Travelling to unfamiliar countries is super exciting but may be overwhelming. If you’re feeling frantic as you arrive, you may miss some amazing experiences. That’s why it is better to pre-plan, or at least do some research on what activities you would like to do before you start your trip. This is especially true if you’re going to a place like Turkey.

Turkey is known for its exotic atmosphere, rich history and culture, and its natural and architectural beauty. The country, with its reputation for being romantic, draws in couples from the world over. The list of romantic things to do is quite long and you’ll be spoilt for choice.

To ensure you don’t feel bombarded by all the amazing options, here is a list of some of the most romantic things to do in Turkey.

– Take a tour of the Sultanahmet District in Istanbul 

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The Sultanahmet District is easily the most popular destination for tourists in Istanbul, Turkey. It serves as a sort of hub of tourist attractions. The district is bordered by three bodies of water including the Golden Horn, Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, all of which are tourist attractions in their own right. The district also encapsulates the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque which are two other popular attractions known for their architectural beauty. Seeing the sights of a city with your partner can be quite romantic and exploring makes for great memories.

– Take a trip to the Prince Islands 

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Off the coast of Istanbul is this string of Islands. While you’re there you can enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful scenery. What makes these islands extra special, and what is sure to make your visit unforgettable, is that the only mode of transport on the islands is a horse and cart. You can go sightseeing on the traditional horse-drawn carriage, called a feyton, and see everything that the islands have to offer.

–  Go to Cappadocia 

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Cappadocia is widely known for its incredible landscapes. If you decide to visit the region, you should take an early morning hot-air balloon ride and catch the sunrise and a birds-eye-view of the ancient rock dwellings (or fairy chimneys).

– Have a couple’s Turkish Bath 

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This is highly ranked on the list of popular activities for couples in Turkey. The spa treatments you’ll receive are centuries old. Take in the beautiful interiors while relaxing luxuriously in one of many spas across Turkey.

– Go on a date at a teahouse 

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For locals, Turkish tea is one of the best daily pleasures. It is a good way to relax and unwind. There is no shortage of tea houses and many of them come with amazing views too. Make sure you put this on your to-do list, or consider it as a daily end of day activity, to make the experience even more authentic.

– Watch the sunset at the Golden Horn 

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What is a romantic getaway without an evening spent watching the sunset? The Golden Horn Park is one of the best places to be to catch the sunset in Istanbul.

– Take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait 

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An evening dinner cruise is another classic romantic getaway activity. The Bosphorus straight runs throughout the city and from the cruise ship you’ll be able to see some of the sights such as the Blue Mosque from a different angle.

– Visit the Bazaars 

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Here you’ll take some great pictures and find some cool souvenirs. This is a great way to eat, shop, and experience the culture all at once!

Image: Unsplash 

Planning a honeymoon is more difficult than you think. One of the most challenging parts comes right at the beginning of planning: Choosing the best destination. If you’re still picking a location, why not consider Mozambique?

With its warm, tropical weather, endless stretches of empty beaches and rich culture, you’d think you’re in paradise. Boasting delicious seafood meals, and exciting excursions you can enjoy, Mozambique should be on the top of your destination list.

Here are some of the best things for couples to do in Mozambique:

– Take A Dhow Cruise

Dhow cruises are easily accessible in Mozambique and often come with snacks and drinks too. From the dhow you can enjoy the stunning views of the land and watch the sun set as you sail along. What could be more romantic than that?

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– See the Maputo Central Train Station 

This train station has been acknowledged by publications globally as one of the most beautiful stations in the world. It is wildly popular because of this.  It is a great place for some photos and a glimpse into the past.

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– Island hop in The Quirimbas Archipelago

The Quirimbas Archipelago is a group of islands including Vamizi, Ibo, and Quisiva. There are 32 islands to choose from. On the islands you can snorkel or scuba dive and see all that nature has to offer. The islands are popular because of their marine life (including endangered sea cows and dolphins) and their coral reefs.

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– Spend a Night Under the Stars 

There are some activities that are offered by most hotels and resorts in Mozambique. This is one of them. The hotel will provide you with an experience of spending the night sleeping under the stars. A bed will be set up on a secluded part of the beach and you’ll be left to enjoy the sounds of the ocean.

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– Go on a Safari at the Niassa Reserve

Mozambique is heavily focused on responsible and sustainable tourism. Wildlife are treated well and the nature reserves are proof of this. Because of this, you can enjoy a safari at the Niassa Reserve without guilt!

The reserve is the largest one in the country. At the reserve you can go on a camping expedition or a boat safari. You may catch a glimpse of some wildlife including lions, hyenas and leopards.

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– Have a Romantic dinner on a Secluded Beach 

This activity is offered by most hotels and resorts that are found in Mozambique. They often allow you to choose the site where your dinner table is set up too.

