utexasclancy

Hi World,

I am beginning to plan a trip to both Turkey and Greece that would begin around August 1, 2011 and last about 3 weeks or so--though the exact amount of time is flexible. While I don't need to operate on a shoe-string budget, I also can't afford to stay or travel in any means branded "luxury."

My exact itinerary is extremely flexible, but I know I want to spend a good amount of time in Instanbul and would also like to get some good beach/island time in. Also, I tend to prefer quiet, relaxed beach to party beaches.

I'd love to get general input and suggestions for this trip at this time of the year--places I should make sure to go/avoid, off-the-beaten-path suggestions, etc.

And then, specifically:

Given that it will be high season does it make more sense to start in Instanbul and work my way to Athens or vice-versa?

I've heard from friends that the gulet boat experience can be amazing so long as you don't end up on an extremely touristy/overpriced one. My initial, though minimal research has only revealed pretty pricey options. Are there any recommendations?


Thanks!

Tommy

qwovadis

www.goturkey.com will be hot and chock a block in August.

best to fly into IST...

work your way from Cesme through cute little remote islands

by www.ferries.gr www.greecetravel.com good Greece info.

Fly out of ATH... Have fun,

Heimdall

Be aware that Aug 15th is Assumption Day in Greece, the major summer holiday period for Greeks. The second and third weeks of August will be particularly busy, especially on islands nearest to Athens. Since you want to spend "a good amount of time in Instanbul", suggest you look at Greek islands in the NE Aegean or further south in Dodecanese, then return to Istanbul for your flight home.

utexasclancy

Thanks for the feedback. Does anyone have any advice about Gulet travel?

Heimdall, are recommending just avoiding Athens all together? Or going there first in the beginning of August?

Heimdall

Either way. I simply wouldn't try to make my way from Turkey to Athens or vice-versa through the Greek Isles in the middle of August. It can be done, but you will have to be careful about accommodation. If you show up on a small island without reservations, you may end up sleeping on the beach. Athens itself will be quiet while everyone is away (on the islands) for their holidays.

travelerjan

And islands that "back in the day" allowed backpackers to actually sleep on the beach are much more stern these days, in fact, one might end up sitting groggily at an all-night cafe.

Heimdall

When all the rooms are full, and there is nowhere else to sleep, island authorities don't worry too much about sleeping on the beach — where else is there to go? My landlady on Antiparos told me that in mid-August 2009 there were people sleeping outside the Camping Antiparos gates because all the pitches were full, and people sleeping on the beaches because all the rooms on the island were full.

Larger islands have more rooms, and there's a chance that someone will have a vacancy, especially if you arrive on an early ferry. On the smaller islands that's not always the case. Those "cute little remote islands" mentioned by qwovadis may be full in August, and you will be waiting for the next boat out. I often travel to the Greek Islands in August, and probably will again this year. I love the buzz of the islands when it is busy, but it's not a good idea to travel without firm hotel bookings.