When Love Takes a Flight! Anikait’s Fairytale Turkey Holiday with Thrillophilia
“You either exist in a place, or you experience it.” –
Rightly said, our journey to Turkey was nothing short of such an exquisite experience.
Turkey has always been a destination that intrigued us—its rich history, vibrant culture, dreamy landscapes - all of it. So, when my partner and I decided to book this once-in-a-lifetime trip, we entrusted Thrillophilia with planning our journey.
And what an experience it turned out to be! From the moment we set foot in Antalya to the final moments in Istanbul, every day felt like stepping into a different world.
By the way, we had one very specific shot in mind: a romantic photo against the stunning backdrop of Cappadocia’s iconic hot air balloons.
But we’ll get to that later.
Old city charm and a boat ride that felt like a movie
Istanbul gets a lot of hype, but let me tell you—Antalya is an absolute gem! And it isn’t just about the beaches…
Don’t get me wrong, the beaches were stunning,—the Mediterranean sparkling as far as the eye could see. But beyond that, there was history all around us.
We 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—it was a visual feast. I got caught up in the history and stories that seep from the city’s walls.
You’d look one way and see the Hadrian’s Gate, then turn around and find yourself in the middle of a vibrant bazaar. We also took a boat tour along the Mediterranean’s peaceful waters, with the Taurus Mountains framing the coastline. If you’re ever in Antalya, don’t miss this. There's something magical about the contrast of ancient city walls meeting crystal-clear seas.
By the time we hit the Mediterranean for a boat tour, we felt like we were in the middle of a rom-com. The sun setting, the water glistening, and that perfect Turkish breeze.
Cue the Titanic theme song, right?
Are we still on Earth?
Let me tell you, Pamukkale is otherworldly. It is known as the ‘Cotton Castle’ because of its white, terraced mineral pools that look like something straight out of a fantasy novel. There’s no better way to feel like you’re floating on clouds! We dipped our feet, took about a hundred pictures, and marvelled at how bizarrely beautiful this place was. Turkey really knows how to surprise you with its diverse landscapes!
What made this day even more special? Lunch. Traditional Turkish dishes that brought together a perfect balance of spices and flavours—definitely one of those meals where you just sit back afterwards and let out a satisfied sigh.
Of hot air balloons and the dress
And, finally, Cappadocia happened.
The one place my partner had been raving about for months. We 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 trust me, it was worth every ounce of effort.
We dressed up—well, I just threw on a casual shirt, but my 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 we rose up 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 all around us. It was surreal. But more surreal was the moment we captured—the dress flowing in the wind, hot air balloons scattered across the horizon, and us, right in the middle of it all.
We snapped some of the best pictures of our lives that morning, with the sky painted in every shade of pink and orange you can imagine.
Mosques, Markets and the Mysteries of Istanbul
Of course, our trip wouldn’t be complete without diving into the heart of Istanbul.
If Antalya was laid-back and historical, Istanbul was its vibrant cousin. We spent our 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.
We also wandered through the Grand Bazaar, where every corner smelled of spices, Turkish coffee, and sweet, syrupy baklava.
One evening, we also set sail on a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where Europe meets Asia. Again a mesmerising experience, the sun dipped low as we 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 us, 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—everything we expected. But the Princes’ Islands? Now that was the curveball we 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. We 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. We 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”
As we sat together on our last night in Turkey, looking through the photos we had taken—each one more stunning than the last—I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this experience. Turkey had been everything we dreamed of and more.
We 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 our local storytellers.
And that photo with the balloons? It’s already framed in our living room. We look at it, smile, and say, “Remember Turkey?” Because really, how could we ever forget?
Read More: Thrillophilia Turkey Reviews