10-Day Romantic Dubai and Turkey Itinerary for Couples

Day 1: Arrival & Dubai Exploration

Dubai, UAE on April 16, 2025

10:00AM

Arrival in Dubai

Arrive in Dubai from Delhi and check into your hotel, rest briefly, and get ready for your first day exploring this modern city.
0, 1 hour

11:30AM

Brunch at Baker & Spice

Enjoy a fresh, organic brunch at Baker & Spice, known for its locally sourced ingredients and vibrant atmosphere. Open from 8:00AM to 11:00PM daily.
AED 120 per person, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall

Explore Dubai Mall and visit the Burj Khalifa observation deck, the world's tallest building offering breathtaking views of the city. Open daily from 10:00AM to 11:00PM.
AED 160 per person, 3 hours

3:30PM

Dubai Fountain Show

Watch the captivating Dubai Fountain show outside Dubai Mall; shows occur every 30 minutes in the afternoon and evening.
0, 30 minutes

4:15PM

Relax at hotel or enjoy leisure time

Return to your hotel to freshen up and relax before dinner.
0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pierchic

Dine at Pierchic, an elegant seafood restaurant on a pier with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Open from 12:30PM to 11:30PM.
AED 400 per person, 2 hours

Day 2: Dubai Desert Safari

Dubai, UAE on April 17, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Enjoy a traditional Emirati breakfast at Arabian Tea House, known for its authentic flavors and charming setting. Opens at 8:00AM so arrive early or have a light hotel breakfast.
AED 70 per person, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Dubai Marina and JBR Walk

Stroll through Dubai Marina and JBR Walk to admire yachts and lively cafes, perfect for a morning walk in a beautiful setting.
0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Cheesecake Factory

Have lunch at The Cheesecake Factory in Dubai Marina Mall, offering a wide range of dishes to suit all palates. Open daily 10:00AM to 11:00PM.
AED 120 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Dubai Desert Safari

Embark on a desert safari featuring dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and an evening dinner with traditional entertainment. Tours usually start mid-afternoon and last about 6 hours.
AED 300 per person, 6 hours

Day 3: Fly to Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your Dubai hotel before heading to the airport.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Flight from Dubai to Istanbul

Take a direct flight to Istanbul, approximately 4.5 hours flight time.
Varies, 4.5 hours

3:30PM

Arrival and hotel check-in in Istanbul

Check into your hotel in the historic Sultanahmet or Beyoglu district and relax after your flight.
0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening stroll in Sultanahmet

Explore the historic Sultanahmet area: visit the Hippodrome and see the Blue Mosque from outside as it closes by sunset.
0, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Seven Hills Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with views of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque; open from 12:00PM to 11:00PM.
TRY 200 per person, 2 hours

Day 4: Istanbul Historic Sites

Istanbul, Turkey on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia museum, once a church and mosque, now a museum showcasing Byzantine architecture. Open 9:00AM-7:00PM.
TRY 200 per person, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Tour the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans filled with treasures and beautiful courtyards. Open 9:00AM-6:00PM; closed Tuesdays.
TRY 320 per person, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pandeli

Dine in a historic restaurant inside the Egyptian Spice Bazaar offering traditional Turkish cuisine. Open 10:00AM-9:00PM.
TRY 150 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Shop and browse thousands of stalls selling carpets, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs. Open 9:00AM-7:00PM.
0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Savor modern Turkish cuisine with stunning views over Istanbul's skyline. Open 6:30PM-11:00PM, reservation recommended.
TRY 350 per person, 2 hours

Day 5: Istanbul to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on April 20, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Grab breakfast before checkout and transfer to airport.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Flight to Cappadocia

Fly from Istanbul to Nevsehir or Kayseri airport near Cappadocia (about 1.5 hours).
Varies, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Arrival and hotel check-in

Check in at a cave hotel to experience unique Cappadocian hospitality.
0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Goreme Open-Air Museum

Explore rock-cut churches and frescoes in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 8:00AM-7:00PM.
TRY 150 per person, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

Taste traditional dishes using local ingredients in a charming setting. Open 12:00PM-10:00PM.
TRY 160 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Walk among fairy chimneys and unique volcanic formations.
TRY 50 per person, 1 hour

5:00PM

Sunset at Uchisar Castle

Enjoy panoramic views of Cappadocia from the highest point in the region.
TRY 40 per person, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Experience cozy, authentic Turkish dining inside a cave. Open 7:00PM onwards, reservation recommended.
TRY 180 per person, 2 hours

