Turkey - A Historic Introduction

At the cross-road of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a fascinating mix of the ancient and the modern, the exotic and the familiar, the frenetic and the luxurious. As such, this delightful country has much to offer couples seeking a far from ordinary honeymoon experience, and this itinerary is meant to appeal to those who thrive on unique settings, rich culture, and pampered relaxation.

Arriving in Istanbul...

you'll take a short connecting flight to Bodrum on the Aegean Sea, where your home for the first few days is the eclectic yet artistically significant Casa dell'Arte. This boutique hotel is located on the waterfront in Torba Bay, 6 km from Bodrum proper, and features only 12 suites, each individually decorated in a contemporary style with original works of art from the owner's private collection. An intimate property, you can enjoy the cozy atmosphere at the pool, relax at their private (though small) beach, or lounge around on the chic pier.

After a day or two, you'll have the option to charter your own traditional Turkish "gulet" for a day of exploring the Bodrum coast. BodrumOr, pop into the center of Bodrum for some great night life, or dine at any number of excellent restaurants. With one of your hotel's antique automobiles, take a day trip to the old town to wander its back streets and visit its many shops, explore the famous Bodrum Castle, or have a drink on the seaside promenade as you watch people and boats come and go.

In the spirit of adventure...

and discovery of unique places, one of the more distinct locations in Turkey is Cappadocia, in the very center of the country, in ancient Anatolia. From Bodrum, you'll fly to Kayseri, the entree to the region. Cappadocia, in an ancient Persian tongue, means "Land of Beautiful Horses." Its landscape is filled with canyons, valleys, cliffs and other-worldly rock formations that are vaguely reminiscent of chimneys, but have a fairy-tale quality to them.

The many cultures who have inhabited this mysterious land also built their dwellings into the earth and rock, creating caves which have in many cases been converted into one-of-a-kind accommodations. Yours is one of the best - the Museum Hotel, lovingly restored to its current luxe status. While here, we recommend an early-morning hot air balloon flight to experience the best of the landscape from the air, and an afternoon excursion on horseback for an on-the-ground perspective. Wind down the day with a glass of wine on the Museum Hotel's gorgeous terrace, overlooking the entire panorama.

And now, for the grande finale...

to your Turkish honeymoon, it's on to Istanbul, which is emergent on the world stage as a must-visit destination. At the new Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus, you'll have the best of all Istanbul's worlds: fantastic views of the water, a great location on the hip "European side", and a top-class hotel to look forward to each evening. Your room, one of their best, is in the historic Palace building, facing the water, featuring contemporary lines and Ottoman decor. In addition to its extraordinary comfort and myriad amenities, the Four Seasons offers a regular water taxi service, making it easy to reach other parts of the city by eliminating long commutes via road and bridge.

While here, take a day to enjoy the Sultanahmet district, the oldest part of the city, where you'll find the Byzantine hippodrome and temples, and the Hagia Sofia church-mosque-museum, one of the architectural wonders of the world. Make it a point to take a ferry or charter a boat for a trip along the Bosphorus - the scenery is fantastic including islands, mosques, and waterside seafood restaurants.

No trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the bazaars - the shopping is out of this world! Dive in and tackle the required haggling on your own, or a guide can be arranged to smooth the way and take you in search of those treasures you most desire. Dining in Istanbul is another highlight, from avant-garde hip cuisine to local teahouses, you'll have some great meals here. Sights, exotic culture, history, scenery, coastline, amazing food, hot nightlife - it's a melange that any city-lover will not want to miss!

No doubt your stay in Turkey will seem too short, but this exciting and beautiful country has certainly shared its best and most memorable aspects with you on your honeymoon.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Lovers of culture, urban excitement, archaeology, good food, luxury, and pampering. Those who value fine and unique details in their accommodations. Couples looking to experience new things. Those who enjoy just a bit of relaxation at the beach and lots of opportunities to explore.

Who should avoid this trip:

Travelers who value remote countryside retreats or quieter waterfront accommodations. Travelers with less of a sense of adventure. Couples who would prefer less time in Turkey may consider combining their stay with Greece as outlined in MoonRings' other itineraries.