Hi

Istanbul is awesome but I would leave it for another trip so you can take in the rest of Turkey. It's a fascinating country rich in history and culture. Instead of Venice why not do some of mainland Greece. Nafplion is a quaint, romantic town for example. Nearby is the pleasant beach resort of Tolon. Maybe try this hotel - http://www.flisvoshotel.gr/framehotel2.html. Endless possibilities.

You might consider a cruise. we did IST to MRS and it was awesome. All travel is looked after..Luxury is supplied on the cruise we took. Air was included also..It is a wonderful way to see different spots without the hassle of travelling, unp[acking, no guess work..anmd there are many cruises in many price ranges. When you consider that all, except booze) was included on our trip it was nof unreasonable...Check some out.....

Istanbul is stunning and worth a trip. I stood in the plaza between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia during call to prayer and cried my eyes out. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life.
The bazaar is fantastic - spices, teas, candy, rugs (man can they peddle those rugs...be careful), it's all negotiable. I bought a pipe for my grandfather for $22 and the salesman started at $150.
The food is amazing - fish is divine, wines are fantastic and the hospitality is unlike anything I have ever encountered.
For what it's worth, I stayed at the Hilton Istanbul and had a great experience. It's around the corner from the Military Museum - also worth seeing.
I am going to Venice for the first time this May so can't give a review yet!
Enjoy!

I have been to all 3, and liked Santorini and Istanbul better than Venice. However, since this is a romantic trip I recommend Santorini and Venice.

I loved Istanbul,though, and if you go, you will get a totally different experience from what you find elsewhere in Europe. You can't go wrong with either choice.

Venice is beautiful and very romantic. It's important to stay in Venice proper (not the mainland or the Lido) to get the full experience. But Venice is also very crowded a good part of the year. What time of the year do you plan this trip?

Hi,
We have thought about a cruise, but are leaning against it, since we'd like to spend more than a day in each place.
Trip will be this September.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far.
packmybags

Having been to both several times my preference is for Venice. I have visited Istanbul as a cruise stop and it was not to my taste particularly I found the attentions of the locals too tiring....

Venice is wonderful, great atmosphere, nice people, breathtaking views. Good food, if you know where to go, just unique.