athens to Istanbul

[sabaka]

Hello all, We are travelling on the Spirit from Athens to Istanbul this October. This will be our firts cruise with Seaborn. We will be in athens 2 nights before the ships deperture and wondering if there are any do not miss things there? Also any insight on Seaborn or this cruise would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[dd@sea]

You will love the Spirit and any of the sister ships. Be ready to get spoiled.

A few years ago we did Instanbul to Athens and extended at both ends. In Athens we stayed at the Grand Bretagne (spelling is incorrect but close) with an excellent stay and a good location. We thoroughly enjoyed touring the Acropolis and other sites as seen on the Olympics. Outdoor restaurants in the old section were good.

In Instanbul, there was much to see besides all the landmarks. We thoroughly enjoyed the spice market too and the surrounding area.

We envy you going on your cruise and will be anxious to hear your comments on your return.

Enjoy!

[sabaka]

Thanks for the post. We will be sure to post our thoughts on our return!

[cruisecrazyone]

We just did Rome-Athens and Athens-Istanbul in June on Spirit. What a fabulous trip you have in store. Istanbul, much to our surprise, was the

absolute highlight (other that Seabourn, of course). The Four Seasons Istanbul is unbelievable. The service, food, and, especially, the perfect

location cannot be beat. The mosques and bazaars are intriguing. We walked almost everywhere from the hotel. The concierge suggested an endless list of new and magical places for us to visit as well as unique dining experiences. The locals will amaze you with their friendliness (not only trying to sell you something). Of all the wonderful places in the world we have been Istanbul ranks near the top in all areas as far as we are concerned. Seabourn, however, is our very favorite place on the planet! We are so jealous! Champagne wishes and caviar dreams! Bon Voyage!

[billteer]

We were on the Pride from Barcelona to Istanbul in April-May. I agree that Istanbul was the highlight. We stayed at the Ciragan Palace which is on the Bosporus and is absolutely wonderful. Not as centrally located as the Four Seasons (where we had lunch), but we like being on the water.

 

There are a lot of great things to see and do, but a few cautions are in order. The currency is confusing. One million Turkish lira is about $0.66, so 10,000,000 lira bills are common. Euros are accepted in many places however.

 

The taxi drivers are madmen. Red lights are only a suggestion to them. We got taken on the fare at least once.

 

And finally, watch out for pickpockets. One ploy is to push postcards in your face while grabbing your wallet.

 

You are on your own with the rug salesmen!!

 

Have a great time.

 

Bill

[Chairsin]

We have been to Athens and Istanbul twice on Seabourn in the last two years and can't wait to go back again. We adore Istanbul -- it is both very exotic and very comfortable -- read the book Strolling Through Istanbul by Hilary Semner-Boyd and John Freely first. We like staying in the old city because we like to walk everywhere -- the first time we stayed at the Four Seasons and the second time at a charming hotel around the corner -- Yesil Ev ( it means Blue House).Make sure that in Istanbul you visit the the cisterns -- a rather eerie and magical place and have dinner on the rooftop of Develi restaurant( it means camel). Learn a few Turkish words and you will endear yourself to everyone. Oh -- skip the shopping at the grand bazaar -- the prices are better in the small bazaar below the blue mosque ( think high quality 90% cashmere shawls for $12) Athens is great too -- with the wonderful clean and efficient subway you can stay in a quieter part of own than the platka where the Grand Bretagne is located -- we like the very hip boutique hotel Andromeda near the concert hall and american embassy. The new Athens airport is wonderful but it is way far out of town -- be prepared for quite a taxi ride. But the best part of your trip will be Seabourn -- we can't wait to get back to the pampered life on the Spirit.

[Capt. John]

Hi sabaka,

 

We're booked on the Spirit (been on the Pride and Legend, not the Spirit) Sept 18 (Venice) through Oct 16 (I think) Istanbul. We're also doing two Seabourn post cruise treks in Istanbul (about five or six days total.)

 

We have been in Greece and Turkey around the end of October before and the weather was really warm. We always plan for cool nights anyway just about anywhere we travel. BTW - October 31 is the end of the vacation season in the islands there and they close up shop. Late in the season was a great time to visit we found - not as many tourists.

 

Hurricane Frances is knocking on our door -- we live in DeLand Florida which is about 45 miles in a straight line east of New Smyrna Beach. We are literally still cleaning up after Charlie and now this. We have had over 21" of rain in August and we might get flooding if this thing dumps on us.

 

We are looking forward to our four week escape of being pampered - see you at the Sky Bar! (our favorite hangout)

 

Also on the Legend again for the Christmas cruise out of Ft Lauderdale - that is a magical experience!

 

Cheers!

 

Capt. John

[sabaka]

Capt, Thanks for your post. Our fingers are crossed for all of you in Florida. My Sister just called they live near Orlando and can't decide to keep cleaning up form the last strom or wait untill after Franny is gone! We lived in Florida on a boat in the early 90's, worked in Chicago. Love it there, but the storms are too much for me!Never knew what we would be comming home to. Our cruise leaves Athens on Oct 17th so I think we will miss you, have a lovely time and again hope that storm stays away!

[Capt. John]

Thanks for the kind remarks! We also lived on a sailboat -- over six years and did a year and a half in the eastern Caribbean & Venezuela.

 

You should have a fantastic time on Seabourn once you get used to the rather diminutive size of the ship (took us a couple of days). We just love the Seabourn experience! Bon Voyage!

 

Capt. John