Hi Maree -- My partner and I are also arriving 2 days early to Istanbul and staying 2 days later in Athens but did not book pre or post package through Olivia. So, we're on our own for excursions. We are definitely interested in visiting the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. We wish we could do the Bosphorus Ferry but don't think we'll arrive in time to catch it on October 1st, and we want to leave Saturday for Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.

I am finding the research for hotels in Istanbul to be a little bit more difficult... we don't know want to stay on the bad side of town, and don't know the pros and cons in staying in the Asian vs European side. So, we are still researching and asking people who have traveled there. As for Athens, we've got a list of 3-4 hotels highly recommended but continue to monitor the prices. We typically focus on hotels that are in safe locations and nearby major transportation (the latter saves us a lot of money).  Let us know if you'd like us to share the hotel names.

We'll be happy to meet with you in Istanbul and/or Athens if you wish. 

 Abs

Hi all,

 I am thinking of doing the pre-trip extension but am travelling alone. Wondering if anyone would like to share a room to help reduce cost of accomodation. Understand from Olivia that rooms are going fast. Anyone interest do let me know.

 Thanks

Regina

Jojo, the Olivia extension in Athens is for October 10. The additional nights at the special rate start October 11.  I don't think you have a problem getting the Olivia price.

By the way, I envy you going to Columbus Isle. We love it there but it's just not possible to fit in this time around.

Here ya go JoJo http://www.olivia.com/Connect/forums/thread/145680.aspx

Okay Evergreen here goes.....I'm wanting to know if it is too late for Kathi, my traveling buddy & I to book the post extension in Athens. When I go to the website it gives the dates starting Oct. 11. We want to stay Oct. 10-12, then fly to Florida to wait for the charter flight to Columbus Isle. I mean if we have 6 days to kill we may as well do some of it in Athens. But I want to get the OLIVIA price. 

So basically my question is are we too late to qualify for Olivia's rate...There I said it, now that wasn't so bad...lol   JoJo 

And, obviously, whoever typed the info onto the website, had Paris on their mind!!!

must be a typo.  i think it should say "post Athens" package.  oh well, it was exciting for a minute.  never been to Paris....

jeri