A mosaic of cultures and customs, Turkey is knownwed for hosting important archaeological sites and for having monuments classified among the seven wonders of the ancient world. Multifaceted, it differs from the standards even in terms of geographic position: it has one foot on the European continent and its entire body in Asia. This mixture of continents, architecture, cultures, aromas and flavors added to the hospitality of the Turkish people, makes Turkey the ideal destination for the couple’s first trip after the “yes”.
Why?
The only country bathed by four seas – Mediterranean, Aegean, Negro and Marmara Sea (the smallest in the world), Turkey is a country that fascinates because it is, in territorial terms, a meeting point between East and West. Euro Asia, the country occupies the entire peninsula of Anatolia, in the extreme west of Asia, and brings together beautiful landscapes, important archaeological sites and a lot of history. The amount of Greek and Roman ruins that can be found in their lands is such that the destination is considered an open air museum.
ISTANBUL
Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, is the gateway to the country. The only city in the world located on two continents – 3% is on the European side and 97% on the Asian side -, it leaves exposed the mixture of cultures and traditions in the streets and in the landscape characterized by churches, mosques and Roman monuments.
Divided in two by the Bosphorus Strait, a channel between the Black and Marmara seas, Istanbul is rich in attractions. It is worth mentioning the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which together form the main attraction of the place. The Grand Bazaar, the most famous souk in the world, is also the heart of the city and fascinates with the offer of products.
CAPPADOCIA
700 km from Istanbul, in central Turkey, Cappadocia is one of the country’s gems. Its landscape, curious and intriguing, looks more like a piece of the moon on earth. Punctuated by valleys, crevices, canyons and rock formations that shaped by wind, rain and volcanic actions, it gained formats similar to mushrooms and, consequently, the nickname “fairy chimneys”.
Capital of the Hittite Empire until 1,100 BC, Cappadocia was an important province of the Roman Empire. The ancient people who lived in the region, built on the mountain slopes, houses carved in the rocks, one after the other, creating the illusion of a gigantic anthill. Under the ground, hidden cities have risen, a way to protect themselves from enemy invasion.
In addition, Cappadocia, as the legend goes, is the city where St. George was born.
BODRUM
Bodrum is a passionate seaside resort, full of boutique hotels, bustling nightlife, great restaurants by the Aegean Sea and a sea with breathtaking blue tones. The Saint Tropez from Turkey!
One of the “requests” here is to stay in a nice hotel, board the traditional wooden boats Gullet and sail through the Gulf of Gokova, passing through Cape Rabbit, Haremtem and Aquarium Bays, always with stops for diving.
In Bodrum, attractions go far beyond natural beauty. The city merge history. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, where the remains of the Persian king Mausolo were deposit, it is considered a true architectural triumph.
EPHESUS
Greco-Roman city of Antiquity, Ephesus is a true archaeological site. Second largest city in the Roman Empire, it housed palaces, temples and schools.
Part of that grand past can still be seen live and in color when visiting the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, for example. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it is believed that it was built in the 6th century BC to honor the goddess who lends it the name.
Another important local attraction is the house where Mary, mother of Jesus, supposedly lived in the last years of her life. The site attracts thousands of pilgrims every year and is said to be a saint.
When?
On the coast, the winters are milder and marked by many rains, while the summer is hot and dry.
In regions farther from the sea and surrounded by mountains, the continental climate prevails. It is characterized by little rain, short summers and long, harsh winters.
The best times to visit the country are in the spring, especially in April and May and in the fall, from September to October.
Museum Hotel
Situated in a very special geographical region in Cappadocia, the Museum Hotel was designed and created from a distinct combination of the land and historical features and ruins, some intact and others beautifully restored to their original glory.
The hotel has 30 rooms and suites – each exceptional in its own inimitable way. No room can be the same, each bringing its own special ambience, contributing to the Museum Hotel’s evident character and charm. The hotel is filled with thousands of years of history, the hotel conveys a magical feeling. The exclusive honeymoon suites have been individually designed for a perfect honeymoon experience.
The rooms are stunning and unparalleled like Cappadocia and everything you could wish for a special, romantic and luxurious stay awaits you in our choice of suites.
The hotel’s spa has special massage treatments with herbs and different herbal oils that will relax you and gently immerse you in the tranquility and joy of Cappadocia, you can choose to have your massage in your own room or, for an unforgettable experience in summer, on the special massage terrace, where the wonderful Cappadocia scenery and the hands of the masseur will envelop you.
Be sure to visit Lil’a, which is the Museum Hotel’s à la carte restaurant, the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Turkey, which features the best Turkish cuisine recipes, along with the almost forgotten traditional flavors of Anatolia and Cappadocia, and served with impeccable service for your guests.
Çiragan Palace
Çırağan Palace Kempinski offers a resort atmosphere in the city and reflects the ultimate luxury of a genuine Ottoman palace.
The luxurious hotel has a total of 310 rooms, including 279 rooms and 20 suites in the main section of the hotel and 11 suites in the section of the imperial palace.
Also discover the hotel’s restaurants and bars that offer a delicious gastronomic experience.
The spa facilities are one of the favorites, as is the outdoor infinity pool, which feels like you are floating on the Bosphorus.
Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum
Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum, is a luxurious 5 star resort that is located on the cliffs of the immaculate Bay of Barbaros. Experience the best of European luxury in a picturesque setting where excellent leisure facilities are mixed with a symphony of flavors.
This exclusive retreat also offers a blue flag beach, an exclusive 5,500 m² infinity pool, spa and a variety of excellent restaurants that combine authenticity and the region’s exceptional culinary highlights.