Turkey for Families with Teens: Adventures and History

Turkey is a great trip for families with teens, because it mixes history with real adventure. Think of a football match in Istanbul, a balloon at dawn in Cappadocia, a tandem paraglide over Ölüdeniz and a first dive in Kaş. Also, teenagers stay curious when they choose part of each day. So plan mornings for the great sights and afternoons for something they will tell their friends about. In Cappadocia, our Cappadocia family tour keeps that pace.

Why is Turkey good for families with teens?

Turkey is good for families with teens because almost every region has an active side. In Istanbul, the city rewards curiosity, from the Basilica Cistern to the ferries between two continents. Then, in Cappadocia and on the coast, the adventures begin: valleys to ride through, beaches with paragliders landing on the sand and clear water for diving. Also, the food is easy to love, from street kebabs to fish sandwiches by the water.

What will teens enjoy in Istanbul?

In Istanbul, teens usually love the places that feel like an adventure. For example, the Basilica Cistern is a forest of columns rising from still water, and James Bond rowed through it in 1963. Then the Galata Tower gives them the whole city from above. For many teenagers, a football match is the highlight of the trip, because three great clubs share the city; see our Istanbul football match tour. Read our full guide to Istanbul with teenagers.

Which adventures suit families with teens in Turkey?

Several adventures suit families with teens, and none needs experience:

• Paragliding at Ölüdeniz: a licensed pilot flies the tandem wing from Babadağ, and you land on the beach; see Ölüdeniz paragliding.
• Riding in Cappadocia: on horseback, in an open jeep or on a quad bike behind a guide, through valleys of pink and red rock; see our Cappadocia ATV, jeep and horse riding.
• A balloon at dawn: the classic Cappadocia morning; read about our balloon flights.
• Diving in Kaş: a local dive center plans the dives by experience, from a first dive for beginners; see our Kaş diving day.
• Rafting near Side: a day on the turquoise river of Köprülü Canyon.

Which history will teens remember?

Teens remember the history they can walk into, so start underground. Under Derinkuyu in Cappadocia, rooms and tunnels reach about 85 meters (279 feet) down, and families once hid there for weeks. At Ephesus, the public latrines, a long row of marble seats, are always a favorite. Also, at Troy, there is a climbable wooden horse near the site entrance, and the horse from the 2004 film stands on the Çanakkale waterfront. Our Troy tour from Istanbul gets you there and back in a day.

How do you plan Turkey with teens?

Plan Turkey with teens around three regions, with one adventure in each: Istanbul, Cappadocia and the coast. Give them a say in the afternoons, and keep at least one slow day by the sea. For younger children, read Turkey with kids, and see our family journey. Our family travel service plans the guides and the pace for every age.

Would you like a family trip that your teenagers will talk about for years? Tell us their interests and your dates, and we will plan the adventures and the history around them.