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Honeymoon Itinerary: Istanbul & Ankara

Saturday, December 9: Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! Start your honeymoon by exploring the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood in the morning. Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia and admire its breathtaking architecture. In the afternoon, take a leisurely boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait, enjoying the beautiful views of the city. As the evening sets in, indulge in a romantic dinner at a rooftop restaurant, savoring delicious Turkish cuisine.

  • Hagia Sophia: Entrance fee: $15, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Bosphorus Boat Ride: Price: $20 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Rooftop Restaurant: Estimated cost: $50 per person, Time spent: 2 hours
Sunday, December 10: Exploring Istanbul

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Istanbul in the morning by visiting the Grand Bazaar, a bustling marketplace offering a wide array of goods. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, and explore its stunning gardens and intricate architecture. In the evening, relax at a traditional Turkish hammam, indulging in a rejuvenating spa experience.

  • Grand Bazaar: Free entry, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Topkapi Palace: Entrance fee: $10, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Turkish Hammam: Price: $50 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Monday, December 11: Istanbul to Ankara

In the morning, bid farewell to Istanbul and catch a domestic flight to Ankara. Once in Ankara, head to the Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. Explore the museum and learn about Turkish history. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which displays artifacts from various ancient civilizations of Anatolia. Enjoy a romantic evening walk at Gençlik Park, a popular park with beautiful scenery and a fairground.

  • Anitkabir: Entrance fee: $5, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: Entrance fee: $8, Time spent: 2 hours
  • Gençlik Park: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 12: Ankara Exploration

Spend the morning exploring the historic Citadel of Ankara, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo, a peaceful retreat with lush greenery and a variety of animals. As the evening approaches, savor a romantic dinner at a local restaurant, trying out delicious Turkish delicacies.

  • Citadel of Ankara: Free entry, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo: Entrance fee: $10, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Local Restaurant: Estimated cost: $40 per person, Time spent: 2 hours
Wednesday, December 13: Ankara to Istanbul

Travel back to Istanbul from Ankara in the morning. Upon arrival, visit the colorful Spice Bazaar, where you can find various spices, sweets, and souvenirs. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise on the Golden Horn, a natural harbor, and enjoy the picturesque views of Istanbul. In the evening, experience the vibrant nightlife of Beyoglu district, known for its trendy bars and live music venues.

  • Spice Bazaar: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Golden Horn Cruise: Price: $25 per person, Time spent: 2 hours
  • Beyoglu District: Free entry, Time spent: Evening
Thursday, December 14: Istanbul Exploration

Discover the wonders of the Blue Mosque in the morning, known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant neighborhood of Beyoglu, including the famous Istiklal Street, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. As the evening sets in, indulge in a romantic Turkish bath experience, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

  • Blue Mosque: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Beyoglu & Istiklal Street: Free entry, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Turkish Bath: Price: $60 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Friday, December 15: Farewell to Istanbul

On your last day, visit the breathtaking Topkapi Palace in the morning, exploring its impressive collections and enjoying the picturesque views. In the afternoon, take a romantic boat ride along the Princes' Islands, a group of charming islands near Istanbul. As the evening approaches, savor a final dinner at a waterfront restaurant, bidding farewell to Istanbul and your honeymoon.

  • Topkapi Palace: Entrance fee: $10, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Princes' Islands Boat Ride: Price: $30 per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Waterfront Restaurant: Estimated cost: $60 per person, Time spent: 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a romantic and off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting the quaint neighborhood of Ortakoy in Istanbul, located on the Bosphorus shore. Enjoy the charming atmosphere, visit the Ortakoy Mosque, and explore the local artisans' market. Another hidden gem is the CerModern in Ankara, a contemporary art museum housed in an old train station. It offers a unique cultural experience and showcases the works of Turkish and international artists.

For more travel options and to check hotel and flight prices, you can visit Kayak.com.

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