On this Day

The day celebrates Istanbul's cultural core, combining history and romance in one of the world's most recognizable cities.  You begin by viewing the outside of Istanbul's famed St. Sophia, which was once a basilica and mosque and is now a symbol of the city's complex history.  The Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, has a beautiful courtyard with blue İznik tiles.  In the Hippodrome area, you walk by the Theodosius Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Constantine Column, visualizing the chariot races that once enthralled ancient audiences.

The tour continues with the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former home of Ottoman sultans, where the Imperial Treasury, crystal and porcelain collections, and sacred relics evoke the grandeur of an empire. If the palace is closed that day, the mysterious Underground Cistern provides an atmospheric alternative.  Later, you'll be enveloped in colors and fragrances at the Grand Spice Bazaar, where you may browse exotic spices, Turkish delight, baklava, coffee, olive-oil goods, handicrafts, and evil-eye charms, and have plenty of time to pick out delectable presents for one another.  Overnight in Istanbul.

On this Day

This day offers a delightful combination of sightseeing and travel as you explore Istanbul from the river before heading to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia.  You take a typical Bosphorus tour, drifting down the strait that separates Europe and Asia while seeing palaces, wooden residences, fortresses, and attractive neighborhoods on both sides.  The soothing motion of the boat and the magnificent city views provide a beautiful setting for honeymoon photos.  After the cruise, you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Cappadocia, where you will stay in a cave-style or boutique hotel.  The rest of your day is free to relax, explore the village streets, and soak up the unique ambiance of this volcanic gem.  Overnight in Cappadocia.

On this Day

The charm of Cappadocia is revealed as you take an incredible hot air balloon trip over valleys, fairy chimneys, and rock formations that have made the region famous around the world.  Floating side by side above this bizarre landscape is a genuine honeymoon highlight that encapsulates the "romance and adventure" essence of your vacation.  The day begins with a comprehensive Cappadocia city tour that includes both historical and natural highlights.  You visit the Ozkonak Underground City, which was carved deep into the earth as an ancient refuge; Uchisar Castle, the highest point in the area; and the fresco-filled chapels of Göreme Open Air Museum, where centuries-old paintings depict scenes from Jesus' life and the early monastic communities.

In Çavuşin, an abandoned town of cave houses, you get a glimpse of historic village life. In Avanos, you visit a pottery workshop to see workers molding clay using traditional techniques.  A scenic stop at the Esentepe viewpoint offers panoramic views, followed by a visit to a carpet and kilim workshop showcasing Cappadocia's famous handcrafted textiles.  Devrent (Imagination) Valley features rock formations that resemble animals and imaginative shapes, while Ürgüp offers local wines and the famed Three Beauties fairy chimneys, which are emblems of Cappadocia.  Overnight in Cappadocia.

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Your honeymoon continues with a travel from Cappadocia to the Aegean-inspired landscapes of southwestern Turkey, where natural treasures meet romantic resort life.  You visit the Pamukkale region, where the iconic white travertine terraces and thermal pools form a breathtaking, surreal picture.  Here, you can bathe your feet or relax in the warm mineral waters, allowing the healing springs and the scenery of cascading terraces to wash away any travel fatigue.  The ancient city of Hierapolis, positioned above the terraces, adds historical significance with its theater, necropolis, and ruins dispersed throughout the plateau. After experiencing Pamukkale's thermal pools and scenery, you travel to the Mediterranean coast and stay at a luxury resort in Antalya.  The resort's beachfront location, exquisite suites, and honeymoon-oriented amenities set the tone for a romantic getaway with plenty of time to relax together.  Stay overnight at a luxurious resort in Antalya.

On this Day

This day combines history, culture, and beach leisure in and around Antalya.  You visit the ancient city of Perge, once a prosperous Pamphylian center, where colonnaded streets, stadium ruins, and colossal gates recount stories dating back to Alexander the Great and the early spread of Christianity, including St. Paul's trips.  The tour continues to Aspendos, which is famous for having one of the world's best-preserved Roman theatres, built during Emperor Marcus Aurelius' reign.  Walking around the ruins of the theatre, stadium, agora, and basilica gives you a feeling of how magnificent performances and gatherings used to take place here.

After soaking up this cultural history, you return to Antalya with enough time to fully enjoy your luxury resort, whether that means strolling along the beach, lounging by the pool, or sharing a romantic lunch with the Mediterranean as your backdrop.  For couples traveling in the summer, Antalya also acts as a gateway to other Turkish Riviera treasures such as Bodrum, making this segment of the journey the perfect embodiment of the "luxury resorts in Antalya/Bodrum" highlight.  Overnight in Antalya.

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The final day allows you to relax at the resort or do some last-minute shopping in Antalya before heading to the airport for your domestic trip to Istanbul.  From Istanbul, you connect to your international flight back to Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad, carrying with you memories of a honeymoon that combined romance, culture, and ancient history, hot air balloon adventures over Cappadocia, a scenic Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, indulgent stays at Mediterranean luxury resorts in Antalya, and the soothing thermal pools of Pamukkale.