Hi, all! My husband and I just returned last night from a wonderful two-week trip to Greece and Turkey!! I plan on posting a very detailed trip report once I get caught up with real life, but in the meantime, here are some very broad impressions.

Our trip included Athens, Santorini (staying in Oia), Istanbul, and Cappadocia (staying in Goreme). Favorite destination was Santorini - it was like a little slice of heaven. Least favorite was Athens - the historical sites were jaw-dropping and totally inspiring, but the modern city of Athens didn't do too much for us.

Turkey was exotic and exciting, and we felt totally safe the entire time we were there. I know there have been worries about the recent political situation - and I admit that I was close to freaking out about it, as the threat of the military coup happened just days before we left - but we didn't experience anything at all that made us feel unsafe or question our decision to visit Turkey.

Thanks to everyone on this forum who has contributed information about Greece and Turkey. As always, you all are an invaluable resource. I hope to start my trip report this weekend to pass on some of my own recommendations and tips.

Meredith

Hi Meredith!

I am going to Turkey in September and can't wait to read your trip report...weclome home!

Hi Meredith

We did Turkey and Greece last September. I can't wait to read your trip report to bring back fond memories. Keep 'em coming.

We leave in 3 weeks for Western Europe and Turkey. I'd love to hear your trip report of Istanbul!!

We probably won't make it to Cappadocia because we're spending several days on the Aegean Coast and for 6 of us it's too expensive to fly from place to place. But I can't wait to hear your report from there as well.

Meredith-

Sounds like a fabulous trip - I'm interested in seeing your trip report. I was in Turkey this spring and I loved it - isn't Cappadocia and the area around Goreme incredible?

We leave for Greece on August 23rd and I can't wait to hear your impressions of Santorini and Athens.

Welcome back...

Hi Meredith,
Good to hear that you had great time in Turkey. Just a correction: there was nou army coup in Turkey; only army warned the current administration to obey the results of seccular democracy....Wehere did you stay in Goreme? I am Cappadocian but travelling for business in Greece right now and to be exact now in Crete - Elounda and be at Santorini soon....

Thanks for sharing your experinece and reassure that Turkey is indeed safe

Murat

Thanks, Murat - yes, just a threat of possible military action, as I said in my post. I'm glad it didn't come to that! Even if something did happen, it probably wouldn't have affected us anyway, but I'm just glad it wasn't something we needed to worry about at all.

Anyway, we stayed at the Kelebek Boutique Hotel in Goreme and loved it! I'll post full details in my trip report (which I hope to start on this weekend). Where in Cappadocia do you live?

Hi Meredith,
I have a business in Goreme and an office in Urgup. They are all close by each other anyway. Missed Cappadocia already. I am in Greece for business but it takes to long ( 3 weeks away from home and the fairy chimneys I am missing

regards,
Murat

Hi Murat !! Haven't they made you president yet !!!!??? Hows the Efes still good icy cold ?

Hi Marco,
No intentions for the presidency
Efes beers are still the best and the more you keep in cooler they get better. Cheers,
Murat

Hi Meredith,

I'll be in Istanbul (on a cruise) overnight and will have the opportunity to dine in town rather than on the ship. I was in Istanbul back in 1993. Can you tell me where you dined and prices? Looking for something inexpensive, but with great Turkish foods.

Thanks!

Monica

Hi, Monica,

Check out my trip report on Greece and Turkey. It's kinda long, but I just finished up with the Istanbul portion of our trip and included details about everywhere that we ate. (Click on my name - the trip report should be right near the top.) Hope that helps!

Meredith

Thanks, will do!!

Monica