wtm003

My husband and I are planning on flying into Athens and out of Istanbul in September 2015. We will likely have 15 - 18 days to barely scratch the surface with the hope we will be back later. I have just started figuring out a basic itinerary and the amount of information is overwhelming. I would really appreciate your help in filling in the blanks. We are interested in history, beaches, scenery, but at this point I want to know what you really enjoyed, because some of the best planning comes from ideas I've never considered. So far my thoughts are the following. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Athens 2- 3 days
Santorini 3 days
Crete 4 - 5 days
Istanbul 3 days
????? 3 days

HappyTrvlr

Istanbul 4 days, taking one from Santorini. Extra time, fly from Istanbul to Izmir, visit Ephesus, fly back to IST and fly home from there.

brotherleelove2004

Have you done much research regarding the way you plan to move from island to island? Santorini to Crete is fast and easy. It only takes less than 2 hours by highspeed catamaran. From Crete you can fly or ferry to Rhodes where you can catch the ferry across into So. Turkey at Bodrum or Marmaris. From there you can take a bus or a flight to Istanbul. I suggest the bus so you can see some of the countryside as well as make stop at Selcuk to see Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Med. Flying to Rhodes eliminates a 10-15 hour ferry ride (duration depends on the ferry company) that arrives after midnight.

eastave

I second the suggestion to visit Ephesus. We stayed at the Nisanyan house in Sirince, and it was the highlight of our trip to Turkey. I have never been to Crete. I felt like there was more to do/see in Istanbul than Athens. We were in Santorini for a similar amount of time, but our daughter was just 5, and not really into just sitting and gazing at the beauty.

wtm003

Thank you!! How many days for Ephesus? If we fly to Rhodes, should that just be a transfer point to the ferry or should we spend at least a night? I'll check out the Nisanyan House. I really appreciate all of the suggestions!

brotherleelove2004

You may have to spend the night on Rhodes if your flight doesn't coincide with the ferry, but if you have the time spend a day or two. If you're students of Greek history and rabid archaeology buffs you can easily spend 2 days at Ephesus, but if you're satisfied with just an overview then one day is sufficient.

Sassafrass

Ephesus is one of the most interesting and beautiful archeological sites I have seen. It is such a complete city.

The archeological sites in Athens are, of course, incomparable.

Istanbul needs more than three days, minimum of four. You may not return to Turkey any time soon, and you will already be in there, so do more in Turkey. The choice for me would hands down be Cappadocia. It needs three nights, two full days minimum, plus time to get there. It is highly unlikely you would make a trip to Turkey just for Cappadocia, so I would do it on this trip.

xyz99

I think you need to start thinking in terms of nights you want to spend in each place (3 nights is actually 2 full days plus a few hours, maybe, depending on traveling time, on either side). Also, look into realistic options and time it takes to go from A to B.

I am not familiar with Greece, but I agree that 3 days (or is it 3 nights?) is not enough for Istanbul. Also, Cappadocia and Ephesus are both amazing, and deserve some time. But with your itinerary, I would just add the 3 extra days to some of your existing destinations.

Both countries offer enough for your 15-18 days, why not concentrate on one, and next time do the other? Because you know you will go back someday. Moving from A to B is expensive, and time consuming...just my opinion, but this is your trip, and I understand that we all travel differently.

HappyTrvlr

I actually agree with the above poster. Do one country well. We spent an extended time in Greece and are now planning our twice canceled trip to Turkey.

kja

This trip sounds very rushed to me. I recommend that you get some good guidebooks (or spend some time with a few in your local library), identify the things you most want to see in each location, note their opening/closing times, and mark them on a calendar. Then pencil in your transportation, including AT LEAST two or three hours on either side (for getting to/from the airport or whatever, checking in/out, packing/unpacking, obtaining currency, and getting oriented). Then see how things fit together. You might end up deciding to cut a destination or two....

Ian

Always bear in mind the time it takes to travel from point to point. Ferries, planes, buses all consume precious vacation days, so planning efficient travel is the key to a multi-stop itinerary. And everybody's idea of the pace of a visit is different as well. 3 days is my usual maximum anywhere - although both Santorini and Istanbul were exceptions.

