randipellmar

Going with our family in September for 3-4 nights in Cappadocia. How long is needed to see it and the surrounding area, Goreme and Konya, eg. ?
What about the Museum Hotel? Any first hand experience?
We can fly to Izmir when we leave for 3 nights ( 4 if we take one from Cappadocia),
what seaside resort is the best beach? Hotel suggestion?
Travelling with 4 adults and a 2 year old, Thanks for your help.

rhkkmk

twice we have flown to izmir and rented a car....it works very well but i should think 3-4 days is too much...??

GregY2

Anyone have a response on the Cappadocia questions?

randipellmar

We are not locked into Izmir, just flying into the airport. Looking into Cesme, Alcati, etc.
Wanted to find find interesting seaside area.

otherchelebi

Cappadocia can take anywhere from two very rushed full days with a tour or private guide to four or five more relaxed days with rental car or scooter and 3-10kilometer hikes, as well as village visits to check for authentic carpets direct from the weavers, and possibly another day to visit Hattusas, yazilikaya, alacati.

Alacati/Ilica/Cesme area is great for beach and relaxation as well as good food and upscale cafe/bar scene at night. You would need a rental car again to visit Ephesus and possibly Sardis. There are closer antique sites but not as awesome as the above, near cesme and sivrihisar.

otherchelebi

One correction, Konya has nothing to do with Goreme (300 odd kilometers)and is not worth the time unless you are into Islamic mysticism.

Michel_Paris

We drove everywhere.

We spent one night (!) in Goreme, and wished we could have spent more. When we arrived we went to a night of Turekish dancing (reccomended by hotel) which included meal and dancers of various styles.

Next day we visited the Open Air museum, and started drving south. Along the way we stopped at an uinderground city and hiked and lunched in the Ilhara valley, Our stop that night was Konya.

We could have spent much more time in that region.

For beaches, we stayed in Antalya, Kas, and Marmaris. All would be OK. Note that beaches, based on our experience, are stone beaches, not sandy.

Where you go will depend on time. We were planning on Izmir/Bodrum but ran out of time. This area is the beach area of Turkey (from what I know).

randipellmar

OK We have 4 nights in Cappadocia. Anyone go to the Museum Hotel? Wish to do do this
leisurely.
Also, 3 nights in Izmir area , will fly into this airport. Alacati/Cesme, etc Where is the best area for lodging, by a beach? Not familiar with Ilica.
Best hotel too?

Otherchelbi, you seem to be an amazing wealth of information, please respond. Thank you and all who answered so promptly.

otherchelebi

Sorry, do not know Museum hotel. Just check the reviews on TA for that and other hotels. Many cave hotels, like Kelebek get good review.

Ilica is between alacati and Cesme. Alacati beaches are to the South of the cesme peninsula and Ilica is to the North.
Alacati has colder water but terrific wind surfing. ilica has warm sea water and more popular beaches.

The old town of Alacati is very in with the upscale and bohemian Turkish people, and has quality bars and restaurants with prices to match.

Ilica has lodging for all budgets, from the small plush old mansions to a nice Sheraton and more reasonable Ilica hotel, and slowly deepening large beaches.

cesme is more of a typical and touristy resort, but still with a charm.

If you prefer beach and chilling out Ilica will be better, methinks. Or a hotel at the Aya Yorgi Beach of Cesme.

If you wish for exotic, quaint, go for restored greek house hotels in alacati village. If you wish for expensive personal service try the new 7800 and ......... (sorry forgot the name but you can find on TA or will write later if you wish)

Thank you for your appreciation.
By the way, i am a semi-retired resident and my wife and i love to travel. I am preparing a travel book. Check my trip reports on fodor's.

randipellmar

Looking in Ilica, for hotels. Can't find "7800" or the Aya
Yorgi Beach of Cesme!

Any further assistance would be helpful..
Thank you, Otherchelebi.

otherchelebi

Since ilica is part of cesme, it may be better to look under Cesme.

http://www.7800cesme.com/

•http://www.­trivago.­com.­tr/­izmir-...s-­934401

http://www.neseotel.com/english/cesm.../ayayorgi-bay/ -

•http://www.­virtualtourist.­com/­tra...3;1.­html

propertravel

Cappadocia 4 days is good choice, beach time at Cesme in September might be a bit chillier but quieter too. There are many nice boutique hotels opened recently and don't think you will have problem finding a hotel. Having said that Sept. is high season for Cappadocia, for any service you better book in advance....

7800 modern building, has beach access and a spa as well within other choices....

Have a great time in Turkey,
Murat

randipellmar

Murat, and others...

We will be at The Museum Hotel in Cappadocia, it looks terrific

Next stop Izmir....

Narrowed down to:

7800 Cesme
Dalyan
Alacati Beach
Ilica Hotel and Spa

Anyone have any thoughts for a choice of hotel from first hand experience in the area?

propertravel

Thats good that you made a decision...Hotels you mentioned are all different and altought not 100% my style, I would go for 7800...

Good Luck,

Murat

randipellmar

7800 Cesme, seems to be a favorite of Fodors and Frommers newest guide books and from all I have read and received Forum help from,
So, 7800 Cesme, here we come!

many thanks for all your help