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Experience history coming to life on a nine-day family adventure from the coast of Antalya to the diverse city of Istanbul. Spend a day sailing on the Mediterranean coast with a boat trip in Kas, take a history lesson outside of the classroom with a local guide in the ancient city of Ephesus and visit the ruins of Troy and Gallipoli. Finish your adventure in Istanbul with a free day to explore at your own pace and a local leader to lean on for the best recommendations and the inside scoop.
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CharlotteMerhaba! Welcome to Turkey. Your family adventure begins in Antalya where you’ll meet your leader and new travel buddies for a welcome meeting at 5 pm. If you arrive early, maybe head out and start exploring this coastal city – the capital of the Turkish Mediterranean – with its cobblestone streets, historic Old City, marina and the Taurus Mountains framing the city. After your meeting tonight, join your group for a dinner and tuck into some Turkish cuisine and friendly conversations as you kick off your adventure in Turkey.
Say goodbye to Antalya this morning and head to the whitewashed town of Kas. When you get there, check into your hotel then take an orientation walk with your group through this seaside village. The afternoon is free for you explore at your own pace – why not head to one of the waterfront restaurants for sunset, visit the beach or explore the handicraft markets for handmade souvenirs.
Today, you’ll sail in the Mediterranean Sea! Jump in a boat and sail along the Turkish coast for the day, discovering the mysterious sunken ruins of an ancient Lycian city, exploring rock tombs, swimming in crystal-clear waters and cruising along the coastline. After a day of swimming and soaking up the sun, sit down for a homemade lunch made by your hosts. Then, head back to Kas for a free evening.
Travel inland to Pamukkale this morning, which literally translates to ‘cotton castle’. Here, spectacular hot springs with high calcium content cascade over the edge of cliffs and create bright white terraces, or ‘cotton’. Why not take a dip and snap some pics – these springs have been used as a spa since 200 BC, and its waters are said to have healing properties. Take a walk in the ancient city of Hierapolis and check out the ruins of the city – Hierapolis is known for its abundance of temples and religious structures, and the amphitheatre shouldn’t be missed. After your visit, continue to Selcuk for the evening.
This morning, take a trip to the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the world’s best preserved Greco-Roman classical cities – and bring your kids on a history lesson outside of the classroom. Once the capital of Roman Asia Minor, Ephesus has a fascinating history that comes alive with a local guide to show you around. The ruins are in great shape and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory over 2000 years ago with running water, public toilets, a medical institute and Roman baths. After, you’ll be treated to a gozleme lunch (Turkish stuffed turnover) demonstrated by the local ladies and the rest of the day to enjoy at your own leisure. Maybe take a swim in the pool, rest on the beach or visit what’s left of the Temple of Artemis.
This morning, drive to the ancient city of Troy. Explore the ruins with your leader, snap a photo with the replica Trojan Horse and learn about how this place has confounded historians and archaeologists for centuries. Dive into ancient history and mythical heroes that will have your kids on the edge of their seat as they learn about the famed walled city that was infiltrated by the Greeks. Explore the ancient walls, climb around the 4500-year-old ruins and look out across the Troad (the Plains of Troy) toward the Dardanelles and the hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Head to Istanbul today and on the way, stop for a guided tour of Gallipoli to learn about significant events that took place during WWI. Get ready for another history lesson as your guide takes you to the ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and the ANZAC Commemorative Site. Learn about the significant events and history embedded in this area before making your way to the diverse city of Istanbul.
Spend a free day exploring Istanbul at your own leisure – the only city in the world to straddle two continents. Maybe get out into the streets and wander around or go on the hunt for a doner kebab and some authentic Turkish delight. You may consider taking a day trip to Princes’ Islands or ask your leader for recommendations on where to do a hands-on marble painting class, also called Erbu. A great activity for kids, you can create your own painting to bring home as a special souvenir. Tonight, meet back up with your group for a farewell dinner to toast the end of your family adventure together.
Your Turkey adventure comes to an end after breakfast and there are no activities planned. If you’d like to spend more time in Istanbul, we’re happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability) - just speak to your booking agent.
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 2. CHILD AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old however please read through the itinerary carefully to ensure this trip is the right fit for your family. 3. CHILD PRICE: Children aged 17 years and under at time of travel on this trip, are eligible to receive 20% off the full adult price. 4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room to themselves. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
CLOTHING, CLIMATE & EQUIPMENT: Please note that Turkey can have extreme weather! Winter (approx. November to February) can be very cold. Not all of our hotels have heating so consider bringing thermals, scarf, gloves and a warm jacket for travel in this period. Summer (approx. June to August) can be very hot. Not all our hotels have air conditioning, and in those that do, it is not always functioning. You and your family should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 15minutes). Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are also convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip. • Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids. • Daypack • Insect repellent • Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses • Warm clothes including hat and gloves - When travelling in cooler climates • Wind and waterproof rain jacket • Toiletries/travel wipes • Closed in, comfortable walking shoes. • Swimwear * A laundry service may be available in some hotels, but we recommend taking biodegradable travel detergent clothes can be washed as you wish. WATER BOTTLE: Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.TECHNOLOGY With the modern world you may want to bring along tablets of smartphones for the children to document their adventure - there are a wide variety of apps out there which we suggest downloading before you depart. There will be opportunities to charge ( just make sure you bring the correct adapter) and there will be wi-fi available on your trip, although it will probably not be at the speeds you are used to at home and it won't be available everywhere.
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