As a family of six — father, mother, one teenager, one young child, and grandparents — finding a destination that everyone would enjoy was no small task. We dreamed of a place where each of us could create unforgettable memories, and Turkey had always been at the top of our travel bucket list.
My teenage daughter has been obsessed with Turkish series for years and couldn’t wait to see Cappadocia’s magical landscapes in real life and, of course, capture those stunning photos to share on Instagram. My young son loves the water and outdoor adventures.
My parents adore scenic views and animals, and what better country than Turkey, where cats practically rule the streets? My wife is a history lover, fascinated by ancient ruins and timeless stories. As for me, I’ve always been fascinated by culture, and meeting new people.
Still, planning the perfect family trip isn’t easy, you want comfort, excitement, and a little something for everyone. While searching for the perfect travel agency, we discovered the Turkey tours by Memphis Tours, and from that moment, everything fell into place. The trip was even more magical than we had imagined.
Planning Phase
I had so many concerns when planning this trip, from choosing the right accommodations and booking flights to organizing transfers, especially when traveling with children and elderly parents. That’s when Memphis Tours made everything easier. I reached out to them and they replied quickly. It was one of the tour operators who recommended the Turkey Trip Package, a 10-day itinerary that allowed us to explore the country at our own pace while visiting some of Turkey’s most iconic destinations like Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and more!
The planning phase turned out to be surprisingly smooth. I must have asked countless questions, yet the representative handled every one of them with remarkable patience and professionalism. Memphis Tours ensured that every detail was taken care of — proving that with the right team, planning a family adventure can truly be stress-free.
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Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
After a long but exciting flight, we finally landed at Istanbul Airport, located on the European side of the city. We were greeted by a friendly English-speaking Memphis Tours driver, holding a sign with the Memphis Tours name and welcoming us with a big smile. On the way to our hotel, he mentioned that our stay, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Pera, was conveniently located within walking distance of the famous Istiklal Avenue — one of Istanbul’s most vibrant streets.
After checking in and taking some time to rest from the journey, we realized how incredible the hotel’s location was !! Curiosity got the best of us, so we decided to take a short evening walk to nearby Istiklal Avenue. The lively atmosphere, street music, and glowing lights instantly made us fall in love with the city.
Day 2: Falling in Love with Istanbul
We started our morning with a rich Turkish breakfast at the hotel — fresh simit, olives, cheeses, and warm menemen overlooking the Golden Horn. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a big day ahead!
Our Package included a group tour with an English-speaking guide who was both knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. Our first stop was the legendary Hagia Sophia, a place we had all been eager to see in person. Standing beneath its grand dome felt surreal! Next, we explored the majestic Topkapi Palace and admired the intricate beauty of the Blue Mosque.
After a delicious lunch break, we had time to relax, take some photos, and chat with other travelers in the group. The afternoon continued with a visit to The Hippodrome, followed by a lively stop at the Grand Bazaar, where we couldn’t resist buying some souvenirs to remember the day.
It was a full day, but Memphis Tours made every detail seamless, turning what could have been exhausting into something truly magical.
Day 3: Cruising Between Two Continents
Our journey through Istanbul didn’t stop there, this city had even more magic waiting for us. We began the morning at the Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s oldest and most colorful markets. Arriving early turned out to be the best decision to avoid the crowd. My mom was in heaven, filling her bags with different spices and teas to take home.
Next came one of the highlights of our trip — the Bosphorus Cruise. The kids could hardly contain their excitement, especially knowing that Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents. As we sailed along the blue waters of the Bosphorus, the cool breeze and breathtaking views of the Dolmabahçe Palace and Çırağan Palace made us feel like we were living inside a postcard.
After disembarking, our adventure continued through the historic neighborhoods of Fener and Balat — two of Istanbul’s most charming areas, full of colorful houses, narrow streets, and, of course, cats everywhere! Our guide brought history to life as we explored landmarks like the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St. Stephen, a stunning structure made entirely of cast iron.
We ended the day at the Pierre Loti Café, a peaceful spot with panoramic views of the Golden Horn. Sitting there, sipping Turkish tea while watching the sunset, we all agreed — Istanbul had already stolen our hearts.
Day 4: Off to the Land of Dreams: Cappadocia
We said goodbye to Istanbul and began the next chapter of our Turkish adventure — Cappadocia! After checking out, our Memphis Tours driver took us to the airport for a smooth flight to Kayseri. From there, it was about an hour’s drive to the heart of Cappadocia, where our luggage was safely stored so we could start exploring right away.
And what can I say? Cappadocia is a dream — those fairy chimneys, cave hotels, and skies full of balloons are even more magical in person. Our guide shared how the landscape was shaped by ancient volcanoes, which made every stop even more fascinating.
We started at Devrent Valley, where the rock formations sparked a fun guessing game with the kids, then walked among the fairy chimneys of Pasabagi (Monk’s Valley). In Avanos, we had lunch by the Red River and watched artisans craft pottery by hand, such a beautiful glimpse of Turkish tradition. Finally, we explored the Göreme Open-Air Museum and ended at Uçhisar Castle, soaking in the view as the sun set over this incredible landscape. Later, we were comfortably transferred to our hotel for check-in.
