew their stuff! By now the sun was high and the day was hot, so we made good use of our hats, sunscreen, and water bottles. After seeing the main sites, we also took a peek at the scant remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – today only a single column stands as a reminder).
By early afternoon, we were ready for a break. Conveniently, our tour included a stop at a nearby leather workshop. Honestly, we weren’t sure what to expect and the kids rolled their eyes at the idea of a “shopping stop,” but it turned out to be quite fun. They greeted us with cold drinks (apple tea for the kids, strong Turkish coffee for the adults), and then surprised us with a short fashion show of leather jackets! It was an unexpected bit of entertainment – our teenagers laughed and clapped, and to be fair, the jackets were gorgeous (we resisted buying, though the temptation was real). This was a clever way for everyone to rest in the air conditioning for a bit.
Afterwards, we continued on to the coastal city of Izmir, where we’d spend the night. Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, has a lovely seaside vibe. We arrived by early evening, just in time to catch a pastel-hued sunset over the Aegean Sea. We took a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade (the Kordon) as a family, enjoying the cool breeze and watching locals fishing and sipping tea at cafes. After days filled with ruins and history, Izmir’s modern, relaxed atmosphere was a nice change of pace. We had dinner at a seafood restaurant by the pier – the kids devoured fresh calamari and declared it the best meal of the trip. With the sea air in our lungs and tired but happy smiles on our faces, we settled into our hotel. Hard to believe we only had a couple of days left in this journey; time was flying by.
Day 8: Pergamon & Troy – Legends of Empires
Leaving Izmir, we drove north along the Aegean coast. Our first destination of the day was Pergamon (Bergama), an ancient Greek-Roman city perched atop a hill. Instead of hiking up, we took a short cable car ride to reach the acropolis of Pergamon, which the kids loved for the thrill and the sweeping views. Up on the summit, we explored the ruins of what was once a great center of learning and medicine. We visited the Asclepion of Pergamon, one of the earliest known medical centers in history. As we walked through the remains of treatment halls and a long underground tunnel (used for therapy sessions in complete darkness, as the ancients believed in the healing power of sleep and dreams), our guide described some of the treatments they did here – music therapy, herbal remedies, even psychological counseling. The idea of a health spa from 2,000 years ago fascinated our 16-year-old, who is interested in science. Meanwhile, our son was more intrigued by the theater ruins at Pergamon, famous for being one of the steepest ancient theaters in the world, clinging dramatically to the hillside. We carefully approached a viewpoint (not too close to the edge!) and looked down at the stage far below – it gave us all a few butterflies in the stomach.
After Pergamon, we continued our journey to a site of myth and legend: Troy. Just hearing the name Troy got our kids excited because they knew the story of the Trojan Horse (thanks to movies and school). The archaeological site of Troy isn’t as instantly eye-catching as some others – it takes a bit of imagination since what remains are mostly low stone walls and remnants of gates. But our guide did an excellent job as a storyteller, making the ruins come alive with tales of heroes like Achilles, Hector, and the cunning Odysseus. We saw portions of the ancient city walls and the supposed gates where, according to legend, the Greeks left their giant wooden horse trick. And speaking of horses, the visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing a Trojan Horse replica! Near the entrance stands a large wooden horse monument. Naturally, the teens (and, okay, us parents too) climbed up the ladder inside it to peek out of the little windows, play-acting for a moment as sneaky Greek soldiers. It was a cheesy touristy thing and we loved every second of it, snapping plenty of goofy photos.
One unexpected highlight was the connection we felt to history at Troy. It’s one thing to read Homer’s Iliad or watch the Troy movie, but standing on that very ground made us realize these legends were tied to a real place. We learned that Troy has multiple layers of cities built atop one another, spanning thousands of years. Our son found it mind-blowing that a place thought to be purely mythical for so long was discovered and proved to be real by archaeologists. By the end of our tour at Troy, I think all of us (including the kids) had a new appreciation for how history and myth intertwine.
After a full day of exploring, we headed to the coastal town of Çanakkale, where we stayed for the night. Çanakkale is right on the narrow strait of the Dardanelles, and from the waterfront we could see twinkling lights on the opposite shore of the Gallipoli peninsula. Over dinner that evening, our guide prepared us for the next day’s plan – we’d be crossing the Dardanelles by ferry in the morning. We went to bed in Çanakkale with the sea breeze coming through our window, grateful for the comfortable hotel beds and excited for the final leg of our journey.
