Congratulations on your wedding! It is time to pack your bag and head out for your honeymoon. If you truly want to show your new spouse the depth of your love and commitment, you should plan to spend your honeymoon in the amazing and romantic city of Istanbul, Turkey. You can be certain your beloved will adore you even more for this cherished and wonderful surprise.
The Charm of Istanbul
Istanbul may not be the official capital of Turkey, but it certainly takes the credit for being the epicentre of the country. This vibrant and energetic city has so much to offer that visitors can lose themselves to the charisma and appeal.
The mighty Bosphorus divides the city into two parts, with one part in Asia and the other in Europe.
No other city in the world straddles two continents or has the panache that Istanbul displays. It is a historic city that pays ode to the ancient Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Istanbul seamlessly embraces modernity and its rich history to offer honeymooners a romantic city that has the exotic allure of Marrakesh and the romanticism of Paris.
Istanbul is the perfect city to celebrate your love and new life. And, you will definitely fall in love with this extremely welcoming, delightful and exotic city.
Things to Do
Besides having a memorable and passionate stay in the hotel’s bridal suite, you also should make an effort to take in the wonderful Istanbul has to offer. Some of the things you will love seeing and doing in Istanbul include:
- Taking a Cruise of the Bosphorus:
There is nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than taking a day long cruise of the Bosphorus Strait. The cruise will give you a spellbinding view of the colourful villas dating back to the Ottoman Empire, the majestic castles dotting the shoreline and the traditional fishing boats trying to haul their nets and bring in their catch.
- Exploring the Sultanahmet Mosque
This amazing mosque is an architectural marvel. Also known as the Blue Mosque, the mosque boasts of more than 20,000 ceramic tiles, which are handmade. The chandeliers in the mosque are adorned with real ostrich eggs; while the stained glass windows are mesmerizing.
- Retail Therapy at the Grand Bazaar:
A trip to Istanbul is incomplete without visiting the Grand Bazaar and bargaining with shopkeepers for gorgeous Turkish rugs, delicate jewellery and rich leather items. The Grand Bazaar boasts of being one of the largest covered markets in the world.
- Unearthing the Beauty of the Topkapi Palace Grounds
The vast grounds of the Palace date back to 1478 and are renowned for their impressive and regal landscaping. The Topkapi Palace used to be the official royal residence of the reigning sultans. Be sure to stop at the Imperial Treasury to admire the Spoonmaker’s diamond – a massive 86-karat diamond.
The Best Time to Visit Istanbul
The best time to visit Istanbul is in autumn (September to October) and spring (April to June), when the temperatures are mild and perfect for sightseeing and spending time outdoors.
Preparing for Your Honeymoon in Istanbul
Before you depart, you will need a few things, so that you have an unforgettable, romantic and enjoyable honeymoon in Istanbul: Valid passport with Turkey visa , an ‘English to Turkish’ phrase book Turkish Lira, Traveller’s cheques, Hotel reservation and a confirmed flight booking.
Enjoy your time with your loved one in Turkey, Hoşçakal!!
Author Bio: The author of this post is Annabel Taylor. She lives in UK and is an avid reader and blogger. Since her early years she’s had a passion for writing. Her areas of interest are food, reviews (Book/Movie), Travel, Fashion and Lifestyle. She works as a guest blogger on her chosen areas of interest and currently writes on behalf of Turkish visas.