AnaBelen

We are in the early stages of planning our next trip. The tough part is deciding where to go. I often wonder how others who love travel pick their next destination. Last year, we narrowed down our short list and ended up deciding between Iceland and a second trip to Africa (Iceland and it was fantastic). It does seem a little strange that our top two choices were so different, but there you have it.

Now, the finalists are a trip on a small ship (Lindblad Expeditions, SeaCloud) to Turkey and Greece vs. a trip to French Polynesia. I realize, of course, that the two options are completely different.

I am leaning towards Turkey/Greece but it seems harder to get a feel for what the trip would be like. We don't normally travel on a ship, but the SeaCloud is kind of special - a refurbished 1930 sailing yacht with 58 guest capacity. The stops are Istanbul, Didyma, Bodrum, Santorini, Hora, and Delos. We would add a few days to explore Istanbul for a total travel time of 2 weeks. What say you Turkey and Greece experts? Is it a travesty to have one day stops in these sites, excepting Istanbul? Any comments on traveling along the Turkish coast/Greek Isles in a small ship?

otherchelebi

First, I should say that I have never been to French Polynesia and it is foremost on my wish list along with other parts of the South Pacific.

neither have I been on a boat longer than two days since I was 16 because I get claustrophobic.

In spite of the above, what I understand is that you are not really comparing nature and history. The two alternatives are not that different. Both are beautiful sea and nature trips with the cruise providing a few, mostly rather minor, antique sites, with the Aegean also showing older world life styles almost totally disturbed by an influx of noisy, gaping tourists, in flocks and hordes, and the the citizens welcoming them to sell their wares and services.

The wares for sale are different at each alternative, possibly the tauts are different, the landscape is different, the buildings are different. the lack of a sense of discovery will be the same. The tours will be as dull.

You can compare the boat with the resort(s) you will pick in FP in terms of comfort, bugs, food, hygiene, etc.

the photography opportunities will be excellent in both cases, although requiring you to wake up early, and to use filters.

Didyma has a good temple and crowds of British tourists who now prefer the Turkish coast to Teneriffe, Portugal and Spain, sauntering around the harassing shop keepers and restaurant tauts in a concrete jungle of overgrown small town.

Bodrum has more of a resort feel but similar crowds of all nationalities and all income levels. There is a decent castle and a good museum of mostly artifacts discovered under the water.

istanbul deserves at least three days, not because i live there but because i am constantly and almost everyday reminded by travelers of what a great travel destination this city is.

There is history of many different civilizations, natural beauty in both Asian and European sides of the city, exotic markets, modern art museums and galleries, ancient art museums, interesting architecture from 600 AD to the present, good food for all tastes and preferences, friendly people, a few scams, safe streets at night, lively night life, 24 hour city, little evidence of poverty, Bosphorus and Princes' Islands cruises, Romantic locations, good local music, jazz, pop, even rap. (Madonna concert soon)

Buy the documentary called "Crossing the Bridge" if you can for an idea of istanbul and its music. The German commentator comes on a bit too strong but the photography and the music is fine in general.

The Turkish coast and the Greek islands have huge numbers of lovely protected bays and coves for your smaller ship. In any case, seas bad enough to disturb your trip are not very frequent, but you should check for the best months anyway.

bilboburgler

take the boat trip, it will be wonderful unless you end up with some other idiot passengers (hell is other people as they say)

AnaBelen

otherchelebi, I am a bit discouraged by your description of Didyma and Bodrum. I was hoping they would not be overrun with tourists sauntering around looking for trinkets to fill their oversized suitcases. That said, I am even more enthusiastic about spending some time in Istanbul. Turkey has been on our list for a while. I see this as a possible first trip, not the only one, we would make there.

Bilboburgler, It is funny you say that. We are typically not tour group people for that exact reason. One loud bonehead can really suck the fun out of things. However, we spent a week in the Galapagos on a small ship (~80 people), and it was fantastic. There was enough room and different activities that we could get away from people when we wanted to. I would not want to be on a bigger ship with more people, but smaller sounds good. Also, the SeaCloud looks like a lovely old ship.

Thanks to both of you for your comments. I am going to do some more research and figure this out.

Michel_Paris

Could do just Turkey.

For Turkey, have a look at taking a Gulet tour. Many offered, at varying levels of luxury.

We enjoyed combining stay in Istanbul, followed by driving a loop around Cappadocia, Turquoise Coast and back to Istanbul.
Our boat experience was a day long cruise out of Kas, to see underwater Lycean ruins, Lycean graves, swim stops and lunch.

otherchelebi

Michel_Paris is an honorary Turkey advocate (not necessarily the edible kind), along with Adu, Ian, Ellen, Tommo and many others who deserve more than any appreciation they already get on these threads. May they keep their experience fresh with many more trips to the region !!!!.

they all have excellent recommendations. heed them!!!!

HappyTrvlr

I would like to add that Lindblad offers a very well run, top of line, educational experience. We normally do independent land travel but have had two excellent trips with Lindblad.