Planning out my trip to Turkey..
Thinking of spending 5 nights in Istanbul and than travel to Athens for another 5 nights before heading home..
Never been to Istanbul - so I'm not too sure if 5 nights is enough..
Anybody done two countries before?? and is it better to stick with Istanbul for 10 days??
Never been to Greece either - so thinking of maybe 1 island while I'm in Athens.. (any recommendation would be appreciated)
When?
Here is what an RS tour does staying 6 nights in Istanbul. Check the "Itinerary" and see what you see as your 'must do' items and decide if you want more or less than 5 nights and where a split trip would work.
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/greece-turkey/istanbul-2024
OR..... you could do Athens and an island with your 10 nights.
Trying to combine Istanbul, Athens and an island would be too many moves to leave you time to enjoy "being there"
My $0.02
You could certainly pair those two cities with a side trip. But I would also do a thorough comparison because Turkey has some remarkable places to pair with Istanbul. I chose Cappadocia, an easy flight from Istanbul, but Ephesus is also popular.
If I had ten days in Greece again, I'd still probably split it between Athens (which I gave short shrift to the first time) and the Peloponnese, which is full of marvels.
Five days is good for Istanbul--there is a lot to see. I'd want at least three full days in Athens (I only gave it one because I plan to return).
Thank you Joe32F - I have to study the link you provided..
I forgot to mention that I have to be in Istanbul for conference for 3 nights.. so I was thinking of extending work/vacation to include 10-11 days of Istanbul + (other cities)... I am planning for October... So I was thinking of Greece.. would it be better if I do Istanbul and Santorini ???
Hi Valadelphia... yes I thought about Cappadocia - maybe do Istanbul 5 days, Cappadocia 3 days and 5 days Athens? or would you prefer Ephesus in lieu of Athens??
I am a history buff, so Ephesus would appeal to me..
BTW, I looked at flights to Cappadocia from Istanbul.. there is no advantage of purchasing flight tickets in advance as ticket price for 1 week from now is actually cheaper than purchasing for Oct.. Has that been your experience as well??
thank you..
Can't say on the flight prices--I've only been once, but that makes sense as they are smaller flights akin to low cost carriers elsewhere. It is still my most amazing trip--I'd go all in on Turkey and for your next trip, visit Greece.
