Begin your honeymoon in Istanbul, a city that beautifully blends the East and the West. Visit the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. Then, head to Hagia Sophia Museum, one of the most visited museums in the world, where you can admire its breathtaking mosaics and learn about its history.
Take an early morning flight to Cappadocia, a unique region with fascinating landscapes and underground cities. Spend the day exploring the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the region's churches and chapels, along with its stunning frescoes. In the evening, take a hot air balloon ride for a breathtaking view from above.
Drive south to Pamukkale, a natural wonder featuring thermal pools, terraces, and travertine formations, also known as the Cotton Castle. Explore the pools and terraces, and then visit the nearby Hierapolis Archaeological Site, an ancient Greco-Roman city, where you can bathe in the famous Cleopatra Pool, known for its healing properties.
Drive to Antalya, a beautiful coastal city that offers a blend of great beaches, ancient history, and modern life. Start by visiting the Antalya Museum, which houses a unique collection of ancient artifacts and exhibits, showcasing the history of the region. Later, head to the Old Town, also known as Kaleici, to explore its narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and ancient harbor.
Drive to Alanya, a charming town on the Mediterranean coast, known for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, and castle overlooking the sea. Visit the Red Tower Museum, built in the 13th century and used as a watchtower to protect the port. You can then stroll through the Damlatas Cave, an ancient stalactite cave known for its therapeutic air.
Drive west to Bodrum, a charming coastal town that blends history, culture, and relaxation. Visit the Castle of St. Peter, a medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the sea and the town. Explore the Bodrum Amphitheatre, an ancient Greek theater that offers breathtaking views of Bodrum's coastline.
Head to Marmaris, another charming coastal town that offers stunning beaches, a bustling bazaar, and an ancient castle. Visit the Castle of Marmaris, an Ottoman-era fortress that offers panoramic views of the town and the coastline. Relax on the Icmeler Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, with its turquoise waters and golden sand.
For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car for the entire trip, as it will allow you to explore the destinations at your own pace, and enjoy the stunning views along the way. The estimated cost of renting a car for seven days is approximately 2100 TRY. Total travel time is approximately 26 hours over the course of the trip.
If you have more time, you may want to consider visiting other destinations in Turkey, such as Ephesus, Izmir, or Trabzon. If you have less time, you can skip Pamukkale and spend more time in Istanbul, or combine Antalya and Alanya into one day-trip.
The main airport in Istanbul is Istanbul Airport (IST), located approximately 40km northwest of the city center. The main airport in Antalya is Antalya Airport (AYT), located approximately 13km east of the city center. Marmaris does not have its own airport, with the closest airport in Dalaman (DLM), approximately 100km east of the town.