Originally Posted by JDiver

In your case, since you have visited Athens, I would definitively offer a resounding "YES!" Istanbul is wonderful - and inexpensive as well, as you can even take the ferries up the Bosporus to the Black Sea and lunch in a village, visit a ruined castle... and very much more.

Check the Starwood and Hilton Fora for reviews of the respective Istanbul lodging - some posts contain extensive information.

I forgot TK is still an AA partner (even though that is changing with Star Alliance assimilation ) One must book soon to take, er, advantage of these award tix.

"Discontinued Service
The AAdvantage partnership with Turkish Airlines will be discontinued effective March 30, 2008. For Turkish Airlines flights taken on/after March 30, 2008, mileage accrual will no longer be offered.

All award travel on Turkish Airlines must be booked and ticketed by March 29, 2008. However, travel is valid for up to one year after the ticketing date. All award travel must be completed by March 29, 2009."