Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Santorini and (Venice or Istanbul) for a big anniversary trip

Santorini and (Venice or Istanbul) for a big anniversary trip

Old Apr 30th, 2011, 05:44 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Santorini and (Venice or Istanbul) for a big anniversary trip

We've decided to go to Santorinii for a big anniversary trip. As a complement to that, we are thinking about either Venice or Istanbul. We have been to neither. ( but we have been to Italy but not Turkey). Thoughts? Venice sounds very romantic - Istanbul very exotic.
packmybags is offline  
Old Apr 30th, 2011, 06:13 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi

Istanbul is awesome but I would leave it for another trip so you can take in the rest of Turkey. It's a fascinating country rich in history and culture. Instead of Venice why not do some of mainland Greece. Nafplion is a quaint, romantic town for example. Nearby is the pleasant beach resort of Tolon. Maybe try this hotel - http://www.flisvoshotel.gr/framehotel2.html. Endless possibilities.
worldinabag is offline  
Old Apr 30th, 2011, 07:13 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You might consider a cruise. we did IST to MRS and it was awesome. All travel is looked after..Luxury is supplied on the cruise we took. Air was included also..It is a wonderful way to see different spots without the hassle of travelling, unp[acking, no guess work..anmd there are many cruises in many price ranges. When you consider that all, except booze) was included on our trip it was nof unreasonable...Check some out.....
amer_can is offline  
Old Apr 30th, 2011, 09:29 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Istanbul is stunning and worth a trip. I stood in the plaza between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia during call to prayer and cried my eyes out. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life.
The bazaar is fantastic - spices, teas, candy, rugs (man can they peddle those rugs...be careful), it's all negotiable. I bought a pipe for my grandfather for $22 and the salesman started at $150.
The food is amazing - fish is divine, wines are fantastic and the hospitality is unlike anything I have ever encountered.
For what it's worth, I stayed at the Hilton Istanbul and had a great experience. It's around the corner from the Military Museum - also worth seeing.
I am going to Venice for the first time this May so can't give a review yet!
Enjoy!
NataliyaNewYork is offline  
Old Apr 30th, 2011, 10:15 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 945
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have been to all 3, and liked Santorini and Istanbul better than Venice. However, since this is a romantic trip I recommend Santorini and Venice.

I loved Istanbul,though, and if you go, you will get a totally different experience from what you find elsewhere in Europe. You can't go wrong with either choice.
walkabout is offline  
Old May 1st, 2011, 06:25 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Venice is beautiful and very romantic. It's important to stay in Venice proper (not the mainland or the Lido) to get the full experience. But Venice is also very crowded a good part of the year. What time of the year do you plan this trip?
Mimar is offline  
Old May 1st, 2011, 09:22 AM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi,
We have thought about a cruise, but are leaning against it, since we'd like to spend more than a day in each place.
Trip will be this September.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far.
packmybags
packmybags is offline  
Old May 18th, 2011, 06:36 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Having been to both several times my preference is for Venice. I have visited Istanbul as a cruise stop and it was not to my taste particularly I found the attentions of the locals too tiring....

Venice is wonderful, great atmosphere, nice people, breathtaking views. Good food, if you know where to go, just unique.
poet123 is offline  
Old May 21st, 2011, 05:45 PM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We're going to Venice. Restaurant recommendations, anyone?
packmybags is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Egbert
Europe
28
Sep 30th, 2015 10:35 AM
wanderingspirit
Europe
12
Aug 18th, 2013 07:07 AM
bfsr9
Cruises
18
Jun 7th, 2008 06:34 PM
jubileefd
Europe
4
May 31st, 2007 05:17 AM
deanneb
Europe
1
Jul 3rd, 2006 10:19 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -