I read in a guide book that there is a weekly ferry from istanbul to venice...does anyone know anything about it? are there any suggestions for an alternative route perhaps?
Thanks guys!

I suggest that you contact the guidebook by email to ask for current information about that ferry including the name of the company. It's my suspicion that there's no one ferry that takes on that complete route, but a series of ferries from different countries that connect along the way. For example, there's a ferry from Venice to Patras, Greece, then a bus to Piraeus where you could catch another ferry to Chios. From Chios you could get a ferry across to Cesme, then either take a bus or a Turkish ferry up to Istanbul. Just be aware that this will take you several days and will not be cheap.

I just realized I gave you suggestions for travel in the opposite direction than your inquiry. Sorry. But the same concept applies. Good Luck.

Also, there might be a cruise line that makes this journey, but that will most definitely be an expensive trip and take several more days than a ferry service (IF that ferry service existed).