Hi, I would love to do both but not sure that I would have the stamina and of course the cost is a major factor.
Each one looks great.
Anyone want to chime in that has possibly taken both tours.
Dot
Posted by
San Jose
57 posts
My wife and I have done both tours and enjoyed each of them. We were more familiar with Greece than Turkey. I think we have all been exposed to lots of Greek literature, history and art, and the Greek tour did a good job in showing us all those things we had read about in school. Our tour guide Coleen was excellent.
We not that familiar to Turkey other than Istanbul, so we did not know what to initially expect on that tour. We knew nothing about the Muslim culture, and did not know what to expect food wise. We found 5he people to be warm and friendly, the food was similar to Greek food which we enjoy, and the historical sites and natural landscapes were great. I think I may have enjoyed the Turkish tour more because it was so unexpectedly wonderful.
Posted by
OP
85 posts
I think I wish to do both but leaning towards Greece first - seems to be more small villages with great country sides. In Turkey my leaning is toward Istanbul as a must see but outside of that Konya and the Cappacocia regions holds the most interest.
What were your favorites?
What time of year is best? I am thinking April/May
Posted by
Connecticut
692 posts
I took both tours back to back - Turkey followed immediately by Greece. The intertwined history of the two countries was interesting. During the tour of Turkey I had more engaging experiences with the people and the culture. With the Greece tour the group dynamics helped propel the experience. In both countries the people were very welcoming, friendly and accommodating. I would not hesitate to return.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15781 posts
Oddly, I've only done 3 RS tours and 2 of them were Greece and Turkey. I have to say the guides and the bus drivers were absolutely the best on both tours. Looking back, my major impression is that Turkey was more interesting, Greece was more relaxing.
Istanbul is a fascinating city. I spent almost a week there pre-tour and was back a couple years later for 5 days. After Ankara, there was interesting scenery (Cappadoccia, Pamu and plenty of Greek and Byzantine ruins - Ephesus is a wow. My tour was from Oct 26. The weather was pleasantly warm to just warm enough.
On the Greece tour, there's plenty of time spent at beaches. My tour was from April 20 and even in early May the water was very cold. A lot of brave people went in but no one stayed more than 10-15 minutes.
Posted by
OP
85 posts
It looks like I can’t go wrong either way. Thanks for your thoughts.
It looks like my choice for 2023 will be Greece in April for Orthodox Easter. Until I get a feel for “strenuous” as defined by R S Greece looks easier and as said more relaxing (usually not my choice). This is my first tour ever I have always travelled on my own itinerary. It will be a different experience.
Maybe I should just toss a coin.