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– Visit the Fort São Sebastião

This fort is a heritage site in Mozambique and is one of the top attractions there. Built in a Portuguese style, the fort was put up to ensure that the trade route is secure and safe. You can explore inside the fort and also make your way to the top for a spectacular view of the ocean.

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– Take a Ferry to the Inhaca Islands 

Along with the general beach activities, the added ferry trip makes this beach experience special. There are also a variety of restaurants on the island.

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– Hit the Beach 

Mozambique is known for its endless stretches of beaches. You can’t let the trip go by without making a stop at one or two of them. Take a dip in the ocean and a romantic stroll. A classic honeymoon activity.

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– Visit the Tunduru Botanical Gardens

This is the ideal place to capture a good honeymoon photograph. Additionally, the environment makes for a wonderful day of peace and relaxation. It’ll be good for some proper alone time with your partner!

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Thailand has become one of the top honeymoon destinations. It’s affordability, beautiful attractions and many fun activities make it an easy choice. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, and is home to some of the country’s most popular beaches. Picking Phuket as your honeymoon destination is a decision you won’t regret.

If you’re staying in Phuket, there is no need to be confined to the island. Thailand is one of the best places for island hopping and you can easily make your way from Phuket to one of the many other surrounding Islands including Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lipe. But if you want to spend most of your time in Phuket, there are lots of activities to keep you busy.

Explore Phuket Old Town

See the unique architecture, get some great photos, and explore the area with an experienced guide. It will be an experience like no other due old town’s interesting history and blend of Chinese and colonial influences. You’ll also get great street food and see the best of sights.

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Have a seaside dinner 

The La Gritta restaurant has a stunning view of the ocean and the mountainside. There is nothing like a romantic dinner with a view to end off a lovely day on your honeymoon.

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Bask in the glory of Big Buddha 

The Big Buddha is so large that it can be seen from anywhere in Southern Phuket. It is also one of the top attractions on the island. It is not to be missed.

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Visit the animals responsibly 

Phuket is well known for being home to beautiful elephants. Many have reported, however, that elephants are mistreated at some theme parks, including the Phuket FantaSea. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary has been recommended as a more responsible way to interact with the elephants in Phuket. Watching these magnificent creatures happily roam will be a highlight of your trip.

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Shop till you drop at the markets 

Phuket is host to various night markets, which are great because it means you can do your shopping in a cooler environment and avoid the heat of the Phuket day. There is also the Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market). This is the biggest market on the Island and you’re sure to get some great deals. If you want some souvenirs, some local food, or just want to see what goods are on offer on the island then these should be your first stop!

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Island hopping with added activities 

There are various day tours to the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island (where the 1974 James Bond movie was shot), Phang Nga Bay, and Maya Bay. On these day tours you’ll see some monkeys, go snorkelling, swim in the stunning ocean, and be be treated to some delicious food.

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Have cocktails at a rooftop sunset bar 

Baba Nest is an exclusive rooftop bar in Phuket. It’s one of the best places to catch the sunset with a drink in hand. Watching the sunset is a classic honeymoon activity and this bar ensures that you do it in style.

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See the Simon Cabaret Show 

This show combines traditional and pop music a well as art to bring you an hour long visual and audio experience. The show is known to be a sight to see and has a reputation of being unforgettable. What could be better than an incredible show for some entertainment?

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An island getaway is possibly the perfect choice for a honeymoon. Some time by the beach is exactly what you need after months of wedding planning and organisation. Zanzibar provides you with exactly that. But, it also offers much more than just beaches to relax at. The island has rich history, amazing natural beauty, and comes with various attractions. Here are some of the top honeymoon activities in Zanzibar.

Enjoy a Rooftop Restaurant Dinner

At the rooftop restaurant, Emerson on Hurumzi, you can enjoy one of the best views of the sun setting over the sea as you have your dinner. The rooftop is one of the highest in Stone Town and thus provides a nearly unmatchable view. You’ll also be treated with live entertainment in the form of Taraab music which is a genre that is popular in Tanzania and Kenya. It is best to book in advance, because this restaurant really draws in the crowds. However, if you don’t get a spot here, they also have a sister restaurant called the Tea House Restaurant, which is very similar.

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Explore Stone Town 

A tour through Stone Town will expose you to the culture of Zanzibar. You’ll walk through the market where everything from spices to paintings and jewellery are on sale. On the tour you’ll also visit the house that Freddie Mercury grew up in the Old Fort, St Josephs Cathedral and more. If history interests you, this is the perfect way to spend a day.

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Be with the butterflies 

At the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre, one of the largest of its kind in Africa, you’ll see beautiful tropical gardens filled with thousands of native butterflies. Not only is this a unique experience, but it is also educational and interactive. The butterfly centre is also a great place to take some honeymoon photographs.