Day 5: Another Perfect Day in Cappadocia
Waking up in Cappadocia felt like a dream. From our hotel, Dere Suites, we watched the sunrise as colorful hot air balloons filled the sky, a view we’ll never forget. After a delicious Turkish breakfast with this magical backdrop, we set out to explore.
We began at the Red Valley, glowing beautifully under the morning sun, then continued to the Valley of Love, known for its unique fairy chimneys. Our journey took us deep underground to Serhatli (Özkonak) Underground City, where early Christians once found refuge, an experience that truly amazed us.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we visited Çavuşin village with its cave houses and sweeping views, followed by Uçhisar Castle, the perfect spot for photos. We ended the day learning about traditional crafts at a carpet and onyx workshop before returning to our hotel.
Day 6: Back to the Coast: Arrival in Kusadasi
After breakfast, we said goodbye to Cappadocia and headed to Kayseri Airport for our flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, our friendly driver from Memphis Tours greeted us and took us to our hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 7: Walking Through the Cotton Castle — Pamukkale
Today, we set off to explore one of the most incredible natural wonders in Turkey — Pamukkale! I’d seen photos before, but seeing it in person was something else entirely. The white terraces looked like they were made of clouds, and the warm thermal pools shimmered in the sunlight — it honestly felt like walking through a dream.
We learned that “Pamukkale” actually means cotton castle in Turkish, which made perfect sense once we saw it. You have to take off your shoes to walk on the limestone so it doesn’t get damaged, and though only a few pools are open for swimming, it was still such a magical experience.
What surprised us the most was discovering that there’s an entire ancient city right behind the pools! Hierapolis, also called the “Holy City,” was massive, we wandered through old Roman streets, saw the ancient theater, and even spotted the ruins of temples. Our guide told us that from the top, you can see all the way to Denizli, about 20 kilometers away — and it’s true! By the time we got back to our hotel in Kusadasi, we were exhausted but so happy.
Day 8: Ephesus & Back to Istanbul
After breakfast, we set out to explore the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015 — and what a day it turned out to be! My wife was absolutely thrilled; she’s always been fascinated by ancient ruins, and seeing the Library of Celsus, the grand theater, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, left her in awe.
We also stopped by the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John, both filled with peace and history. To wrap up the day on a lighter note, we attended a Turkish leather fashion show — my son couldn’t stop smiling watching the models walk the runway in style! It was the perfect mix of history, culture, and fun before flying back to Istanbul for the night.
“I could stay here all day, this place makes every history book I’ve ever read come to life!” Emily - USA
Day 9–10: A Heartfelt Goodbye to Turkey
Our ninth day in Turkey was all about slowing down and soaking in the last bits of Istanbul’s magic. With no scheduled tours, we spent the day exploring the city at our own pace, wandering through local shops, sipping Turkish coffee, and picking out souvenirs and gifts for our family back home.
Then came Day 10 — our farewell day. After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and made our way to the airport. As we looked back on the incredible memories, one thing was certain: this wasn’t goodbye, just a ‘see you again soon.’
Our Accommodation choices in Turkey
Memphis Tours offered us several accommodation plans to choose from, each with different price ranges, which made it easy for us to compare and pick what suited our family best. Our tour operator was incredibly helpful, patiently guiding us through the options to make sure we got the most comfort and the best views. Since I wanted this trip to be truly special for my family — filled with relaxation and 5-star experiences — we went with these amazing hotels:
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Pera
- Dere Suites Cappadocia
- and Charisma De Luxe Hotel in Kusadasi
Practical Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
We traveled in July, which is definitely part of the busy season. The weather was warm and sunny — perfect for exploring — but the popular sites could get crowded. Still, our guide handled everything so smoothly that we never felt rushed. If I could choose again, I’d probably visit in May or September, when it’s less crowded but still has amazing weather.
What to Pack
Pack light and comfortable clothes, especially breathable fabrics for the summer heat. A good pair of walking shoes is a must, you’ll thank yourself later when exploring places like Ephesus! Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for those sunny days, and a scarf or modest outfit — women will need them to enter religious sites such as mosques. Also, keep in mind that Turkey uses plug type F and C, so bringing a universal travel adapter will definitely come in handy.
What I’d Do Differently
If I could change one thing about our trip, it would be the schedule on the day we visited Ephesus. It was such an incredible experience, but it was also a long and tiring day, especially with kids and my parents. After all that walking, we still had to catch an evening flight back to Istanbul. If I could go back, I’d spend one more night in Kusadasi and travel to Istanbul the next morning instead, it would’ve made the day more relaxing and enjoyable.
What I’d Do Again
I’d absolutely travel with Memphis Tours again. Everything was thoughtfully organized, and their team went above and beyond to make our experience seamless. Plus, with their Encore Rewards program, it just gives us one more reason to start planning our next adventure!
My story turned out to be a bit long, I know! But hey, you don’t travel to dreamy destinations like Turkey every day, especially when your trip is this well-planned. Traveling with Memphis Tours made all the difference, from the thoughtful itinerary to the helpful guides, everything ran so smoothly that all we had to do was enjoy every moment. I definitely recommend checking out the other tours they offer!