Our dreamy Honeymoon Journey Through Turkey & Greece

Ever since we got engaged, we knew we didn’t want an ordinary honeymoon. Beaches were tempting, sure, but we were dreaming of something deeper. We wanted magic, history, and a love story that matched our own. That’s when the idea of Turkey and Greece first sparked, two countries rich in mythology, ancient cities, seaside charm, and passionate culture. But turning that idea into a real plan? That was the hard part.

We kept hesitating. Could we really pull off a honeymoon across two countries? What about the logistics, visas, transfers, local guides, travel time? What if we spent more time figuring things out than actually enjoying the trip? As much as we craved the adventure, we didn’t want stress to cloud what should be the most unforgettable days of our lives.

We almost settled for a single destination just to make things easier. But deep down, we knew we’d regret not trying. Istanbul’s mystique, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the turquoise coast… paired with the romantic sunsets of Santorini and the timeless ruins of Athens, it just felt like us.
 

Where It All Began

Then came the game-changer: a late-night scroll led us to Memphis Tours. We’d heard of them before, mostly for their legendary Egypt tours. But we didn’t realize they also crafted Multi-Country Tours honeymoons, and with a level of detail that blew us away. Their Turkey & Greece packages weren’t just itineraries, they were experiences, tailored with a mix of adventure, relaxation, history, and romance.

They handled everything: airport pickups, border transitions, private guides, curated stays, and just enough free time for us to wander hand-in-hand without a schedule. What we feared would be chaotic turned out seamless, and more beautiful than we imagined.

Choosing Memphis Tours didn’t just help us plan the honeymoon of a lifetime. It gave us the freedom to live every moment of it.

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

The moment our plane touched down in Istanbul, we could feel the magic in the air. A city that spans two continents welcomed us with open arms, and a perfectly timed airport pickup, thanks to Memphis Tours. Our English-speaking driver greeted us with a warm smile and whisked us off through the bustling streets, where East truly meets West.

The drive gave us a first glimpse of the city’s heartbeat: domes, minarets, street vendors, and locals going about their day amidst a skyline that tells stories of empires. When we arrived at our hotel in Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul, we were welcomed like royalty.

The rest of the day was ours to enjoy. We wandered through cobbled streets, grabbed Turkish coffee at a cozy cafe, and simply soaked in the vibe of the city. No pressure, no plans, just the two of us, finally here, after months of dreaming and planning. As the sun set behind the Bosphorus, we realized this wasn’t just the start of a trip. It was the beginning of the story we’d tell for the rest of our lives.
 

Please Note: The images used in this article are AI generated to protect our client's privacy.

Day 2: Istanbul City Tour

Our first full day began with a hearty Turkish breakfast, fresh bread, olives, cheese, eggs, and strong tea. Our guide met us promptly, and from there, we dove into the grandeur of ancient Constantinople.

Our first stop: the Hagia Sophia, a marvel of architecture and history. Standing beneath its vast dome, you could almost hear whispers of emperors, caliphs, and sultans. Next was the Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans. Wandering through its ornate courtyards and treasure-filled chambers felt like walking through a living museum of power and luxury.

After a delicious local lunch, we visited the iconic Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and stunning interior adorned in blue Iznik tiles. The Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life, was our next stop, followed by the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, a shopper’s dream with over 4,000 shops.
 

Day 3: Istanbul | Cappadocia Tour

The day started early with a flight to Kayseri, the gateway to Cappadocia. From the moment we arrived, we felt like we were on another planet, where nature had painted the earth into whimsical shapes and ancient civilizations carved homes into the rocks.

Our guide greeted us and we headed straight to Devrent Valley, where rock formations resemble animals and figures, a perfect start to a day full of wonder. Next was Pasabagi, or Monks Valley, where fairy chimneys with mushroom-like tops seemed to defy gravity. After a local lunch in the charming town of Avanos, famous for pottery and sitting alongside the Kizilirmak (Red River), we got to see Turkish craftsmen at work. It was inspiring to watch centuries-old techniques still practiced with pride.