So yes, with planning you can see everyplace you listed & you can toss in Ephesus as well - it only needs 1/2 day imho & internal flights in Turkey are cheap.

Ian

wtm003

Thanks for all the input. My travel style is much like Ian's 3 days maximum, but I will be adding on to my time in Istanbul and adding Ephesus to the itinerary. We can probably also extend our trip a few more days and add Cappadocia. I appreciate all the opinions as I can start putting this together, figuring out travel arrangements and finding out if it will actually work.

el13207

Having been to all the places you're considering I would echo all those who suggest you slow down a little and factor in travel time too. I'm not sure where you're starting from, but given what you're considering I'd fly directly to Crete first (via Athens but just keep flying) for at least 4 nights and preferably more, take the fast ferry to Santorini, where your thought of 3 days is about right (or 2 days and 3 nights), and then fly to Athens for 3 (full) days. From Athens you could then fly to Cappadocia where you'd want 3 days, fly back to Ephesus for a full day (may need 2 nights depending on flight schedule) and then end up in Istanbul for at least 4 days. We usually try to average 4 days per location, a little more than Ian's suggestion...

Additional thoughts: rent a car on Crete for at least a day or two to explore. Go to the beach at Falasarna- gorgeous! Divide your time between Chania and Heraklion (different and both interesting). Stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia and tour the underground cities , also the outdoor museum in Goreme. Go see a whirling dervish ceremony.
Distances are far in Turkey! Don't underestimate travel times. Always get to Athens at least a day before your flight out and be prepared for strikes throughout the country at any time! Take a Bosphorus day cruise in Istanbul.

We actually did one trip to Greece and a separate trip to Turkey to allow for enough time in each (not that there is ever enough time...) ; we spent about 2 1/2 weeks in each country. Just a thought for you too! Enjoy wherever you end up going.

wtm003

Thanks for the tips el13207. That beach will be on the "must do" list!

BeniciaChris

Istanbull needs more time. It is a magical city. We were there 5 nights-not enough. The Bosphorus cruise was relaxing. When you go to Topaki palace get tickets to the Harem area right away. I got this advise from forum & was glad I did.
If you need a place to stay in Istanbul I'd suggest I's suggest Hotel Dersaadet. Its in a residentail area & the terrace has views of Blue Mosque. Great customer service. At least 2 nights in Cappadocia. I had a guide who took care of everything for me-he lives in Cappadocia but took care of my extra nights & guide in Ephesis.
We have been to Greece twice & Turkey once & I would pick one or the other. Have fun. Both places are wonderful-In fact I am thinking of going back to Greece Sept 2015 for 2 weeks-just to 1 Island & Athens.

Chania

Not to make things difficult but I have been to Falasarna beach in crete & it was a beautiful beach, however, at the time there were tar patches on the beach from the tides. I found Elofonisi beach nicer. It may also depend on the time of the year as I have read that Elofonsis gets very busy, but in May both beaches were not busy. Both were accessible by bus from Hania.

ashwinb

With 15 days, I would just 1 of the,. However, with 18-20 days, it's more doable.
I would spen 4 days in Istanbul,3 days or so Cappadocia, 2-3 in Ephesus-Pammukkale- Izmir region. And then maybe head to the Mediterranean coast in Turkey itself,which is beautiful(or Greece).
If you aren't convinced on spending more time in Turkey,do have a look at my blog: ashwinbahulkar.wordpress.com/my-travels-2/turkey/my-solo-turkey-trip/

wtm003

I was surprised to find more replies! Thank you! I sincerely appreciate all of the advice.

HappyTrvlr

Yes, Elafonisi beach is beautiful, reminded me of the Bahamas with turquoise water, pink sand.

el13207

A second vote for the hotel Dersaadet in Istanbul -great place! Also take a food tour from the Istanbul Eats people early in your visit- this was a true highlight of our visit there, & steered us to some great places off the beaten path (highest recommendation). As for tar on Falasarna- what a bummer. It was pristine in Oct. 2012. We didn't make it to Elafonisi as it seemed like more of a schlep to get to - hope to make it next time! The pictures of that beach do make it look gorgeous.