Istanbul can be a bit overwhelming, not to mention a bit unsafe these days. There is much to see on the Agean Coast of the country like Kusadesi and Cappadocia. I think if time is not an option then going by boat would be much more enjoyable. I believe you can get to Turkey from Athens in a day by ferry, but you'd need to check that.

I think if you went with your boyfriend you'd probably have a better time in turkey. 4 chicks traveling there could be just as sexy though, just tell us all the stories.

4 days means you will have to visit again! The Agean coast with beautiful ruins and a little more chill than Istanbul is reachable by ferry from Greece at Izmir, Kusadasi, Atunkum and Bodrum. I used Selcuk as a base for a few days. I would suggest flying to Istanbul from there. There is plenty to see in Istanbul and it is quite safe. The hotel bombings last summer were in mid end tourist hotels and there was a warning. For further information, see my post in Radical Travel under Istanbul. You could also contact the girls that made that trip. If you want to see more than Istanbul, a little longer than 4 days would be good.

Go to Olympos! Istanbul is an experiance, but you'll have more fun once you leave! Epheses is pretty cool to. If you stay in Istanbul, the Oriant youth hostel is cool. Travelers from all over come through there!

This could be a bit late, but I thought I'd recommend this great little town on the Aegean coast. It's called Dalyan, just east of Marmaris, we had to take the ferry from Rhodos. I couldn't believe the warm welcome we received upon arriving in this town, met so many great locals who wanted to take us everywhere. A girlfriend and I stayed there for about two weeks in this Apart, if only I could remember the name (this was about four years ago now, and I don't have any of my journals here with to remind me.) I do remember it started with a J, and it's outside the town center. Anyway, I haven't really stopped travelling since that trip, and it still remains one of my favourite places. But, it is true what they say, it's not about the place, it's all in the people that you meet. Anyway, so much to do there, from cycling, to canoeing the numerous canals, to beachcombing, to saturating in the natural hot springs, to visiting ruins (the first known sun dial), to boat and motorcycle trips with the locals, to playing Turkish board games and drinking endless amounts of cai(tea). Loved it!!