Day 9: Gallipoli & Bursa – From Battlefields to the First Capital
We started Day 9 with a short ferry ride at dawn across the Dardanelles Strait, leaving Asia behind and landing on the European side in the Gallipoli peninsula. As an Australian, visiting ANZAC Cove on Gallipoli was a particularly poignant moment for me personally. This small cove and its quiet, pebbly beach belie the intense history of the World War I Gallipoli campaign of 1915.
We made a stop to pay our respects at the memorials, walking among the white gravestones of fallen soldiers. We paused to read some of the inscriptions – many of the troops were barely older than my own kids. I explained to our teens why this place is so significant, especially for Australians and New Zealanders, and how ANZAC Day is commemorated each year in memory of those who served. The site is beautifully kept and very solemn. Seeing my usually energetic 14-year-old stand silently and thoughtfully in front of a headstone was moving. It was a heavy but important visit, reminding us that travel isn’t just about fun; it’s also about understanding the sacrifices of those who came before us.
After that sobering experience, we drove eastward to the city of Bursa, nestled at the base of Mount Uludağ. Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, and it has a distinct historical charm. The mood lightened as we arrived in Bursa’s leafy city center, which was full of parks, markets, and early Ottoman architecture. We visited the famous Green Mausoleum (Yeşil Türbe), with its exterior clad in turquoise-green tiles, which houses the tomb of Sultan Mehmed I. Then we walked over to the Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque of Bursa). This mosque, built in 1399, has 20 domes and impressive calligraphy panels adorning its interior. Our guide pointed out the beautiful Arabic calligraphy and explained some basic customs of visiting a mosque (like removing our shoes and dressing modestly). The kids had never been inside such an old mosque before, and they were intrigued by how serene and welcoming it was, even with many people milling about.
Right next to the mosque is the Koza Han (Silk Bazaar), a historic caravanserai courtyard that’s been a center of the silk trade since Bursa’s Silk Road days. We took a break here, sitting under the shade of plane trees. While the teens savored some freshly squeezed pomegranate juice from a vendor, my husband and I browsed some stalls selling beautiful silk scarves. We ended up buying a lightweight turquoise scarf as a keepsake for our daughter (after her enthusiastic nod of approval). Our son, on the other hand, was more interested in the stall selling Turkish delight and assorted sweets – we all sampled a few (the double-roasted pistachio lokum was divine!) and picked up a box to take home for friends.
Bursa also happens to be the birthplace of the famous İskender kebab (thinly sliced lamb doner served over bread with tomato sauce and yogurt). Naturally, we had to try it for lunch at a local eatery. Let’s just say the kids practically licked their plates clean — it was that good. After our fantastic lunch and a little more exploring, it was time to head back to Istanbul, our final leg of the journey. The drive took a couple of hours; many of our tour companions dozed off (our teens included), but I spent the time gazing out at the window. I was already feeling nostalgic, mentally replaying the highlights of our trip and marveling at how much we’d seen in just over a week.
By evening, we arrived back in Istanbul, completing our big circle through Türkiye. We checked into our Istanbul hotel (the same one we started from, which now felt almost like home) for one last night. That evening, we shared a farewell dinner with our guide, driver, and the other families on our tour, exchanging stories about our favorite moments. Contact information and selfies were swapped — our teens had even bonded with another teenager on the tour, and they all added each other on Instagram to keep in touch. It was heartwarming to see how travel brings people together. We went to bed with mixed feelings: sad that the adventure was ending, but also content and grateful for all the experiences we’d had.
Day 10: Istanbul – Farewell to Türkiye
Our final morning was bittersweet. We savored our last Turkish breakfast (by now our kids were addicted to the fresh simit bread and olives) and took a final short walk around the neighborhood to soak in the sights and sounds of Istanbul one more time. Soon, our driver arrived to transfer us to the airport. We said our goodbyes to him and our guide, thanking them for making this trip so special and smooth. In just 10 days, we had experienced a lifetime’s worth of memories: from Istanbul’s bustling streets and grand mosques to Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes, Pamukkale’s natural pools, ancient cities like Ephesus and Troy, and the poignant history of Gallipoli and the Ottoman Empire’s early days.
