Rome, Athens and Istanbul
 

I will be taking my 30 year old granddaughter on an independent holiday to Rome, Athens and Istanbul.

Information regarding good hotels, best method of transportation between these cities,length of time for each city etc. would be much appreciated. Thank you
Vercia

Why don't you start by telling us when you will be traveling, where you'd like to fly into and how long you can stay. It all starts with your schedule and your budget. Hotel costs can very greatly so you should tell us what is comfortable for you. Also, will you be in seperate rooms or together?

Going in September 2007, 14-21 days, hotel mid-price range. Thanks for your reply

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I don't know whether it is wiser to start in Instanbul, then travel West to Athens and Rome, or start in Rome and travel East. Hope someone can help.
Vercia

Oops, missed again - will be sharing a room.

You'll probably want to start in Rome and move East. Rome is intense enough to start in, Athens is easier (more laid back, but still a crowded city), and Istanbul is HUGE. Definitely start in Rome.

Fly between the cities.

Mid-price range still doesn't help us help you. Is that $100/night? $200/night? $50? It depends wildly on your disposable income.

You'll need a minimum of 5 days in Rome & Istanbul. Athens is smaller and easier, so I'd suggest at least 3-4 days, but not more. Again, it depends on how many museums and sights you want to see.

I'd suggest going to your local library and checking out travel videos and watching them to get a feel for what's there, and for what you want to see. Also go to your local bookstore and buy some guidebooks. I like Rick Steves' books the best, and he'll have one for at least Rome if not Athens and Istanbul by now.

Happy travels,

Jules

Jules, thanks for the help. As to price range for the hotels, I don't know what would constitute mid-range in these cities. Would around 200 euros be mid range? I would be comfortable with 200-250 euros.
Thanks again Vercia

Here are a few in Rome to look into:

http://www.residenzafarneseroma.it (would be my first choice)

http://www.hotelcampodefiori.com/

http://www.solealbiscione.it/

http://www.hotelrinascimento.com/

www.hotelteatrodipompeo.it

http://www.residenzacanali.com/

http://pantheonview.hotel-roma.net/

http://www.hotelnavona.com/ (either hotel on this website)

http://www.albergodelsenato.it/home.html(slightly more upscale option)

http://www.romeby.com/pomezia/ (budget option)

Vercia, you'll get a LOT of hotel in Istanbul for $200 (maybe more than you need, I think the Ritz is $200 there, HA) Seriously, $200-250 will get you nice but less luxurious accomodations in Rome, and something in between average and fantastic in Athens for the same price.

I think the key is to stay central for the price you're looking for so you can stay right in the city, reduce commuting time and be able to enjoy more for later in the day without worrying about when you need to get back to your hotel. I would check Tripadvisor.com for hotel ratings. We've also used venere.com and they were reliable and helpful in their ratings as well.

For neighborhood areas in Rome, I would recommend staying in the old city area around Piazza Navona, The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Colisseum areas.

In Athens, definitely stay near The Plaka, which is at the foot of the Acropolis. In Istanbul, there are several choices, but the best area I would recommend is the Sultanahmet area (pronounced Sultan-ah-met) since the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi palace are all in walking distance there. The area around Taksim square is also popular (and if you don't stay there, do go there for dinner as there are some wonderful pedestrian market areas nearby and it's quite safe at night).

Enjoy your trip!

Jules

Thanks everyone for your help. It's so kind of you to take the time to help, and much appreciated. Vercia