We are on an early May cruise (Rome, Athens, Istanbul etc.). We are thinking of simply walking from the cruise ship dock to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Also thinking of walking to/from the Acropolis to/from the Plaka in Athens. We are in our mid sixties, and walking is not foreign to us. We are not infirmed or have any impediments to walking. Is each of these do-able and not an extreme jaunt distance-wise? And how long to walk each of these?
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3149 posts
Acropolis <-> Plaka is about 20 minutes each way, 30 minutes if you dawdle, an hour if you windowshop in the Plaka along the way.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
107 posts
Getting from the Terminal in Istanbul to the Grand bazaar takes a minimum of 30-40 minutes walking at a good pace as the terminal is on the other side of the straight from all the sites. Taxis are available at the terminal.
Posted by
Lehigh Valley, PA, USA
9 posts
Bob,
Athens - no problem you can do the walk as you've listed above, however, the Cruise ships in Athens actually dock in the town of Piraeus which is 30 mins by metro or cab from the center of Athens....definitely not walkable. Istanbul - you can certainly walk from the port to the Grand Bazaar, however, there is a very simple tram stop to the right of the port exit near a Starbucks which will take you over the bridge and near the bazaar and the spice market (EMINONU). A cab is also easier than walking. The walk will take 30 mins and I would rather spend that time in the bazaar or a restaurant especially since the scenery is not special along that road. Behind and to the right of the Spice market is a restaurant called HAMDI - I recommend it highly. Istanbul is one of my favorite cities in the world. Enjoy!