Begin your honeymoon in Istanbul, the vibrant capital of Turkey. In the morning, visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Afterward, explore the historic Sultanahmet District, home to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. In the afternoon, take a romantic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, admiring the stunning city skyline. As the evening sets in, indulge in a candlelit dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.
Rooftop Dinner: Cost varies depending on the restaurant, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Karaköy Güllüoğlu, known for its delicious Turkish pastries and traditional Turkish tea. They offer a variety of options including borek and baklava. The average cost for a meal is about 15-20 TL per person.
For lunch, try Hamdi Restaurant located near the Spice Bazaar. They serve authentic Turkish cuisine including kebabs and mezes. The restaurant offers stunning views of the Golden Horn. The average cost for a meal is about 40-50 TL per person.
For a romantic dinner setting, book a table at Sunset Grill & Bar. Located in the trendy area of Ulus, it offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait and Istanbul skyline. Their menu features a range of international dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about 150-200 TL per person.
Wednesday, January 10: Cappadocia
Fly to Cappadocia, a unique destination known for its surreal landscapes and cave dwellings. Start your day with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, taking in breathtaking views of the fairy chimneys and valleys. Afterward, explore the ancient underground cities and visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner in a cave restaurant.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Cost varies depending on the provider, 3 hours
Cave Restaurant Dinner: Cost varies depending on the restaurant, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Safak, located in Cappadocia's charming town of Göreme. Indulge in traditional Turkish breakfast dishes such as menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes) and simit (sesame-coated bread rings). Average cost for a meal is about 25 TL per person.
For lunch, head to Antique Terrace Restaurant and enjoy panoramic views of Cappadocia's unique landscapes while savoring authentic Turkish cuisine. Don't miss trying their specialty dish, testi kebab, cooked in a clay pot. Average cost for a meal is about 60 TL per person.
For a romantic dinner, dine at Dibek Restaurant and experience the unique ambiance of dining in a cave setting. Delight in their flavorful lamb kebabs and indulge in traditional Turkish desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 100 TL per person.
Thursday, January 11: Pamukkale
Travel to Pamukkale, famous for its terraces of dazzling white mineral-rich waters. In the morning, explore the UNESCO-listed Hierapolis, an ancient Roman city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater and a necropolis. Afterward, pamper yourselves with a therapeutic dip in the mineral-rich thermal pools of Pamukkale. In the evening, relax in your five-star accommodation and enjoy the hotel's amenities.
Relaxation at the Hotel: Cost of accommodation, free time
Restaurants
Burak Restaurant offers a traditional Turkish breakfast with a variety of dishes including fresh bread, olives, cheese, and tea. The average cost for a meal is about 25 Turkish Lira per person.
Mehmet Restaurant offers a delicious lunch menu with Turkish specialties such as kebabs, grilled meats, and mezes. The average cost for a meal is about 40 Turkish Lira per person.
Sultanahmet Köftecisi is a popular dinner spot known for its mouthwatering köfte (Turkish meatballs) served with salad and bread. The average cost for a meal is about 35 Turkish Lira per person.
Friday, January 12: Ephesus
Head to Ephesus, an ancient city filled with well-preserved ruins and archaeological wonders. In the morning, explore the grand Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the impressive Great Theater. Afterward, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be the final resting place of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the evening, enjoy a romantic walk along the Kusadasi Marina.
House of the Virgin Mary: Cost of transportation, 1 hour
Kusadasi Marina: Free, 1 hour
Saturday, January 13: Antalya
Fly to Antalya, a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning beaches and ancient ruins. In the morning, explore the historic Kaleici neighborhood, with its narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and charming cafes. Afterward, visit the ancient city of Perge, home to well-preserved Roman ruins. In the evening, relax at your luxury beachfront resort and enjoy a romantic sunset stroll along the coastline.
Kaleici: Free, 2 hours
Perge: Cost of transportation, 2 hours
Beachfront Resort: Cost of accommodation, free time
Sunday, January 14: Bodrum
Travel to Bodrum, a picturesque seaside town known for its vibrant nightlife and ancient wonders. In the morning, visit the imposing Bodrum Castle, which houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Afterward, explore the Bodrum Amphitheater, an ancient Roman theater offering panoramic views of the city. In the evening, experience the lively bar and restaurant scene in the Bodrum Marina.
Bodrum Marina: Cost of meals and drinks, free time
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Café for a delightful morning meal. This cozy cafe offers a variety of delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, visit Limon Restaurant, a charming eatery specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy their scrumptious seafood dishes and refreshing salads. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Marina Yacht Club. This restaurant offers a stunning waterfront view and a menu of gourmet dishes inspired by international flavors. Average cost for a meal is about $50 per person.
Monday, January 15: Istanbul
Return to Istanbul for your last day in Turkey. In the morning, explore the grand bazaars of Istanbul, such as the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and spices. Afterward, take a relaxing Turkish bath experience to rejuvenate yourselves. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city.
Grand Bazaar: Cost of shopping, 2 hours
Spice Bazaar: Cost of shopping, 1 hour
Turkish Bath: Cost varies depending on the spa, 2 hours
Rooftop Dinner: Cost varies depending on the restaurant, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Van Kahvaltı Evi which offers a traditional Turkish breakfast spread with a variety of cheeses, olives, jams, and pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 30 TL per person.
For lunch, try Karaköy Lokantası where you can enjoy delicious Ottoman-style cuisine with a modern twist. The average cost for a meal is about 50 TL per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Mikla, a renowned rooftop restaurant serving contemporary Turkish cuisine with stunning views of the city. The average cost for a meal is about 250 TL per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, consider visiting the charming village of Şirince, known for its traditional stone houses and vineyards. It's a great place to taste local wines and immerse yourselves in the relaxed countryside atmosphere. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is Mount Ararat, located in eastern Turkey. This majestic mountain is believed to be the resting place of Noah's Ark and offers stunning views for adventurous hikers.