On the flight home, our teens were surprisingly upbeat for the end of a vacation – they spent hours scrolling through photos and laughing about various moments (like when our guide taught them a funny Turkish phrase, or when a curious camel at Pamukkale tried to nibble on my hat). My husband and I reflected on how enriching and diverse the trip was. Doing it as a guided tour proved to be a great decision for us; we covered so much ground without the stress of logistics, and we learned far more than we likely would have on our own, thanks to our guide’s expertise. The variety in the itinerary kept all of us engaged – every day was different, which is perfect when traveling with easily bored teenagers!
This 10-day journey through Türkiye was truly a family adventure we’ll treasure forever. We came home with our minds opened, our hearts full, and (happily) our kids already asking, “Where are we going next?”
Top Tips for Families Traveling in Türkiye with Teens
Embrace the variety: Türkiye offers an incredible mix of experiences. From ancient ruins to natural pools to bustling bazaars, there’s something to capture everyone’s interest. Plan a mix of activities so teens (and parents) never get bored.
Guided tour benefits: A guided multi-city tour can be an stress-free way to see a lot in a short time. Our teens actually appreciated having a knowledgeable guide to answer their questions (and we appreciated not having to drive or navigate!). Look for family-friendly tours or operators known for engaging guides – it made a huge difference for us.
Pack for comfort: Bring good walking shoes, hats, and sunscreen. We walked a lot on uneven surfaces (cobblestones, ancient marble streets, hills in Cappadocia), so comfortable, sturdy shoes were essential to keep everyone happy. Also, mornings and evenings can be cool while afternoons are hot, so layering clothes helps.
Stay hydrated and snack smart: Long days outdoors and bus rides mean you should keep water and snacks handy. We stocked up on Turkish snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and of course some chocolate to keep everyone’s energy up. The local Turkish delight and baklava also make for fun treats to enjoy on the road (in moderation, lest the kids get a sugar rush!). Engage the teens: Involve your teenagers by letting them take photos, help with navigation, or read up on the next site so they feel part of the adventure. We found our kids stayed more engaged when they had roles – our daughter became the “trip photographer” and our son the “junior history buff” looking up facts on his phone (when Wi-Fi was available).
Use public transport in cities: Don’t be afraid to explore on your own during free time. Istanbul’s metro, trams, and ferries are efficient and safe. Grab an Istanbul Kart and let the teens figure out routes – it’s like a real-life puzzle and gives them a sense of accomplishment. Plus, it’s a great way to mingle with locals and see the city beyond the tourist spots.
Respect local customs: Teach teens a bit about local etiquette – like covering up when entering mosques, removing shoes where required, and asking before photographing people. Learning a few basic Turkish phrases (“merhaba” for hello, “teşekkürler” for thank you) goes a long way. Our kids loved practicing the few words they knew, and locals really appreciated the effort.
Be open to new foods: Traveling with picky eaters? Türkiye might surprise them. Encourage teens to try the wide variety of Turkish cuisine – from kebabs to lacmacun (Turkish pizza) to mezes (small appetizers) and Turkish desserts. Our rule was “try at least one bite” of everything. In the end, our fussy eater discovered he loved lamb kebabs and that yogurt sauce isn’t so bad! Capture memories (but live in the moment): We had our teens keep a small travel journal (or use a notes app) to jot down their favorite thing each day. It helped them reflect and also disconnect from social media a bit. Now they have a personal record of the trip, and we have some amusing notes to look back on (like our son’s entry: “Day 4 – I went 8 stories underground today, and it was awesome!”).
Expect the unexpected and have fun: Things won’t always go perfectly – you might have early wake-up calls, long drives, or sudden changes in weather. But we learned to go with the flow. Those moments often turned into family jokes or surprise highlights. Keeping a positive attitude (as parents) set the tone for the teens. And finally, don’t forget to have fun yourself – enthusiasm is contagious!
Happy travels – or as they say in Turkish, İyi yolculuklar! May your own family adventure in Türkiye be as rewarding and memory-filled as ours was.
A heartfelt thank you to GetYourGuide for helping us find and book this incredible tour, and to Euromarmara for delivering such a smooth and well-organised experience – from our friendly driver to our knowledgeable guide, we felt supported every step of the way. Huge thanks also to Turkish Airlines for getting us to Türkiye comfortably and on time, making the start and end of our journey stress-free.
For more details on the tour we took, you can check it out here on GetYourGuide (search “Turkey 10 Day Tour with Euromarmara”). To learn more about Turkish Airlines and their flight network, visit www.turkishairlines.com.
And if you’re a family planning a trip to Türkiye and want more travel inspiration, check out our other family adventures at melbournewithkidz.com or follow us on Instagram @MelbournewithKidz
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