Day 6: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon & Local Sights

Cappadocia, Turkey on April 21, 2025

5:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a romantic sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia. Duration about 1 hour plus pick-up and drop-off.
TRY 2500 per person, 4 hours total

10:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast after your balloon adventure.
Included, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

Explore an ancient subterranean city used for protection during invasions. Open 8:00AM-7:00PM.
TRY 100 per person, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Old Cappadocia Cafe & Restaurant

Enjoy local Turkish dishes in a relaxed setting. Open 11:00AM-8:00PM.
TRY 130 per person, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Devrent Valley

Walk the lunar landscape with surreal rock formations nicknamed 'Imagination Valley'.
TRY 50 per person, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at hotel or explore local markets

Rest or shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs in Goreme village.
Varies, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Dibek Restaurant

Try a traditional pottery kebab in a 475-year-old building. Open 6:30PM-11:00PM.
TRY 160 per person, 2 hours

Day 7: Cappadocia to Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey on April 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and checkout

Enjoy breakfast and get ready for early transfer to airport.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Flight from Cappadocia to Denizli

Fly from Kayseri or Nevsehir to Denizli for Pamukkale; flight approx 1.5 hours including transfer.
Varies, 2.5 hours including transfers

12:00PM

Arrival and hotel check-in

Check in at hotel near Pamukkale and refresh.
0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at White Dragon Restaurant

Taste some local specialties in this cozy restaurant. Open 12:00PM-10:00PM.
TRY 120 per person, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Pamukkale Thermal Terraces

Walk barefoot over the stunning white travertine terraces filled with thermal waters. Open 8:00AM-7:00PM.
TRY 100 per person, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Hierapolis Ancient City

Visit the ancient ruins right above the terraces including a theatre and ancient pool.
Included in Pamukkale entry, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kayas Wine House

Enjoy dinner with local wines and traditional dishes. Open 6:00PM-11:00PM.
TRY 150 per person, 2 hours

Day 8: Pamukkale to Ephesus

Selçuk, Turkey on April 23, 2025

7:30AM

Hotel breakfast

Enjoy an early breakfast to prepare for your transfer to Ephesus.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Selçuk/Ephesus

Approximately 3 hours drive to Selçuk, gateway to Ephesus.
Taxi/bus fare approx TRY 300 total, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check into hotel in Selçuk

Rest and freshen up at your hotel.
0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sirincem Restaurant

Sample Turkish cuisine with local flavors in a cozy setting. Open 12:00PM-9:00PM.
TRY 130 per person, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ephesus Ancient City

Tour the spectacular Greco-Roman ruins including the Library of Celsus. Open 8:00AM-7:00PM.
TRY 200 per person, 3 hours

6:00PM

Visit House of Virgin Mary nearby

Explore this pilgrimage site, a peaceful stone house associated with Mary. Open 6:00AM-8:00PM.
TRY 50 per person, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Mezze Grill

Enjoy delicious mezes and grilled mains in a romantic atmosphere. Open 6:00PM-11:00PM.
TRY 150 per person, 2 hours

Day 9: Ephesus to Antalya

Antalya, Turkey on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Antalya

Enjoy a scenic 5-hour drive along the coast to Antalya.
Taxi/bus fare approx TRY 400 total, 5 hours

2:30PM

Hotel check-in and rest

Check into your hotel and take some time to relax on the Mediterranean coast.
0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Kaleici (Old Town)

Stroll through Antalya’s historic Old Town with narrow streets, Ottoman architecture, and the marina.
0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Visit Hadrian’s Gate

See the well-preserved Roman gate, a great photo spot.
0, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Seraser Fine Dining

Experience one of Antalya’s top fine dining restaurants with international and Turkish dishes. Open 6:00PM-11:00PM.
TRY 300 per person, 2 hours

Day 10: Antalya Beach and Departure

Antalya, Turkey on April 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast with a view of the sea.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at Lara Beach

Spend your morning at the sandy Lara Beach, famous for clear waters and relaxing atmosphere.
0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Beachfront restaurant

Have lunch at 7 Mehmet, serving excellent fresh seafood and Turkish cuisine. Open 12:00PM-10:00PM.
TRY 200 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Transfer to airport

Head to Antalya Airport for your flight back home or next destination.
Varies, 1 hour