Traveling with children calls for a different kind of itinerary: reasonable distances, activities that hold young children's attention, and time to rest between outings. That is why we designed this 10-day Turkey itinerary for families to bring together the best of Istanbul and the nature close to it, then Turkey's Black Sea region with its greenery and lakes, without turning into an exhausting race. You can use it as it is, or adjust it to your children's ages and your travel season.
Why is Turkey a good fit for families?
- Relatively short flights from most Arab cities, and quick domestic flights between cities.
- Halal food is available almost everywhere, along with restaurants that suit children's tastes.
- Great variety: museums, parks, aquariums and amusement parks, then lakes, forests and snow.
- Family-friendly places to stay: two-bedroom aparthotels, connecting suites, and villas with a private pool in Trabzon and Sapanca.
- Easy getting around by private car with an English-speaking driver, which makes things much easier for the family.
10-day Turkey itinerary for families, day by day
| Day | City | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Istanbul | Arrival and airport pickup, rest at the hotel, and a short evening stroll |
| 2 | Istanbul | Sultanahmet: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Gülhane Park, then the Grand Bazaar |
| 3 | Istanbul | A Bosphorus boat tour, then a day for the kids: an aquarium or Miniatürk Park |
| 4 | Sapanca | Lake Sapanca, Maşukiye village and its waterfalls, and the Kartepe cable car, then back in the evening |
| 5 | Bursa | The ferry to Bursa, the Uludağ cable car, the ancient plane tree and the bazaars |
| 6 | Trabzon | Fly to Trabzon, take a break, then a light tour of the city and Boztepe Hill |
| 7 | Uzungöl | A full day in Uzungöl: the lake, horse farms, and tea and honey shops |
| 8 | Ayder or Sümela | Ayder Plateau and its waterfalls, or Sümela Monastery and Hamsiköy village, famous for its dessert |
| 9 | Istanbul | Back to Istanbul, and a shopping day at one of the big malls |
| 10 | Istanbul | Transfer to the airport |
You can also take a look at the 10-day Istanbul and Trabzon itinerary, or at the longer 12-day Turkey itinerary for families if you want a calmer pace.
Day details and why we ordered them this way
The first days in Istanbul
We started with Istanbul because children are at their most energetic at the start of the trip, and the historic sights call for walking. We also separated the sightseeing day from the sea-and-kids day so the little ones don't get bored. You will find the details in our Istanbul travel guide.
Sapanca and Bursa
Two day trips from Istanbul give the family nature and fresh air. In winter, Uludağ is a wonderful place to play in the snow, and in summer the weather at the top is much milder than in the city.
Turkey's Black Sea region
The flight to Trabzon takes about two hours and saves you a very long road journey. We suggest staying in or near Trabzon, with day trips to Uzungöl and Ayder. Read more about tourism in Trabzon.
A winter version of the itinerary
If your vacation falls between December and March, we suggest adjusting the itinerary to feel more like a snow trip: two extra days in Bursa with an overnight stay near Mount Uludağ for playing in the snow or beginner skiing, and a day in Sapanca and Kartepe, while cutting back the days in Turkey's Black Sea region or replacing them with snow-covered Uzungöl if the roads allow. Daylight hours are short in winter, so start your outings early and bring waterproof clothing for the children and suitable snow boots.
What does a typical day with children look like?
- A relaxed breakfast at the hotel, then set off around 9 a.m.
- One main activity before noon, when the children are at their best.
- An early lunch at a restaurant with space to play or an open view.
- A light activity in the afternoon, such as a park, a stroll by the lake or a ferry ride.
- Back at the hotel before sunset so the little ones can rest, then a short outing for dinner for those who feel like it.
This rhythm makes the trip enjoyable for everyone and reduces the tiredness and stress that spoil so many family vacations.
What affects the cost of a family trip?
We don't give a fixed figure because the cost changes with the season, the number of people and the type of accommodation. The main factors are: the number of rooms or the size of the apartment, the size of the car you need, the number of domestic flights, and activity and entry tickets, which are usually paid separately. The cost per person usually drops as the group gets larger, because the car and driver are priced per car, not per person.
Activities children love in Turkey
- The big aquariums in Istanbul, which are good for rainy days.
- Miniatürk Park: miniature models of Turkey's most famous landmarks that young children learn from and enjoy.
- The big amusement parks in Istanbul, for a day full of excitement.
- A ferry ride on the Bosphorus and feeding the seagulls, a simple experience children remember for a long time.
- Princes' Islands: cycling and walking with no cars.
- Playing in the snow on Uludağ in winter, or taking the cable car in summer.
- Horse farms in Uzungöl, and walks around the lake.
Some activities, such as ATVs and zip lines, have age requirements, so ask about them before booking.
Where should a family stay?
| City | Suggested type of accommodation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | An aparthotel or connecting suites in a central area | More space and a small kitchen for children's meals |
| Sapanca | A bungalow or villa with a private pool (optional) | Privacy and room to play |
| Trabzon | A family hotel or a villa with nature views | A comfortable base for day trips |
| Uzungöl | A cabin or a lakeside hotel for one night | An unforgettable experience, but large rooms are limited |
We recommend the right option for the size of your family through our hotel and aparthotel booking service.
Getting around with children
A private car with an English-speaking driver is the most comfortable option for families, especially vans that seat seven or more people with luggage. Request child seats in advance if you need them, and plan a stop every two hours on long drives. In Istanbul, you can use the tram and ferries on some days for a different experience that little ones love.
Practical tips for families
- A passport for each child: check that it is valid long enough, and check the entry requirements for your nationality.
- A rest day or half day: leave some free time every three or four days.
- Layered clothing: The weather in Turkey's Black Sea region is changeable and sometimes rainy, even in summer.
- A small medicine kit: Pharmacies are easy to find in Turkish cities.
- A lightweight stroller: Useful in the cities, but some alleys and sights have a lot of steps.
- Book summer early: Gulf school holidays begin in late June, and family villas get booked quickly.
What should you pack in the children's bag?
- Layered clothing, a rain-resistant jacket for Turkey's Black Sea region, and snow clothing in winter.
- Your children's usual medicines with their prescriptions, a fever reducer, and plasters for minor cuts.
- Small toys or books for the road, and headphones for tablets on long journeys.
- Snacks your children like, although alternatives are available everywhere.
- Copies of passports saved on your phone and in your email.
Adjust the itinerary to your family
Are your children very young? We cut down on transfers and add more nights in Sapanca. Are you traveling in winter? We add a snow day on Uludağ and shorten the Black Sea leg. Do you prefer the sea? We replace Trabzon with Antalya. We also recommend booking your flights together with the itinerary so the timings are coordinated precisely.
Send us the number of family members, the children's ages and your travel date on WhatsApp, and we will send you a detailed itinerary that suits you.