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Take a dhow cruise

The cruise shows you the sunset in a way you’ve never seen before. Before that, however, most of the cruises available will take you to view (from the dhow) the Menai Bay Conservation Area and various other islands.  You’ll also be treated to lunch.

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Go to Prison Island

It may sound unpleasant by it’s name, but it is totally the opposite. At Prison Island you can learn more about the history of Zanzibar, you can interact with and feed the giant tortoises, and you can go swimming or snorkelling. Only a short boat trip from the main island, Prison Island is a great adventure to take with your partner.

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Take a cooking class 

Food in Zanzibar is tremendously unique. On top of that, the island is very well known for its spices. Taking a cooking class together would not only leave you with some tricks to take to the kitchen at home, but it will be a romantic experience you’ll never forget. As we all know, food is the easiest way to win (or keep) someones heart.

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Visit the restaurant on a Rock 

One of the most distinctive restaurants you’ll ever see, The Rock Restaurant, is a top attraction for anybody visiting Zanzibar. While their food, including jumbo prawns and crab spaghetti, is great – it is the venue itself which sparks the interest in visitors. Located on a rock in the ocean, the dining experience is sure to be unforgettable.

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Bounce from beach to beach 

Zanzibar is home to a wide variety of beaches including, Kendwa Beach, Jambiani Beach, Paje Beach, Nungwi Beach, Kiwengwa Beach and more! You’ll have so many to choose from, you won’t know where to start. Each one is stunning with crystal blue waters. Try to visit as many as you can before your island honeymoon ends, it will be worth it!

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Image: Unsplash

Paris may be the city of love, but Italy has stolen our hearts. With endless seas, beautiful architecture and oodles of pasta, this romantic destination is the perfect place to cuddle up with your lover.

If you are planning an international honeymoon, you cannot go wrong with this European country. Here are some of the must-see Italian cities for newlyweds.

Venice:

A city of immense beauty and history, Venice isn’t like the rest of Italy. Venice is actually made up of more than 100 small islands on the Adriatic Sea, connected by a series of canals. There is no end to romantic activities in this quant city.

While there are a number of popular tourist destinations, the true beauty comes in wandering through the smaller parts. Take a romantic gondola ride through the meandering canals while cuddling up with your partner. Visit the picturesque Burano island, known for its colourful houses and lace weavers. In the evening, stop off at one of Venice’s oldest wine bars, Cantina Do Spade. It is rumoured that Casanova himself brought many women here to wine and dine.

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Sardinia:

There is something for everyone in the Italian city. Nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is decorated with rising mountains and 360 degree ocean views. Active couples can get their sweat on exploring Gennargentu’s vast mountain range, and partake in the wide array of water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving throughout the island.

Wine-lovers will be in heaven in Olbia, home of the vineyards, where visitors can travel between wine farms to taste new and unique wines. For a more luxurious experience, visit Porto Cervo. Created by Prince Karim Aga Khan, the area is well known for its yachts, designer stores and bustling nightlife.

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Florence:

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, this beautiful city is rich in culture. Art lovers will be in their element at the Uffuzi Gallery, home to artwork by famous Italian creators such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Beyond these works of art, Florence itself seems to be straight out of a painting. Beautiful architecture lines Florence’s streets, from the main cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to the Basilica of Santa Croce.

For a daytime activity, we suggest wandering around the Villa Bardini Garden, a serene and picturesque garden with old-world charm. Make sure to visit the stairs of Piazzale Michelangelo for an unforgettably romantic view of Florence at sunset, or end the day off with a romantic stroll on the river Arno. Wherever you are, Florence promises love under the Tuscan sun.

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Amalfi Coast:

With boundless natural beauty and a stretching coastline, the Amalfi coast is one of the top Italian destinations, especially for couples. The best plan of action is to rent a boat for the day, as many of of the smaller coves and beaches are only accessible this way.

The quiet town of Ravello features two stunning villas to explore, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. A must see is Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity, which offers one of the most stunning views from the Amalfi Coast.

Positano is home to one of the most celebrated hiking paths in the world, the Path of Gods, as well as stunning architecture. Take in this seaside town’s old world charm with a walk through its cobblestoned roads.

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Sicily:

Sicily’s romantic landscape, marvellous ruins and stunning coastline make it an incredible choice for an international honeymoon. With both Greek and Roman heritage, this island is a cultural haven boasting beautiful views all around.

The capital, Palermo, is great for culture-seeking couples. Marvel at the Royal Palace of Palermo, Europe’s oldest royal residence, and visit the Palatine Chapel for stunning mosaics and Byzantine architecture.

Cefalù is popular for their Roman baths and the ancient cathedral, home to the world-famous fresco of Christ, the Christus Pantokrator. When in Cefalù, make sure to visit the Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina, a long beach that curves below the old town.

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