HOŞGELDINIZ To The Beautiful Vistas Of Turkey

Your arrival is lovely — Hoşgeldiniz in Turkish — is the type of culture the vibrant country of Turkey cherishes. The nation is like a lost treasure, that once discovered is difficult to give up. Turkey is also like a mosaic painting of amalgamations — the amalgamations of cultures, colours and colossal crafts. A home to the only city in the world with one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe, Turkey manifests the beautiful colours of the two continents which crown it as a Eurasian nation. The imperial capital city of Istanbul is built on two continents, enriching the nation with the best of diversity. Aligned with the Aegean Sea, the south-western province of Mugla offers crystal-clear, tide-less warm seas, embracing the denomination of The Turquoise Coast.

ISTANBUL

Located in the Marmara region of Turkey, Istanbul is the world’s most gorgeous and mysterious city, the coolest European city, and the biggest Turkish city. Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires sought home in Istanbul for more than 1,500 years while the city strategically served as the capital for that time period. It was beautified accordingly with magnificent monuments and became a metropolis where diverse cultures, nations and religions mingled. Those cultures, nations and religions are the small pieces that form the mosaic of Istanbul.

Places To Visit:

• Joining the Sea of Marmara (Marmara Denizi) with the Black Sea (Karadeniz), the Bosphorus Strait is one of the highlights of Istanbul. A stay in the city is incomplete without the unforgettable boat-excursion here. Its glowing shores offer a delightful mix of time, splendour and beauty.

• The Golden Horn is a horn-shaped fjord on the European side of Istanbul where the setting sun casts a golden hue on the waters of Marmara.

• The beautiful Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is adorned with hand-painted blue tiles, and comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasa and a hospice.

• Hagia Sophia, a splendid church-turned-mosque-turned-musuem is among the world’s greatest archaic wonders and must be visited once.

• Kapali Carsi or the Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest and oldest bargain bazaars in the world where you can shop beautiful Turkish carpets, glazed tiles and pottery, copper and brassware.

• You, along with your beau can soak in romance at the premium hammam baths (traditional Turkish bath), promising complete relaxation and de-stressing.

Hotels:

• Raffles Istanbul – Replete with a grand ballroom and several other function rooms that create a more intimate, environment, this hotel has a dedicated wedding team, in-house florist, and a graceful and welcoming staff for your nuptials.

• Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul – With its absolutely romantic and spacious wedding terrace, and the Ciragan Ballroom overlooking Bosphorus, it is the best wedding venue and a top choice for romantic honeymoon destinations and anniversaries worldwide.

• Swissotel The Bosphorus, Istanbul – This hotel is known to promote both physical and mental fitness through Vitality, a philosophy and a programme. Coupled with that, their vibrant central locations, modern technology, reliable service, and great cuisine, make it the topmost choice for weddings.

• Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus – This 19th-century Ottoman palace in the face of an urban resort offers a perfect setting to celebrate life, love and romance. The backdrop of the Bosphorus Strait is a setting in which dream weddings are made.

ANTALYA

Antalya, the pearl of Mediterranean, a holiday paradise, and a home for scenic beauty, is one of the best loved cities of Turkey. Ski on the mountains first, to descend to shore for a swim later — the adventures in Antalya never end. Apart from this, the proximity to a great number of archaeological sites and ruins enhances its appeal. There are great works of art from different civilisations at every corner of the city. In the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici, narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls.  One can also relish the delectable aroma of gastronomic sensations of Turkish coffees and ‘meze’ dishes here.

Places To Visit

• The triumphal arch of the Hadrian’s Gate, dating back to 130 AD, is a stunning historic ruin that is famous for its triple arches that guard the entrance to Kaleici.

• The Antalya Museum is a stunning archaeological museum with 13 exhibition halls and an open-air gallery.

• You can enjoy the beautiful fine sand at the famous Lara Beach or walk behind the rushing cascade of Duden Falls for a thrilling experience.

• The magnanimous Aspendos Theatre is one of the world’s best-preserved theatres of antiquity exhibiting Greek and Roman architectures.

• Koprulu Canyon National Park is the country’s most popular rafting area. This national park is perfect for hiking, sea kayaking, exploring historical ruins, and for soaking into the animated Mediterranean scenery, among others.

 Hotels

• Titanic Mardan Palace – Offering a lavish design reminiscent of a grand palace, this hotel is located in the heart of Turkey. It has column-free ballrooms and a grand banquet hall for all your grand wedding requirements.

• Calista Luxury Resort – The hotel is committed to create your perfect day with Kaden Weddings. Let their team take care of the legal requirements, organise hen and stag parties, create your personal wedding ceremony, with your choice of decorations, table settings, menu, drinks and entertainment — there are no limits to their services.

• Rixos Downtown Antalya – To turn your wedding into your dream fairytale, Rixos Hotels’ team provides the perfect setting and the perfect organisational skills. Their wide ranges of services make the holiday experience for the guests an unforgettable one.

• Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort – Well equipped and properly lit convention centre, replete with any facility that one can wish for in their wedding, is what defines their hospitality.

BODRUM

Often known as the ‘Saint-Tropez of Turkey’, the town of Bodrum lives with an antique soul disguised in the metropolitan aura in the hustle-bustle of tourists that swarm the city each year. From being tourist-friendly having exotic cafés and boutique hotels to being surmounted by a castle and interspersed with dainty lanes — Bodrum is a city that is a paradise for the travellers. The Sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea and hills enwrapped with Olive and Citrus groves embrace the entire city. Bodrum is people, sun, sea, colours and serenity. Bodrum is all that while being a home to world’s most luxurious properties and modern settings. Hence, a dream wedding awaits you at Bodrum.

Places To Visit

• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus or the Tomb of Mausolus of the Persian Empire, once deemed among the Seven Wonders of the world are some stunning ancient marvels that must be explored in the city of Bodrum.

• Standing elegantly and gorgeously at the shore is the well -preserved St. Peter’s Castle, also known as the Bodrum Castle. Carrying a history of being one of the most important military garrisons, this castle is a must-visit.

• Adjoining the St. Peter’s Castle is the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, experiencing which is like discovering a lost, immersed treasure. A treasure of underwater secrets.

• For an intimate experience of a serene boutique wedding, you can choose to lock your nuptials at the Yahsi or Yalisiftlik beaches.

• Guests can be entertained well with fun-filled Aegean Gingers Segway Bodrum Tours.

Hotels

• Lujo Bodrum A`la Carte – Housing beautiful arenas, grand ballrooms and presidential suites, this hotel is ‘the spot’ for a destination wedding. Services like custom wedding cakes, handmade chocolate favours and a meticulous wedding team make it a top choice among all.

• LUX* Bodrum Resort & Residences – Set exclusively on a private peninsula and staggered amidst landscaped gardens, you’ll discover cutting-edge design, legendary LUX* service and high definition panoramas from every tier. If this is not a dream wedding, then what is?

• The Bodrum by Paramount Hotels & Resorts – Bestowed with a touch of Hollywood style elegance and luxury, The Bodrum also features indoor and outdoor meetings, events and business venues. The calmingly luxurious experience of a wedding is unparalleled.

• Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum – The hotel offers a wonderful location for weddings. With a wealth of facilities and an excellent service, the team will ensure that your event is a memorable affair.