In the afternoon, we explored the remarkable Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s filled with centuries-old churches carved into rock, decorated with stunning frescoes. Then we visited Uchisar Castle, offering panoramic views of the dreamlike valleys below. e ended the day at Three Beauties, the most famous fairy chimneys near Urgup, and a quick stop at Goreme Panorama before heading to our enchanting cave hotel. Falling asleep in a room carved from stone, surrounded by silence and stars, was pure honeymoon magic.
 

Please Note: The images used in this article are AI generated to protect our client's privacy.

Day 4: Cappadocia | Return to Istanbul

Our last morning in Cappadocia was unforgettable. Before sunrise, we took the plunge and booked the hot air balloon ride, a decision we’ll never regret. As we floated above the surreal landscape, watching the sun illuminate the valleys below, it felt like the entire world had paused just for us.

After breakfast, we had some time to relax at the hotel before transferring to Kayseri Airport for our flight back to Istanbul. Returning to the city felt surprisingly comforting, it was like coming back to a familiar embrace.

Our hotel was ready and waiting, and we spent the evening recounting our favorite moments over a cozy dinner. The contrast between Cappadocia’s quiet magic and Istanbul’s vibrant soul made us appreciate both even more.
 

Day 5: Istanbul | Athens

Another travel day, another adventure. After a delicious breakfast, we checked out and headed to Istanbul International Airport for our flight to Athens, ready to begin the second leg of our honeymoon.

Landing in Greece’s capital felt like walking into another chapter of history. The air was warmer, the accents different, but the sense of wonder remained. Our driver was waiting and soon we were winding through ancient streets on the way to our hotel.

Once settled in, we explored the neighborhood on foot, grabbing our first taste of Greek cuisine and glimpsing the Acropolis glowing in the distance. We were in the birthplace of Western civilization, and we couldn’t wait to dive in.
 

Day 6: Athens City Tour

Athens greeted us with golden sunlight and ancient grandeur. Our guided city tour took us from the modern to the mythical in just a few hours. We drove past the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble, and continued past Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and more.

But nothing could prepare us for the awe of standing atop the Acropolis, looking out over the city as the Parthenon stood tall behind us. Our guide brought ancient myths to life, and we could almost see Athena watching over her city. The Acropolis Museum was equally stunning, beautifully curated and filled with treasures that deepened our appreciation for everything we’d seen.

We spent the afternoon exploring Plaka, the charming old neighborhood beneath the Acropolis. We wandered narrow lanes lined with shops, tavernas, and blooming bougainvillea. We even picked up a few local pieces to bring home.
 

Please Note: The images used in this article are AI generated to protect our client's privacy.

Day 7: Athens | Santorini

Today felt like a dream within a dream. We transferred to Piraeus Port and boarded a ferry bound for Santorini. Watching the blue waters stretch endlessly before us felt like floating through a painting.

Arriving in Santorini, we were whisked to our hotel perched on a cliffside, overlooking the caldera. The whitewashed buildings, the pops of blue domes, the endless sea—it was everything we imagined and more.

We spent the rest of the day just enjoying the moment. No schedule, no expectations, just the beauty of the island and each other.
 

Day 8: Free Day in Santorini

Our final full day was left open, and it was perfect that way. We wandered the cliffside paths of Fira and Oia, peeked into art galleries, and stopped often just to take in the views.

We dipped our toes into the island’s black-sand beaches, sipped iced coffee under a shady umbrella, and took a short boat ride to the volcanic islands in the caldera.

As sunset approached, we found a quiet spot in Oia, away from the crowds, and watched as the sky turned into a canvas of gold, pink, and lavender. We held hands, said little, and let the beauty speak for itself. It was the kind of day we’ll remember forever.
 

Please Note: The images used in this article are AI generated to protect our client's privacy.

Day 9: Final Departure from Santorini

We spent our final morning soaking in every last second, breakfast on the balcony, the sea breeze in our hair, and hearts full of gratitude.

Our driver arrived to take us to the Santorini Airport, and as we said goodbye, we weren’t just leaving two countries, we were leaving a dream we got to live together.

Thanks to Memphis Tours, our honeymoon wasn’t just a vacation. It was the beginning of our forever, and we couldn’t have imagined a more magical start.
 

