Powder-pink Turkish delight dusted in icing sugar, honey-glazed baklava and sunny beaches overlooking ancient towns – Turkey is a magical place to book your honeymoon destination. If you want a bit of history, a lot of sunbathing and to come home with a real honeymoon tan, then you won’t be disappointed. Turkey has so much to offer, and you’ll only have maybe one to two weeks to make the most of it. To make sure you have a brilliant time on your honeymoon, here’s an itinerary to guide you through the best of Turkey.

Places serving local cuisine

You can buy chocolate-covered Turkish delight in most petrol stations these days, but while the taste of rose water might be familiar to many, it’s just not the same as trying it in its country of origin. If you’re in Turkey, be sure to try fresh Lokum – as it’s known in Turkey – where you’ll find decadent pieced covered in fresh rose petals. With this in mind, here are a few other foods to try in their native land:

• Kofta: forget the dense balls of lamb found in supermarkets, real Turkish kofta should be served baked in a chickpea stew, or sometimes even cheese
• Gozleme: think Turkish naan bread, and you’re almost there. It’s often served spices and vegetables pressed into the dough
• Manti: the Turkish answer to dim sum, ravioli or pierogis – these dumplings are incredibly moreish and served with Turkish yogurt
• Baklava: thin strips of filo pastry filled with ground pistachio and glazed with honey – trying this in its homeland is far superior to eating it at home

Laze by the beach in Antalya

Antalya is a great place to go if you’re after some dazzling Turkish coastline. However, it has more to offer than just swimming opportunities. Its old town, also known as the Kaleiçi neighbourhood, is composed of winding cobbled streets that will provide you the perfect place to spend your time strolling in the hot Turkish sun. You’ll also find plenty of local historical monuments to visit on your way round. Their yacht-filled harbour is also a stylish place to work your way around if you’re looking for seaside restaurants and trendy boutiques. And, of course, Konyaalti Beach is one of the coastlines filled with sun loungers and facilities to spend your days soaking up the sun and swimming.

A Cappadocia hot air balloon ride

The infamous sight of Cappadocia’s scenery being dotted with hot air balloons is often on many people’s bucket lists. Not only will you see the valleys from up to 1,000 feet above ground level, but you will enjoy an experience that is worthy of any luxury honeymoon. After arrival, you will enjoy a free tea or coffee and a buffet breakfast, and upon landing, you will get to enjoy a glass of champagne – to toast to your journey and maybe even your wedding. Finding Villas in Turkey will give an ideal place to stay before an early wakeup call, allowing you to sleep in comfort before a morning out in a balloon.

Istanbul

Any visit to Turkey wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Istanbul. You can visit the Hagia Sophia, which is the biggest church that was constructed in Istanbul. It has many face-lifts and additions over the years, giving it a huge amount of historical significance. After changing into a mosque, then a museum, it has some of the most stunning architectural feats in Istanbul. On top of this, you will have the opportunity to see Whirling Dervishes – which aren’t merely a tourist spectacle but a real cultural practice. However, it’s advised that you book your seat well in advance.

Ephesus

If you want to see some ancient ruins while you’re in Turkey, then the Ephesus should be on your must-see list. It was composed of marble during the days of the Roman Empire, and is surprisingly vast. This isn’t just an hour-long pit-stop tour, so be sure to take your time wandering round this historical monument.

Visit a Hamam

If you’re looking to relax while on your honeymoon, then visiting a Hamam is one of the most authentic experiences you go undertake. The massage experience leaves you feeling ultra clean and relaxed, and is the only authentic way to experience real Turkish Baths.

Turkey has such a wide variety of unique experiences to offer you on your honeymoon; you’ll leave feeling as if you truly visited somewhere that could deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you spend the time after your wedding up high in a balloon or relaxing in the Turkish baths, you’ll come back with vibrant and special memories.