Turkey is a hotspot for honeymooners and couples choosing to enjoy the charms of the Middle East, and the following list highlights seven romantic things to do in Turkey.
Capture stunning sunset photography at historic cities, cruise past ornate palaces and creative districts, delve into Istanbul’s heritage at meticulously designed mosques, and join a fleet of hot-air balloons hovering over homes carved into cone-shaped rocks. Adventures in Turkey are as romantic as they come and you can appreciate the best of the country by partaking in any of these fairytale experiences.
We share what to do and the highlights of each experience to inspire romantic retreats that leave a lasting impression.
Natural architecture rarely rivals the fascinating Bronze Age homes of the Cappadocia region. Cone-shaped rocks cover the semi-arid area and homes carved into the cliffs by ancient settlers are preserved. The region looks like it was stripped from a fairytale and invites travelers to ponder what it would have been like to seek refuge in these otherworldly rock formations.
Adventures in Cappadocia are best enjoyed from above, by joining a fleet of hot-air balloons that float over the vast rocky valleys and their historic homes. You can admire the orange sunrise over Cappadocia and capture sensational panoramas before you return to the ground for breakfast, a mimosa, and a tour of the remarkable region.
Things to Do in Cappadocia: Göreme Open-Air Museum | Red and Rose Valleys | Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu | Zelve Open-Air Museum | Ihlara Valley
Spa treatments should be a staple honeymoon experience and there is no better place for them than Turkey. Century-old therapies are available at exquisite spa centers in Istanbul and other major cities, inviting you and your partner to enjoy the elaborate and enchanting traditional techniques of Turkish spas.
Couples’ Turkish baths are a charming activity to set your spa experience apart, allowing you to absorb the impressive Turkish interiors and architecture from the warm, revitalizing waters of a private hammam. Choose from classic or modern spa days at respective centers and elevate your elegant Turkish experience.
Best Places for a Turkish Bath: Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı | Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı | Ağa Hamamı | Cağaloğlu Hamamı | Çemberlitaş Hamamı
The Hagia Sophia is Istanbul’s greatest landmark, an extraordinary example of Byzantine architecture, with magnificent mosaics, gilded partitions, and meticulous sculptures for visitors to admire on a tour of the basilica-style building. Its massive domed roof and four sharp minarets can be seen from all corners of the city, beckoning you and your partner to explore its interiors.
As you wander the historic exhibits inside the mosque you will discover the uncanny blend of Christian and Islamic influences embedded into the very fabric of the building by the figures who have taken over, ruled, and lost power of the Hagia Sophia throughout history. You can also visit neighboring landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace Museum.
Best Mosques to Visit: Blue Mosque | Süleymaniye Mosque | Rüstem Paşa Mosque | Selimiye Mosque | Sultan Beyazıt II Mosque
Travel the waters that run between Europe and Asia on an endearing evening sail along the Bosphorus Strait. Memorable views unfold along the banks of the strait, the orange and yellow hues of the sunset shimmer against the reflective water, and the sharp minarets of Turkish mosques frame the city silhouette from Bosphorous in the evening.
You can take in the stunning scenes from the comfort of a glamorous cruise ship and tuck into tantalizing Turkish platters and delicacies before you arrive at the port to watch belly dancers groove to rhythmic beats as the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky.
Things to Do in Istanbul: Grand Bazaar | Chora Church | Galata Tower | Topkapi Palace | Eminonu Square
Turkish pottery remains a pivotal part of the local culture in small towns peppering regions on the outskirts of major cities. Avanos, in the Cappadocia region, is a creative hub of ancient traditions and pottery is a primary source of revenue and artistic expression for local craftspeople from the village.
You and your partner can experience the sensuality of creating ceramics out of clay during an artisanal pottery-making class at a charming workshop on the banks of the Red River. With steady hands and control of the pottery wheel, you will spin a unique creation to take home with you and browse the studio’s impressive artworks.
Things to Do in Avanos: Guray Museum | Peri Bacalari | Chez Galip | Kapadokya Yasayan Miras Muzesi | Avanos Oren Yeri
Turkish tea is famous for its herbal flavors and unique blend of ingredients. From elma çayı and apple to kuşburnu çayı, rosehip, ıhlamur çayı, and linden flower, the steaming beverages are distinct and delicious. During your tour of Turkey, you can connect with local culture at tea houses that brew brilliant blends for you to sip as you slow down and watch the world go by.
Couples can learn more about the intricacies of Turkish tea while munching on tantalizing treats and appreciating the views of historic neighborhoods, rolling valleys, or rustic regions. The pleasures of a relaxing tea-drinking experience are enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
Where to Try Turkish Tea: Dem Moda | Kaffa Çay Kahve | Çengelköy Çınaraltı | Beta Yeni Han | Pierre Loti Cafe
The Basilica Cistern is one of Turkey’s most impressive attractions and couples come from all over to escape the heat and explore the ancient aqueducts that weave an intricate web of historic water systems beneath the bustling neighborhoods of Istanbul.
Raised walkways extend over crevices, marble columns rise from polished floors to the meticulous cavern ceilings, and sculptural art can be seen at several sections of the cistern. There is a dreamy and romantic atmosphere that floods the underground aqueducts and subtle music that soundtracks a stroll through the Basilica Cistern.
Best Cisterns to Visit: Nuruosmaniye Cistern | Binbirdirek Cistern | Hipodrom Cistern | Fildamı Cistern | Şerefiye Cistern
Those who take a trip to Turkey treat themselves to these remarkably romantic experiences and more during tailored itineraries customized from sample tours on our Turkey Honeymoon Packages.
Whether you wish to see the dazzling cisterns or feel the clay between your fingers as you sculpt exquisite pieces during a pottery class, Turkey is an enchanting destination and our Honeymoon Travel Guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip.
To chat with a Turkey travel specialist today, complete a Trip Request or call us on 1-888-265-9707.
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