Greece and Turkey Travel

Posted by Marsle (Atlanta) on 01/04/25 07:39 PM

I'm researching itinerary ideas. We've traveled to Turkey and Greece and have been to many of the major sites but for Greek islands, we've only been to Crete. It's been several years since we visited Turkey/Istanbul so we might start there. This would be a spring trip of 4-5 weeks probably beginning mid-April. We like to settle in to a place for a few days so we'd plan for several nights at each stop. Here's my starting point for planning:

Fly to Istanbul
Fly to Izmir (we've been to Selçuk/Ephesus so wouldn't go again this time)
Bus to Bodrum
Ferry to Kos
Ferry to Rhodes
Fly to Thessaloniki
Fly to Athens

Does the transportation part seem reasonable? I understand that ferry schedules can be complicated by bad weather and infrequent travel times but we would try to build in some flexibility for any unexpected last minute schedule changes.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Posted by Marsle OP

Atlanta

01/04/25 08:50 PM

3281 posts

Posting on my own post...maybe it make sense to fly RT...Athens > Thessaloniki > Istanbul > Izmir > Bodrum > Kos > Rhodes > Athens??

Looking for feedback - it's a work in progress!

Posted by janet

Philadelphia, PA, USA

01/05/25 04:42 AM

3514 posts

that new route looks more sensible than your first try ... which had Thessaloniki hanging out at the wrong end. BTW, I'm supposing you plan that stop to include visits to the ancient Sites such as Tomb of Philip?

Posted by Marsle OP

Atlanta

01/05/25 02:18 PM

3281 posts

Thanks for your response Janet. We’ve traveled in Greece many times and have been to many of the major and minor archeological sites. We have been to Vergina but it might be worth another visit. I’m a big fan of Alexander the Great!

For this trip, adding the islands is something new to us.

Posted by JoLui

France Southwest

01/05/25 04:29 PM

2832 posts

I think your first itinerary is quite feasible given that there are daily flights from Rhodes to Thessaloniki. It's up to you to decide based on the possible fares and schedules.

From a ferry point of view, they are daily fom Bodrum to Kos and from Kos to Rhodes. So no worries.

Bodrum → Kos with Makri Travel:

https://www.makritravel.com/

Kos → Rhodes with Dodekanisos Seaways:

https://www.12ne.gr/en

We really enjoyed Thessaloniki where we spent a few days last fall. A city less influenced by tourism than Athens, really another atmosphere and another style very influenced by the Ottoman Empire.

The old town spared by the fire that destroyed Thessaloniki a hundred years ago is particularly nice to explore

Posted by Marsle OP

Atlanta

01/05/25 04:46 PM

3281 posts

Thank you JoLui! I was hoping you'd offer some suggestions. Your info about travel between the cities is very helpful.

We have spent quite a lot of time in Thessaloniki on different trips and always enjoy it! The promenade along the sea past the bronze statue of Alexander the Great is one of our favorites and the archeological museum there is excellent. Aristotle is there too plus many wonderful restaurants and pastry shops. Always worth a few days for us.

Posted by jlpainter89

04/19/25 06:14 PM

1 posts

We are planning on traveling to Greece and Turkey in April 2026. We are a group of 6 active 60 year olds. We want to see the Travels of Paul in the early church and eat and sleep well. Anyone have experience in this area? Should we consider a local tour guide to take us around, or can we just take local bus tours or rent a car.? Anyone have "must sees" in those areas and good hotels and eats to recommend. Also interested in winery tours also...

Posted by LIZinPA 🧳

SE Pennsylvania

04/19/25 07:18 PM

2927 posts

jlpainter89
Welcome to the forum!
I suggest you start a new post, as many people will only read the original post and answer that. Also, the original poster will be notified when there are answers to their post.