The coasts of the Eastern Mediterranean sparkle where cliffs meet the sea, marble ruins rise from rocky meadows, and whitewashed homes and villas welcome travelers from near and far. You can pick just about anyplace on the islands or mainland of Greece and immediately settle into the lyrical maritime pace of life, watching the fishing boats, drinking new wine, and listening to the great stories and myths of a history beyond most other places. Our favorite spots include Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, for their balance of history, dramatic scenery, and nightlife, but many travelers may enjoy the more intensive natural experiences of the Peloponnesus peninsula, the early churches and ruins around Thessaloniki, or the romance and luxury of some of the further-flung islands, including Crete.

On the other side of the Aegean, Turkey is best approached through Istanbul, monumental city of empires and rich modern culture. For the more adventurous or historically-minded, it may simply serve as a gateway to the volcanic valleys of Cappadocia or the high Anatolian plateau, but honeymooners will find the city a friendly and romantic destination requiring little assistance, and offering everything they need in the way of luxury service and accommodations, breathtaking vistas, exciting activities, and well-deserved pampering. From the sun bouncing off the domes of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, to the bustling marketplaces and docks, to the fine restaurants and world-famous spas and baths, Istanbul offers a rich experience and a great introduction to the warmth and wit of the Turkish people. These experiences can only be improved upon when a later segment of this or another trip affords you a hop down to the Mediterranean port cities of Izmir or Bodrum, or the grand Roman ruins at Ephesus. You can also easily combine Turkey and Greece for a full range of experiences.

More about Greece and Turkey:

Reasons to choose the Eastern Mediterranean:
Some of the clearest Mediterranean waters, and calmest, most beautiful harbors. Truly fresh seafood and wonderful spices. Resorts incorporating some of the best traditions of Eastern and Western hospitality. Stimulating history and beautiful ruins on nearly every hillside. Great activities on the water, in the resorts, and in the mountainous countryside.

Reasons to choose somewhere else:
If you're looking for a more instantly accessible, English-speaking European destination. If you're not a fan of seafood, or of Greek and Turkish cuisine in general. If you're not huge history buffs. If you prefer perfect sand beaches. Finally, you might be wary of Istanbul in particular as too "Eastern" for your travel comfort zone, especially in light of recent small-scale terrorism.

MoonRings Signature Itineraries:

Romance in the Greek Isles 14 days / 13 nights	Greek Chic 10 days / 9 nights
The Wonders of Mainland Greece 11 days / 10 nights	Turkey - A Historic Introduction 11 days / 10 nights

Best suited for:
Couples who enjoy romance, history, and exploring several cities and regions at once. Lovers of good food, wine, coffee, and desserts. Those enjoying history, ruins, and interesting cultures. Those seeking to relax along coasts with spectacular views and authentic maritime pace of life. People who love being outdoors and being active.

When to go:
April through October are the best months from a weather perspective to visit. High tourist season runs May through September, and island resorts do book up far in advance. For a quick escape, late April and early October will find you the best balance between availability, weather, value, and tourist population. For a significant trip planned long in advance, we recommend May or September for the Greek Islands or Mediterranean Turkey, or for a high cultural experience steeped in ritual and celebration, Easter week on mainland Greece.

Accommodations:
A great variety of places to stay exists in both countries. Pricey luxury resorts offer wonderful service, amenities and sea views, but many have more value-oriented sister properties further along a given stretch of pretty coast. Also, seaside one can find port townhouse hotels, bed and breakfasts, or even authentic villas and apartments for rent. Inland, dramatic mountain retreats or humble farm inns will welcome you. In the cities, you'll find converted palaces and embassies, huge turn-of-the-century prestige hotels and shining modern towers.

Dining:
Greek and Turkish cuisine have a lot in common, starting with the basic fruits of the orchards, vineyards, and the sea. Olives, citrus, wine and grape leaves, fresh seafood of all kinds, and a variety of local and imported spices impart balanced piquancy to staple dishes. In Greece, cool vegetable salads and fine cheeses finish spits of roasted meats, particularly lamb and pork. In Turkey, one will find more poultry, roasted vegetables, and Middle Eastern flavors including curry, hot pepper, pita and couscous. In both countries, infused oils, pickled vegetables, sweets, and excellent coffees and teas accompany meals.

Special Activities:
Guided or informal tours of some truly iconic monuments including the Parthenon in Athens, the temples of Peloponnesus and Thessaloniki, the ruins of Ephesus, and the grand mosque-museums of Suleiman and the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul. When weather is favorable, sailing or fishing cruises, hot-air balloon trips and even paragliding. In the cities and some resorts, cooking classes and excellent spa treatments.