Alright, Turkey of all places seems like a kind of (literally) far-off choice for a honeymoon destination. But just listen up: Turkey is exotic, unexpected, and will leave your buddies green with envy (and aren’t those three things exactly what you want from your honeymoon.) And, oh yeah, it has that just-right pairing of adventure (for you) and relaxation (for your lucky new wifey.)
So where exactly and what exactly could you be doing in Turkey? Well, JetSet World Travel helped us whip that itinerary right up for you.
1. Istanbul
Rich in history, culture, and culinary delights, Istanbul is the 6th most visited city in the world and the 3rd most visited in Europe.
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
- Historical tours are a must! The history and religion in this city are unparalleled. Set aside a day or two to visit Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (commonly known as the Blue Mosque.) Don’t forget to pack a scarf and long sleeves, as a sign of respect for the religion.
- Grab some local handmade crafts and get inspired to decorate your home at the Grand Bazaar. Here, you can stock up on Turkish rugs, glass lantern lights, and the best knock-off purses on the market. (Your lady will be thrilled, we assure you.)
- Stretch your legs after your long flight by biking around Princes’ Islands.
- Don’t miss out on a Bosphorus boat ride (more info below.) It’s the only way to truly see the city that spans two continents.
Where to Eat:
In Turkey, you have to grab some kebaps and mezes. They define the culinary culture and are widely available throughout the city.
Arrange a romantic boat ride on the Bosphorus with dinner at G Balik. Order the fish and make sure to try Raki, a traditional Turkish liquor.
For a romantic night to remember, don’t miss Ulus 29 where you will be sure to win points with the new spouse on both cuisine and ambiance.
R&R Tip:
Turkey is famous for their bath houses. Okay, we get it: venturing out to a public bath house may not be your idea of relaxation. But don’t be such an American! Try it, and we promise that the famous Turkish hospitality at Raffles Istanbul Spa will not disappoint. Try their traditional Hammam treatments and thank us later.
2. Cappadocia
Just a short domestic flight from Istanbul will take you to the lunar landscapes, mountain biking, and cave hotels of Cappadocia.
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
- Cappadocia is an adventurer’s paradise: mountain biking, ATV rides, and walking through the Göreme Open Air Museum (a cultural wonder of the world and UNESCO World Heritage site.)
- Board a sunrise hot air balloon and soak in the lunar landscape and “fairy chimneys.” A cool view for you, and she will thank you for the romance.
- Spend an afternoon wandering through local olive farms and vineyards full of Turkish charm and culinary exploration.
Where to Eat:
Zeytin Café & Ev Yemelkeri serves up the savory local dish known as manti, small pasta pockets filled with meat or cheese and topped with tomato garlic sauce.
R&R Tip:
Spend an evening in with your sweetheart taking a hot soothing bath in your cozy and intimate cave tub.
3. Bodrum
Located on the Mediterranean coast is Bodrum, where you can enjoy some much needed R&R — or get wild at the nightclubs.
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
While Bodrum will provide the perfect relaxing end to your honeymoon, there are plenty of activities to keep the adrenaline flowing. Kayaking or SUP yoga on the Aegean Sea will strengthen and calm both body and mind.
For a more exclusive experience, charter a gulet boat and savor a sophisticated level of luxury onboard the traditional Turkish boat.
For history buffs, the ruins of Ephesus are only a 2.5 hour drive away; or you can stay close and explore the Underwater Archaeology Museum.
Where to Eat:
- Spend some time wandering the streets of Bodrum snacking at cafes.
- With sweeping views of Bodrum Bay and Bodrum Castle, El Vino Rooftop Restaurant is a must. Perfectly romantic at sunset.
- Limon Restaurant is known for its smattering of couches, chairs, and other furniture on a hillside overlooking Bodrum. A great place to unwind and grab a cocktail before an evening out.
R&R Tip:
You must experience the Mediterranean atmosphere of this seaside city. Best way to do this is to spend a day enjoying refreshing cocktails at the Bodrum beach clubs. Think French Riviera with a Turkish twist. And if you stick around into the night, the clubs will come alive with their well-known party scene. Try to experience it: you are celebrating, after all!
JetSet World Travel is a travel planning agency that works with you so you can visit the destinations of your dreams, without the added stress of planning and budgeting for yourself. JetSet has planned trips to over 90 countries (and counting) and depends on a collaborative process by getting to know you, where you may want to go, creating a plan and itinerary, helping you budget, and then prepare for your trip.
If this Turkey honeymoon itinerary piqued your interest (and c’mon, don’t lie to yourself: some kebaps sound pretty good right now), you can reach out to [email protected] (you could call her a Turkey-travel-specialist) to start having your personalized Turkey getaway planned in a jiffy.
