Greece and Turkey

[Wonder]

We are thinking of taking a holiday to Greece and Turkey in September. It will be our first holiday without DD which will be very strange but I guess it had to happen at some point.

I've only just started researching but any suggestions would be fantastic. We've never travelled to either place and will only have three weeks so any and all advice on places to go, things to not miss would be appreciated.

[Halex]

I have been to Crete, loved it. All the islandsw ould be nice

A cruise might be good, see a lot more different islands like that.

[achookwoman]

Wonder,  loved Turkey.  Did tour with Captains Choice.  Wouldn't go with them again.  If I did it again we would fly into Istanbul and hire a private guide. Can recommend an excellent tour person who looked after us very well when DH got ill.  Her English is good.  Food cheap, accommodation expensive,  hot in September.  September is conference season in Istanbul.  Best experiences,  Dervishes and Hot Air Balloon over Cappadocia. 

[Wonder]

Thanks Chookie and Hally.

I can't believe I had already forgotten many of your amazing photos were of Turkey Chookie and that it was where Ral's troubles started.

We are very much independent travellers and I will spend months researching on trip advisor and other forums to get first hand experiences and private guides rather than going with tour companies.

I don't think DH Is convinced yet but if I start showing him photos etc I might get him around.

At the moment I'm thinking to fly into Athens, do 2 Islands and then 1 week in Istanbul.

We are very limited with timing to fit with both my and DH work and DS not missing too many days school.