Practical Travel Tips for Your Turkey & Greece Honeymoon

Traveling across two countries on your honeymoon is magical, but a little prep goes a long way in making sure it’s smooth, stress-free, and full of romance instead of logistics. Here’s what we learned along the way that might help you, too.

Best Time to Visit Turkey & Greece

If you're planning a honeymoon like ours, spring (April–June) or early autumn (September–October) is ideal. The weather is warm but not stifling, crowds are manageable, and sunsets are still picture-perfect. July and August can be hot, especially in Athens and Istanbul, and extremely busy, so consider traveling shoulder season if you can.

What to Pack

Here’s what made our lives easier:

1. Light, breathable layers: Great for hot afternoons and cooler evenings.

2. Something modest for visiting mosques and historic sites in Turkey, scarves, long skirts, or sleeves came in handy.

3. Comfy walking shoes for exploring cities, ruins, and cobbled streets.

4. Swimsuits & sandals for Santorini’s beaches or rooftop pools.

5. A “just in case” outfit for a romantic dinner or sunset cruise.

6. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, the Mediterranean sun is no joke.

Booking Tips

We’ll say it again: having Memphis Tours handle the entire itinerary was a game-changer. From hotel bookings and airport pickups to tours and flights, everything was perfectly timed and curated. Instead of spending hours planning transfers or Googling ferry schedules, we spent that time enjoying sunsets, sipping wine, or just being present together.

Whether you’re juggling wedding planning or simply want a stress-free experience, going through a trusted travel agency with local connections made everything feel first-class, even when we were off the beaten path.

Accommodation Tips & Hotel Choices for a Honeymoon Traveling to Turkey & Greece

When planning our honeymoon, we knew the places we stayed would be more than just hotels, they’d be where we’d wake up to stunning views, unwind after exciting adventures, and create some of our first memories as a married couple. We wanted romantic, comfortable, and well-located stays, and thanks to Memphis Tours, finding the perfect accommodations was easy and stress-free.

They offered a range of options across Turkey and Greece to match our budget and style, cozy, romantic, and full of charm. Our tour operator guided us every step, helping us choose the perfect stay for each destination.

The Marmara Pera Hotel | Istanbul, Turkey: A modern stay with stunning Bosphorus views, perfectly located near top sights, yet peaceful enough for romantic, quiet evenings.

Helike Hotel | Cappadocia, Turkey: A fairy-tale stay with cave-style rooms and sunrise views. The perfect spot to watch hot air balloons drift over Cappadocia’s magical landscape.

Titania Hotel | Athens, Greece: Titania blends classic and modern, with easy access to Athens’ sites and a rooftop restaurant offering Parthenon views, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Aegean Plaza Hotel | Santorini, Greece: The ultimate honeymoon spot with whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and romantic poolside evenings, quiet Kamari, steps from the beach and near Oia’s sunsets.
 

Our Favorite Moments and the Less Memorable Ones

Looking back, a few moments truly made our honeymoon unforgettable. Watching the sunrise over Cappadocia’s magical landscape from our cozy cave suite was pure bliss. Santorini’s sunsets with its iconic blue domes brought endless romance, while exploring Athens’ ruins and Istanbul’s historic charm added rich memories. Thanks to Memphis Tours, everything flowed smoothly, from airport transfers to guided tours and perfect hotels, letting us relax and focus on each other. Comfortable, well-located stays made our days easy and our nights restful.

Their Encore Rewards program was the cherry on top. Knowing that this honeymoon adventure was also building points for our next trip makes me even more excited about future travels.

Not every day was action-packed. Some were slower, spent strolling charming streets or relaxing at our hotels. These quieter moments allowed us to unwind and fully soak in the local vibe, making the highlights even more memorable.

I’m sharing all this because this honeymoon was truly special. Before the trip, I wanted an honest glimpse of what a romantic getaway to Turkey and Greece feels like, not just pretty pictures, but real moments and memories. If you’re dreaming of a honeymoon in these magical countries, take this as your sign. Memphis Tours made our experience smooth, romantic, and unforgettable, and they can do the same for you.