Greece and Turkey offer some of the most beautiful and culturally rich experiences in the world and CP Travel Ambassador Sherri Doss takes us to Athens and Istanbul via the Regal Princess.
What specific cities and /or countries did you visit? Crete, Mykonos, Athens Greece Kusadasi and Instanbul, Turkey
What was your favorite memory from this trip? Walking through a neighborhood in Athens that is said to be the oldest continuous neighborhood in Europe. Of course, climbing to the top of the Acropolis was thrilling. In Kusadasi, Turkey the ruins of Ephesus were remarkable.
Top excursions and landmarks/sites to visit: Acropolis and an off the beaten path Tour in Athens. Both Tours were with Insiders Tours Inc. Absolutely Fantastic.
Were there any standout restaurants or foodie must-haves on this trip? We did not have a bad meal. We ate gyros, salads, and kabobs. My favorite dessert was little fried balls of dough sprinkled with cinnamon and honey.
How would you describe the people and culture of this destination? Any interesting cultural lessons? Visiting the mosque and market in Turkey was quite the experience. Istanbul is loud and chaotic with millions of people however, inside the mosque it is quiet and peaceful. Be sure to bring a scarf to cover your head while visiting the mosques. I had to laugh at myself while using a Turkish bathroom. There are no toilet seats just a hole in the ground. Practice squatting before your trip.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about this destination? The shop owners in Istanbul expect and want you to haggle with them. Also, there are over 3000 mosques alone just in Istanbul.
Top 5 Tips and recommendations for this trip: Guided tours are a must, you miss so much if you don't know where to look or what you are looking at. Turkey is not a do-it-yourself destination.
What makes this destination a must-see in your opinion? The history, archeological sites, landscape, the water, food, and people. Greece has it all.
Did you travel via cruise ship? If so, please describe the experience and some of the standout features that you ere excited about. Yes, we were on the Regal Princess. A balcony is a must. Cruising the Mediterranean and seeing islands lit up at night was breathtaking.
To book your next trip to taste the gyros yourself, contact your local Cruise Planners Travel Advisor today.
