When Love Takes a Flight! Anikait’s Fairytale Turkey Holiday with Thrillophilia
“You either exist in a place, or you experience it.”
Rightly said, their journey to Turkey was nothing short of such an exquisite experience.
Turkey had always been a destination that intrigued them—its rich history, vibrant culture, and dreamy landscapes. So, when Anikait and their partner decided to book this once-in-a-lifetime trip, they entrusted Thrillophilia with planning their journey.
And what an experience it turned out to be! From the moment they set foot in Antalya to the final moments in Istanbul, every day felt like stepping into a different world.
They had one very specific shot in mind: a romantic photo against the stunning backdrop of Cappadocia’s iconic hot air balloons.
But that moment came later in the trip.
Old city charm and a boat ride that felt like a movie
Istanbul gets a lot of hype, but Antalya proved to be an absolute gem! And it wasn’t just about the beaches…
The beaches were stunning, the Mediterranean sparkling as far as the eye could see. But beyond that, history was everywhere.
They strolled through Antalya’s Old City, Kaleiçi, where ancient ruins stood side by side with charming Ottoman-era houses. The old city felt like walking through a time machine, a visual feast. They were captivated by the history and the stories seeping from the city’s walls.
One moment, they’d see Hadrian’s Gate; the next, they’d find themselves in the middle of a vibrant bazaar. They also took a boat tour along the Mediterranean’s peaceful waters, with the Taurus Mountains framing the coastline. The contrast of ancient city walls meeting crystal-clear seas created a magical experience.
By the time they went on the Mediterranean boat tour, it felt like they were in the middle of a rom-com, with the sun setting, water glistening, and that perfect Turkish breeze.
Cue the Titanic theme song, right?
Are we still on Earth?
Pamukkale was otherworldly. Known as the ‘Cotton Castle’ because of its white, terraced mineral pools, it looked like something straight out of a fantasy novel.
They dipped their feet, took countless pictures, and marvelled at the bizarrely beautiful landscape. Turkey’s diverse landscapes were full of surprises.
The day was made even more special with lunch, traditional Turkish dishes that perfectly balanced spices and flavours, leaving them with satisfied sighs.
Of hot air balloons and the dress
And, finally, Cappadocia happened.
The one place Anikait’s partner had been raving about for months. They woke up at an ungodly hour for the hot air balloon ride. The idea of getting that perfect photo against the backdrop of Cappadocia’s famous hot air balloons had her up before the alarm even went off.
She had packed this beautiful blue flowy dress specifically for this moment, and it was worth every ounce of effort.
They dressed up, well, Anikait just threw on a casual shirt, but his partner? She was glowing in that blue dress. A flowy masterpiece, a colour that would perfectly pop against the pastel hues of the morning sky.
As they rose into the air, the world below looked like a painting. Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys, rock formations, and the soft glow of the morning sun surrounded them. It was surreal. But more surreal was the moment they captured, the dress flowing in the wind, hot air balloons scattered across the horizon, and them, right in the middle of it all.
They snapped some of the best pictures of their lives that morning, with the sky painted in every shade of pink and orange imaginable.
Mosques, Markets and the Mysteries of Istanbul
Of course, their trip wouldn’t be complete without diving into the heart of Istanbul.
If Antalya was laid-back and historical, Istanbul was its vibrant cousin. They spent their days exploring the majestic Blue Mosque and the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, which were even more breathtaking in person than in photos. There’s something humbling about standing beneath their towering domes, knowing they’ve witnessed centuries of history.
They also wandered through the Grand Bazaar, where every corner smelled of spices, Turkish coffee, and sweet, syrupy baklava.
One evening, they also set sail on a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where Europe meets Asia. Again a mesmerising experience, the sun dipped low as they floated past Ottoman palaces and towering minarets. The city’s skyline silhouetted against the pink and gold hues of the setting sun. It was one of those moments where everything felt right in the world, just them, the gentle sway of the boat, and Istanbul’s glittering lights as the city came alive for the night.
While Istanbul was busy, lively, and bustling, it was everything they expected. But the Princes’ Islands? That was the curveball they didn’t see coming. A peaceful retreat from the city’s chaos, these islands were like stepping into a different world.
No cars, just horse-drawn carriages, quiet streets, and the occasional hum of a bike. They explored Büyükada, the largest of the islands, with its grand Ottoman mansions and serene atmosphere.
Lunch on the boat was a whole experience in itself—fresh seafood, the breeze from the Marmara Sea, and the laughter of locals enjoying the summer season. They spent hours walking, talking, and simply being. It was the perfect antidote to the urban buzz of Istanbul.
“In the end, it’s not the moments we live but the memories we carry.”
On their last night in Turkey, Anikait and their partner sat together looking through the photos they had taken, each one more stunning than the last. They couldn’t help but feel grateful for this experience. Turkey had been everything they dreamed of and more.
They owe a huge thanks to Thrillophilia, especially Sapna, for crafting the perfect itinerary. Everything was smooth, from the transfers to the hotels and the guides who became their local storytellers.
And that photo with the balloons? It’s already framed in their living room. They look at it, smile, and say, “Remember Turkey?” Because really, how could they ever forget?
Read More: Thrillophilia Turkey Reviews