9-Day Honeymoon Travel Itinerary: Istanbul to Antalya

  • Day 1: Hagia Sophia
    5 minutes (1.2 km) from Sultan Ahmed

    Start your honeymoon visiting the iconic museum, Hagia Sophia- a spectacular example of Byzantine architecture. Spend your time admiring the architecture, mosaics and history of this impressive building.

  • Day 2: Topkapi Palace
    20 minutes (4.4 km) from Hagia Sophia

    Take a journey through Ottoman history by exploring the Topkapi Palace- a breathtaking palace that was once used as the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Make sure to visit the Harem, one of the most intriguing parts of the palace.

  • Day 3: Grand Bazaar
    15 minutes (3.6 km) from Topkapi Palace

    Take a break from sightseeing and visit one of the oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar. Shop for souvenirs, Turkish carpets, ceramics and handicrafts while experiencing the diverse culture of Istanbul.

  • Day 4: Kaputas Beach
    45 minutes (15 km) from Kaş

    Take a scenic drive to one of Turkey's most picturesque beaches surrounded by stunning cliffs and turquoise water. Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere with your loved one.

  • Day 5: Saklikent Gorge
    1 hour 20 minutes (51.1 km) from Kaputas Beach

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of nature by visiting Saklikent Gorge, one of Turkey's natural wonders. Walk along the boardwalk, have a refreshing drink by the river or experience white-water rafting for an adrenaline rush.

  • Day 6: Perge Ancient City
    30 minutes (18.1 km) from Antalya

    Visit one of the most impressive ancient cities in the Mediterranean, Perge. Discover the ruins of the ancient city, stadium, and theater that still stand and learn about the city's history through a guided tour.

  • Day 7: Antalya Museum
    20 minutes (5.6 km) from Hadrian's Gate

    Take a step into the past by visiting Antalya Museum, home to over 5,000 artifacts from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period. Learn about the rich history of Antalya and the surrounding region while enjoying the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

  • Day 8: Kursunlu Waterfall
    40 minutes (22.7 km) from Antalya Museum

    Get away from the city and visit Kursunlu Waterfall, surrounded by lush green forests and clear water. Explore the nearby trails, have a picnic or paddle in the cool water with your loved one.

  • Day 9: Düden Waterfalls
    40 minutes (15 km) from Kursunlu Waterfall

    End your honeymoon at Düden Waterfalls, a spectacular natural wonder that cascades into the Mediterranean Sea. Take a boat tour, capture photos of the stunning views, or have a romantic dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hagia Sophia (2 hours, 100 TRY)
  • Topkapi Palace (3 hours, 150 TRY)
  • Grand Bazaar (2 hours, budget varies)
  • Kaputas Beach (4 hours, free)
  • Saklikent Gorge (4 hours, 50 TRY)
  • Perge Ancient City (3 hours, 30 TRY)
  • Antalya Museum (2 hours, 50 TRY)
  • Kursunlu Waterfall (3 hours, 15 TRY)
  • Düden Waterfalls (2 hours, 50 TRY)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 545 TRY ($65 USD)

Transportation

For transportation during this trip, it is recommended to use a combination of private taxis, rental cars or public transportation, depending on the location. Parking in the city centers can be limited and costly, so it is recommended to travel by taxi or public transportation to avoid headaches. The estimated cost of transportation per day would be around 100 TRY ($12 USD).

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add an extra day for Cappadocia and experience a hot air balloon ride along with visiting the fairy chimneys. If you have fewer days, consider visiting either Istanbul or Antalya as a destination.

Airports

Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). IST is located 24 kilometers west of the city center, while SAW is 35 kilometers southeast of the city center. Antalya Airport (AYT) is 13 kilometers northeast of the city center.

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