The November school holidays are just around the corner, and for many families in Singapore, it’s the perfect time for a break and to relax. You could do a staycation or a short trip nearby, but what if you’re looking for something more? A trip that mixes history, amazing landscapes, and great food?

The answer to all these questions is Turkey.

It’s one of those places that seems to have a bit of everything. You’ve got ancient cities, strange and beautiful natural wonders, and markets and bazaars full of energy. It’s a trip that can keep both kids and adults interested, which isn't always easy to manage.

In this guide we will walk you through why a Turkey tour could be the perfect fit for your family during these November school holidays. We'll cover some of the best spots and what makes them special.

What makes Turkey a good family trip?

Turkey has everything- history, nature and fun activities that can keep both kids and adults engaged. In the morning, you can visit old ruins and markets and in the afternoon, you can relax by beautiful natural pools and beaches.

This means that your kids can have fun while learning at the same time. You can see history in locations like the huge mosques in Istanbul and the old Roman city of Hierapolis. Then there are the sights, like Cappadocia's "fairy chimneys" that look like they're from another world, or white travertines of Pammukale over which you can walk in shallow water pools.

For food options, if your family are meat lovers, then Turkey is famous for its different varieties of kebabs that are available in every city. And if they prefer vegetarian food, they won’t miss out on Turkey’s delicious cuisine with their famous Mezze spreads and street food options such as simit rings to gözleme.

What is there to see in Istanbul?

Istanbul is probably where your journey will begin. It’s a city that’s truly alive with history. You can feel the centuries of stories just by walking around. Some of the most famous and must-visit spots which also very highly rated from our clients include:

You can start exploring Hagia Sophia, a building that carries centuries of history, having been a church, a mosque, a museum, and now a mosque again. Right across, stands the Blue Mosque, another masterpiece of the city. From the outside, its domes and minarets leaves everyone in awe, but it’s the thousands of delicate blue tiles inside that amaze every visitor.

For a change of pace, wander through the Grand Bazaar, lined with a maze of alleys filled with hundreds of shops selling carpets, lanterns, spices, and sweets. To see the city from another angle, a Bosphorus cruise is a must, offering views of palaces, fortresses, and mansions along the waterfront, whether you choose a day, evening, or night sailing.

Planning all these Istanbul tours can feel a bit overwhelming, especially with kids who keep telling you not to plan boring activities. It takes time to decide what to see and in what order, which is why Fayyaz Travels can help manage your itinerary so you can balance sightseeing with time for relaxation.

Is Pamukkale worth visiting in Turkey?

You've probably seen pictures of Pamukkale. It's that famous hillside covered in white terraces filled with bright blue water. It's a natural wonder, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the mountain.

This is a widely famous spot for families and children because you can walk (barefoot) in the shallow pools. The water is warm, and the whole place feels surreal. Plus the pictures of the view are amazing for those turkey highlights that you’ll be posting on Instagram.

What to do in Cappadocia with family?

Cappadocia is another one of Turkey's unique landscapes. The region is famous for its 'fairy chimneys', which are tall, cone-shaped rock formations. Hot air ballooning is the most famous activity here, and the sight of hundreds of balloons floating at sunrise is unforgettable. Many couples wake up early, bring along a photographer just to capture that unbelievable backdrop of hot-air balloons floating in the sky.

But if hot-air balloons aren't your thing, you can always explore other options in Cappadocia, like wandering through underground cities that were carved to hide from invaders. Its size and ingenuity still amazes visitors. Or you can actually stay in hotels that are built into caves, which is an experience that your kids will find really cool.

Families often gather on terraces to sip tea or hot chocolate while soaking up the peaceful views. In the nearby town of Avanos, pottery making is a tradition you can try yourself. Sitting at the wheel is fun for kids and adults but be vary that it may take three to four lopsided pots before you can make something worth saving in your phone gallery.

Is there vegetarian food in Turkey?

Turkey often gets its praise for its various types of kebabs, but honestly, the vegetarian side of the cuisine is just as strong. Mezze spreads are meals on their own that consist of hummus, stuffed vine leaves, smoky eggplant dips, and piles of fresh bread. Street food is another win, from simit rings to gözleme filled with spinach and cheese. Ask for 'etsiz' (without meat) or look for dishes on the 'Mezeler' (appetiser) menu.

Street food is another highlight. Look for ‘simit’, which are bread rings covered in sesame seeds, or ‘gözleme’, a thin pastry filled with things like spinach and cheese. If you want to be sure a dish has no meat, just ask for 'etsiz'.

How to plan a Turkey tour from Singapore?

Turkey offers an amazing mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. It’s a destination that can create lasting memories for your family during the November school holidays. Organising a family trip sounds fun until you find yourself opening hundreds of tabs to search for the best hotels with filters for the best location and reasonable prices, and you’re also searching for the best flight with timings that suit you and prices that are affordable.

Not to mention the hassle of finding activities and booking tours for your family, which can range from arranging a hot-air balloon ride to sorting out transport, whether it’s a bus to Pamukkale or a cab within Cappadocia.

That’s the part Fayyaz Travels takes off your plate. We offer Turkey tour packages from Singapore that cover these highlights and more. Whether you want a ready-made plan or something custom-built for your family, we’ll get it done. Contact our expert travel consultancy team today.

FAQs

How is the culture of Turkey?

Turkey is generally a Muslim majority country, but it’s quite modern in the main tourist areas. When visiting mosques, women should cover their heads, and everyone should dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. It's a simple sign of respect.

How do we find family-friendly hotels?

Many hotels in the tourist areas cater to families. Booking them can be a bit of a hassle, though, especially finding rooms with the right setup. If you're finding it tricky, Fayyaz Travels can help book hotels with your favourite views and locations.

How to travel to Cappadocia?

The best option is to take a flight directly to Nevşehir Airport and then take a bus from there to Göreme. Overnight buses from Istanbul, Ankara, or Antalya are another option, but they take much longer and can be tiring, especially if you’re travelling with kids.

Is Turkey child-friendly?

Yes, Turkey is very child-friendly due to its family-oriented culture, a lot of family-friendly attractions like beaches and historical sites, though we still recommend some planning beforehand.