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One day each: Athens, Istanbul, Ephesus,Santorini, Mykanos.

Have booked a cruise that will spend one day in each of these ports. Would like any opinions on what to do and how. Favorite agendas? Tour guides? I have traveled Europe extensively and independently. First time via cruise. Thanks.

Posted by
32173 posts

Brian, I've never taken Cruises in that area (not the most cost effective for a solo traveller), but you may find it helpful to have a look at the new Cruise Guidebook. Rick gave the book a "test run" this fall by taking two cruises in that area. Happy travels!

Posted by
1383 posts

Brian In Athens your ship will dock at Piraeus. There's a metro link to central Athens (assuming you don't have a transfer) and the trip takes about 20 minutes. I would get off at Thisseon, which is on the edge of the area with all the major monuments. An native is Monastiraki which is the next station. Thisseon station is right next to the Thisseon Temple. Marked as '1' on this map. http://www.holidays-reviews.com/map-of-athens-things-to-see-in-athens/ Walk past the temple along the edge of the metro line down Adrianou and enter the Agora which is on your right. Wander through here and leave by the top gate. You can then walk up the hill to the Acropolis. Come down, once you've seen as much as you want to, via the Theatre of Dionysus. '13' on the map. The new Acropolis Museum is directly opposite you, and well worth a look. You can then wander into Plaka, the old town, and either across to the Temple of Zeus -'15' - and the Olympic Stadium. Allowing plenty of time to look at things that's a longish half day. Throw in a break for coffee and lunch and it's about as much as is reasonable especially in the summer. The Byzantino in Plaka, Kydathenion Street, is a good place for lunch if you are there at the right time. It's only 5 minutes from the Acropolis Museum. Have a good day. Alan

Posted by
973 posts

Use Rick's book on Athens for explicit instructions on how to get to and from your specific dock to the subway to Athens. We found it took 25 min to walk from our ship to the train ticket window, so on our return took a taxi which we bargained down from 15 euros to 5 euros( from the subway stop to the ship- overpriced but worth saving the feet after walking all day). Be warned, the port of Athens is larger than it looks on Rick's map! We paid 28 euros for the 6 miles taxi ride from Monasteraki stop to our ship, and that was metered and in the rain so you could easily pay less. Strongly recommend you carry RS guidebook for whatever you do in Athens as you will find your way around more easily and know exactly what you are seeing.
In Istanbul and Ephesus I used EKOL tours for private tours for the historic places. Had 2 excellent guides which I recommend, Valentina was my email contact there. Was not a lot less than the ship price but it was only 2 of us and we felt we learned a lot more, ate better food, with a focus on what we wanted rather than anyone else's ideas. Have fun.

Posted by
253 posts

Thanks to all for the tips. We are still planning.

Posted by
39 posts

For Istanbul, IMHO, you only have time for the highlights, but you would have to be quick; Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque (across a park from Hagia Sophia, stay for a service, it is worth it, watch out for folks that seem "too helpful" here, they will wait for you to exit and try to get you to see their "brother's" rug shop), Topkapi Palace (opposite side of Hagia Sophia) and Grand Bazaar (not nearby). Underground cistern (which is nearby) is very cool if you have the time. If you want to linger, go to the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi, and then enjoy a nice meal. Ephesus, you dock in Kusadasi, then bus to Ephesus (about 20 miles or so), which is pretty much a full day experience. Take an umbrella to shield from the sun, it can be relentless. If you go quick or depending upon when you have to be back on the boat, there is plenty to see in Kusadasi. Santorini, go straight to Oia. Look, stop, shop, sit, eat, drink, and enjoy, repeat as needed or until it is time to head back to the boat. If you're lucky, you'll miss the boat and have to spend the night(s).

Posted by
703 posts

Athens – In addition to the places already mentioned I'd add the National Archeological Museum. Its an excellent museum. You can download RS' audio guide to the Museum for your iPhone, iPod, etc. Istanbul – I agree with Jeff about only having time for the highlights. Suggest you try to get to either the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Market to have a taste of what markets are like. The Grand Bazaar is not near the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, but it is walkable. Ephesus – It'd be good to use a guide or the ship's tour. It seems to me an Ephesus tour will last about a half day. Consider the nearby city of Selcuk. It has a nice little museum and the traditional burial site of St. John. Santorini – Be prepared for ascending the cliff to the town of Thira. Your choices will be walking, riding a mule, or waiting in line for the gondola. You can find the bus station and use public transportation to get to Oia, or a beach.
Have a great trip.

Posted by
3115 posts

"Your choices will be walking, riding a mule, or waiting in line for the gondola." PLEASE DON'T ride the poor abused donkeys!

Posted by
3112 posts

Thumbed through Rick's new cruise guidebook at the book store this week. It covers at least 4 of your stops - not certain about Mykanos. Would be worth taking a look.

Posted by
2111 posts

Brian, Which cruise line are you using? Some of the smaller ones offer shore excursions to the Terrace Houses in Ephesus. If yours does, definitely book that excursion. The Terrace Houses are next to the main sights in Ephesus, so you will actually do both when booking them. You can Google to learn more/see sites. A limited number of people are allowed to visit the Terrace Houses at one time, so book early. Also good advice given to you already re: Santorini.....Oia is fabulous and somewhere I wish I could have spent an entire week, just looking at the beauty. Walk up and down the little lanes behind the shops and savor it all. We took a shore excursion, and if I had to over again, I'd probably book a ship excursion again, just for ease of seeing so much. We took the cable car down after touring, and that's the way to go. If, by chance, your cruise ends in Istanbul, definitely tack an extra day on to your stay. So very much to see in Istanbul. I'd suggest booking the most comprehensive tour you can get and see it all. Our cruise ended there with two overnights and then departure, and looking back, I would have loved an additional full day. Mykonos is pretty much a party island for young Europeans. We took an island tour, and learned a lot about its history and its culture. But, if you need to skimp in one place, Mykonos is probably the place you could save some money and tour on your own......a lot within easy walking distance of ship dock. Athens is not my favorite city, mostly due to the issues it is facing now and it appears tired, but agree the Acropolis Museum is wonderful, and the streets in the Plaka neighborhood right around the Acropolis are pleasant for walking/dining/shopping, etc. If you are departing Athens, I recommend staying in that area for an early fly-in day. We LOVED Turkey and the Greek Isles. Enjoy your trip.