Start your romantic getaway in Istanbul by visiting the Hagia Sophia, a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica and Ottoman imperial mosque that is now a museum. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus at the Topkapi Palace, a historical palace that was used by the Ottoman Sultans. End the day with a romantic sunset at the Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter.
Experience the charm of Cappadocia with a hot air balloon ride over the breathtaking landscape filled with fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations. Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a historical site consisting of rock-cut churches, monasteries, and frescoes that date back to the 10th century AD. End the day with a romantic dinner and wine tasting in the vineyards of Uçhisar, a town famous for its wine production.
Visit the surreal natural wonder of Pamukkale, the cotton castle, formed by the mineral-rich thermal waters that flow down the white terraces. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, which hosted Romans and Byzantines. Take a dip in the Antique Pool, a thermal pool with ancient Roman ruins submerged in the water.
Explore the beautiful ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities of Turkey's Aegean coast. Marvel at the Library of Celsus, the Great Amphitheater, and the Temple of Hadrian. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus, before her Assumption.
Enjoy the beauty of the Aegean Sea from the vibrant city of Izmir. Explore the ancient ruins of Smyrna Agora and visit the Asansör, an old-timey elevator built in 1907 that takes you to the top of the hill for panoramic city views. Try the famous Turkish dish of kumru, a savory bun filled with cheese, tomato, and meat.
Relax on the beaches of Bodrum, a charming coastal town known for its white-washed buildings and historical sites. Visit the Bodrum Castle, an iconic landmark that houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Spend a day at the Bitez Beach, a popular beach for windsurfing, or take a boat ride out to the secluded coves and hidden beaches of the Datça Peninsula.
Visit the beautiful coastal city of Antalya, known for its stunning landscapes such as the Düden Waterfalls and Konyaalti Beach. Take a stroll at the Old Town (Kaleiçi), an ancient Roman harbor that is now a popular tourist spot with bars, restaurants, and shops. Take a boat tour and visit the Phaselis Antique City, an ancient Greek and Roman city that was once a major commercial hub of the Mediterranean.
Enjoy the stunning seaside village of Fethiye, which offers beautiful beaches, scenic drives, and ancient ruins. Enjoy a day at the Ölüdeniz Beach and go paragliding, a thrilling and memorable experience for any couple. Visit the Butterfly Valley Beach, which is surrounded by lush greenery and offers crystal-clear waters—an ideal spot for a picnic and some relaxation time together.
Visit the beautiful resort town of Marmaris which sits between two mountain ranges and is best visited for its scenic coastline and charming old town. Wander through the winding alleyways of the Old Town and visit the Marmaris Castle, a fortification built in 1522 by Suleiman the Magnificent. Take a boat tour of Dalyan Cove, which is surrounded by stunning cliffs and offers crystal-clear water.
Return to Istanbul and stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Visit the Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six minarets. End the day with a romantic dinner at the top of the Galata Tower and watch the sunset over the historic city skyline.
Say farewell to Turkey and depart from Istanbul Airport.
Travelers will need to consider a mix of transportation options for this trip, including flights, car rentals, and taxis. Domestic flights are available and provide a fast and convenient way to travel between different cities. Rental cars may also be considered, but driving in some areas can be challenging. Taxis are readily available in most cities but may be costly if used frequently.
The total transportation costs vary depending on the mode of transportation used and the distance traveled. The total cost for transportation is estimated at ₺2,000 ($235) per person and includes domestic flights, rental car, and taxi rides.
If you have more time, consider spending an extra day in Istanbul to visit the Chora Church Museum, which is famous for its Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. You can also visit the Prince Islands, a group of nine islands near Istanbul that can be accessed by ferry.
If you have less time, consider skipping Fethiye and Marmaris and spending more time in Istanbul, Cappadocia, or Pamukkale.
The two main airports in Turkey are Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport is located 30 km from Istanbul city center, while Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located 35 km southeast of Istanbul. Other airports in Turkey include Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) in Izmir, Dalaman Airport (DLM), and Antalya Airport (AYT).