Shhonye...thee scanned scenes of Turkey may help you decide the value of time spent in each sector of the country.

https://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/ScenesOfIstanbul#

Below will be the countryside (Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, Cappadocia, Lake District, Antalya, Turquoise Coast, etc....it you decide to stay in Kusadasi (koosh-a-desu), the beaches range from non-existent to not great, but this hotel (Kismet) I recommend, is outstanding, with a view over the harbor..see pics).

stu

Shoonye (continued)

http://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/ScenesOfTurkey#

a) Is 5 days in Istanbul too much given the overall trip is a fairly brisk 12 days. Would an extra day in Cappadocia make more sense

That really depends on your interests and how your child will react to various options. I was glad to have just over 3 full days in Cappadocia, but I travelled solo and took several very long hikes (which might be too much for your child). The good news is that you should be able to find plenty of wonderful experiences whichever way you allocate your time!

c) Is Pammukale worth it...

Again, depends! I haven't heard of any travertine formations like those of Pamukkale anywhere else in the world (which doesn't mean they don't exist!), and they are impressive! And while I'm glad I saw both Hierapolis and Aphrodisias, there are enough similarities between them that I can imagine an argument to visit only one.

> Any alternate ideas on spending time in the Selcuk area.

I believe some people head south for a day trip to Prienne, Mellitus, and and Didyma. And some people recommend a relaxing day at Foca....

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the responses.

Before any comments, do not forget that you probably should stay the night before your flight to Cappadocia in selcuk rather than Izmir if you are returning rental cat at the airport. If you are returning car at your hotel in izmir, it may be simpler to take a taxi to the airport from izmir early in the morning.

Kusadasi does have some excellent beaches depite what my good friend Tower says, but they are not inside the city limits. Nort of thje city and North of kismet hotel asre some good hotels or resorts directly on the beach and only 20-25 kilometres from Ephesus/Selcuk.

Kismet is an excellent hotel but not for a four year old for whom there will not be any beach but a concrete platform next to the sea.

In your place, I would take the rest at the beach instead of rushing around for more sightseeing.

Istanbul has more than enough to excite a 4 year old, Rahmi Koc Museum, Bosphorus boat tour, miniaturk, Florya aquarium, to name a few fun spots for him.

Take precautions against sun, allergies and dehydration while at Selcuk.Kusadasi.Pamaukkale.Ephesus

otherchelebi....thanks much for the helpful advice. Do you have any hotel recommendations for kusadasi that are next to the beach as well as for Selcuk.