I will be in Istanbul end of August and would like to do some Greek Island hopping. Is there any way of getting from Istanbul directly to say, Santorini without having to fly to Athens? Preferably if there is a ferry that connects directly from Istanbul to Santorini, or other Greek Island, that would be great. From there, after spending 2 nights, I would like to hop on to another ferry to go to another Greek Island, spend 2 nights, and perhaps off to another Greek island. After that, I would like to get back to Istanbul and fly off (back to Australia).
Would anyone have suggestions - would be so grateful!!!
Thanks in advance.

There aren't any ferries from Istanbul to the Greek islands, you'll need to head for one of the ports on the west coast for island connections. Bodrum-Kos would be best for Santorini, there are ferries from Kos to Santorini with Blue Star - http://www.bluestarferries.com/site/...?sel=624&loc=2

Or you can also go from Marmaris or Fethiye to Rhodes. Also good connections onto Santorini.

Thanks for that, it is worthwhile knowing so I don't go hunting high and low for nothing!
Thanks

Or you can fly from Rhodes to Crete then Santorini - http://www.skyexpress.gr/en-us/home.aspx. You will have your 3 islands itinerary. If you're short of time I would then fly from Santorini to Istanbul via Athens. Check out Olympic Air schedules. Aegean Air schedules may help too.

Some good information but I need some help.
We are flying from Denver, USA to do the Greek Islands. Does anyone know which is the best city to fly into (Greece or Turkey) so that we can then hop on a ferry and get going? Whilst Athens is the obvious destination (Lufthansa) many carriers will not fly into Athens because of high taxes. So what is my best option?
Any information greatly welcome. Thanks.

Huh? Not sure I understand your post, rambotrader. There are plenty of airlines that fly Denver-Athens, including Lufthansa and American. If you are able/willing to fly out of New York/ JFK, you can fly nonstop in the summer months on Delta.

Also just a heads-up: It's much easier to fly from Athens to the islands. The flights are very short, and don't eat up half a vacation day. And to be honest the ferries and especially the hydrofoils ( take dramamine if you do decide to go by boat!) aren't that much fun.

To the OP: I'm pretty sure there are flights between Istanbul and Bodrum. From Bodrum, you can take the ferry to Kos, then Santorini as advised above.

Welcome to Fodors. Can I suggest you post a new topic rather than add to this one. Not forum etiquette Other posters can find you then and add more info. Happy travels

Bookmarking

I will be ending a cruise in Instanbul in the same month (August).
I had the same thought of visiting the greek islands on my way home, in mind.
Would be interested in the results of your investigation.

hi there,
unfortunately no ferries are leaving istanbul to the greek islands. it will be a very long journey. You can fly to Bodrum, Dalaman or Izmir airports to get a ferry to one of the Greek islands. if you are short of time and wanna do santorini only, fly to athens from istanbul, there are more frequent ferries to any greek island from Athens. if you have a couple of days, i recommend to fly to izmir in turkey, go to kusadasi and take an afternoon ferry to Samos. Spend your evening there and take a night ferry to Mykonos and another one to Santorini. Ferry or flight to Athens and fly back home.

Flight to Bodrum and then ferry to Kos and ferry to Santorini is possible if you have a short time frame.

have a nice trip...