Istanbul or Venice with Greek Islands?
 

I am thinking of taking a cruise next year with the new Seabourn Odyssey to the Greek Islands. One of the cruises disembarks in Venice, another disembarks in Istanbul. Since I plan on staying at a hotel for few days after the cruise, which is a better choice - Venice or Istanbul?

Sorry, never been to Istanbul, but I loooove Venice. It is such a unique city; no land vehicles! Love the canals & atmosphere. But I would want more than 1 day. And of course, I would want to take the train (4.5 hrs) to Rome! Ahhhh, Roma!

What time of year? You might consider the weather issue.

Have fun.

I am thinking of August or September.

Don't know without checking the weather stats, but we are going to Turkey in November & we have been warned that it can still be very hot. Was told that during the summer one can get sick while sitting & resting in the shade. So sounds like Venice would be better heat-wize.

If going alone, I would feel safe in Venice, but not in Turkey.

Been to both places last year and my vote is for Venice

Percy

Been to both (as a solo) and I'd vote Istanbul. But, face it, you can't go wrong here. Either would be great.

Also been to both - both are wonderful - but I'd vote Istanbul... Facinating place.....

I love them both but I'd vote for Istanbul. I think there is much more to see there and since they're not on the Euro it is much more affordable than Venice (which is VERY expensive). Istanbul is a fabulous city and the people are so warm and nice.

One more vote for Istanbul.

Adore Venice too, but so expensive right now!

I have been to both and much prefer Istanbul to Venice. We stayed at the Conrad and it was terrific.

bfsr9- I was considering the same cruise, but was concerned about a cruise because it is difficult to get a round trip flight back to the states. Did you find this easier? Are you flying in and out of athens? And then taking a short flight back to Athens from either Venice or Istanbul? What will you do?

I have only looked at flight going to Athens. Perhaps some fodor's readers can comment on the flights.

booking an open jaw ticket is not any more expensive than booking a round trip flight; unless one spot is a much greater distance; such as Rome RT vs London RT. Go to the airline sites, click "multi-city" & set up your itinerary. We are doing an open jaw for our Nov. cruise; IND to LON & VCE to IND.

Been to both and loved both. It is hard for me to say which is better choice, I think both are good.

Another vote for Istanbul. I was there last September and it was HOT (actual dates Sept 23-October 7th).

The food and accommodation was much cheaper than that of Venice.

To solve this problem I would try to take a cruise that covers both places.

My cruise last year started in Venice ..so I came to Venice 3 days earlier..had a private tour guide and saw I wanted to see.

Yes the hotel rooms were expensive ..but much cheaper than doing another cruise later just because I missed Venice or Istanbul.

I did Istanbul also with a private tour guide as I wanted to maximize my time there...once again I saw everything I had on my list.

Try to look for a cruise that covers both places..if this fits into your schedule.

Percy

My vote goes to Istanbul. Venice was overpriced, crowded and one day was enough for me. Istanbul was great and want to return. Venice, not so much.

I vote Istanbul. The cultural difference is profound, but the heart of the people, very friendly.

Percy, What was the name and info of the private tour guide you used in Istanbul