Istanbul-Last minute trip; Help! ...need a crash course
May 24th, 2012, 08:33 AM
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Istanbul-Last minute trip; Help! ...need a crash course
Just found out husband & I will be visiting Istanbul in less than a month and unfortunately, my knowledge of that area is very limited. We will be visiting our daughter who is there for 3 months this summer. We will have 8 nights in Turkey. We will spend most of our time in Istanbul so we can see daughter as much as possible and not sure if she will have free time to leave Istanbul for a couple days. Regardless, we would like to travel outside Istanbul for 2 or 3 nights. Where would make sense? I have just begun reading about Cappadoccia & am always drawn to the coast....We will arrive June 29....any thoughts or suggestions?
May 24th, 2012, 08:48 AM
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Istanbul, like NYC, London, Rome, or Paris, has endless things to see and do. You could EASILY spend your 8 nights there and never get bored.
There are MANY options, all worthwhile, for a quick trip. What are your interests?
Here are a selection of 2 or 3 day possibilities - ANY of these would be an excellent choice. Again, YOUR interests??:
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i.../cappadocia-3/
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i...and-ephesus-2/
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i...-and-kaunos-3/
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i...ara-and-kas-4/
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i...-36/antakya-4/
But, again, don't discount the option of just staying in Istanbul.
There are MANY options, all worthwhile, for a quick trip. What are your interests?
Here are a selection of 2 or 3 day possibilities - ANY of these would be an excellent choice. Again, YOUR interests??:
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i.../cappadocia-3/
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i...and-ephesus-2/
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i...-and-kaunos-3/
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i...ara-and-kas-4/
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i...-36/antakya-4/
But, again, don't discount the option of just staying in Istanbul.
May 24th, 2012, 09:47 AM
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https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...enesOfIstanbul
Just to help in your prep work, here are some scanned pics of Istanbul and I'll also toss in scenes around the country. You might be able to glean some ideas from them. Have a great visit.
Just to help in your prep work, here are some scanned pics of Istanbul and I'll also toss in scenes around the country. You might be able to glean some ideas from them. Have a great visit.
May 24th, 2012, 09:55 AM
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http://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/ScenesOfTurkey#
These cover some of the areas you may be interested in outside of Istanbul. (Cappadocia, Lake District, Antalya and The Turquoise Coast, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, Ephesus, Priene and Bodrum and vicinity)
Just a suggestion..I agree with Bardo's recommendation to perhaps stay in Istanbul for the 8 days..a most fascinating and exotic, historic city. But to choose one other place, I would rate Cappadocia over Ephesus.
stu
These cover some of the areas you may be interested in outside of Istanbul. (Cappadocia, Lake District, Antalya and The Turquoise Coast, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, Ephesus, Priene and Bodrum and vicinity)
Just a suggestion..I agree with Bardo's recommendation to perhaps stay in Istanbul for the 8 days..a most fascinating and exotic, historic city. But to choose one other place, I would rate Cappadocia over Ephesus.
stu
May 24th, 2012, 07:49 PM
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hey Tower.. i'm just piggy-backing on rattravelers' thread. i'm just wondering why you said Cappadocia over Ephesus. just curious as these are the two other areas i have to decide between for my itinerary. thanks!
May 24th, 2012, 09:43 PM
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Ephesus - a fantastic ancient Roman ruin near the SW coast. Cappadocia (Kappadokya, other spellings exist) - an other wordly surprise of upside down ice cream cone shaped rocks which have been carved into cave homes from the inside! How many hundreds of years ago I am not sure. "Everyone" truly wants to see both!
In Istanbul you will be offered many guided tours. You can pay 90 EUR each for a trip on a boat, or you can pay 7TL each for a ferry from Kabatas (the s has a tail meaning SH) up the Bosphorus all the way to Sariyer and then take a bus, or a taxi, or a bus and the metro back to Taksim or Sultanahmet.
You can eat or have a coffee or just walk under the Galata bridge between Eminonou and Beyoglu (soft g, don't pronounce it), you can walk down the less touristy streets, you can take a commuter 'feribot' to Asia for a dollar or two (Uskudar Kadikoy) and back in a few hours, you can go to Taksim and walk on crowded Istiklal street and find bookstores with books in English, food, ice cream, coffee, jewelry, clothes. Cicek Pasaji is something to see - many restaurants. (tails under C's mean ch, "Cheechek" means flower, pasaji=passage, although it is restaurants only) Walk downhill from Taksim metro to Galata Tower. you can sit in Sultanahmet and just stare at the people for a while, as there is such a variety, including ... you! It is a very interesting place. Of course you've heard of the Grand Bazaar, which could take 8 days itself perhas, and Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Achaeological Museum, Topkapi and Dolmabache Palaces, Basilica Cistern (and others) and the Spice Bazaar... Bring comfortable shoes. You will be walking on paved streets and up and down hills and stairs all day.
In Istanbul you will be offered many guided tours. You can pay 90 EUR each for a trip on a boat, or you can pay 7TL each for a ferry from Kabatas (the s has a tail meaning SH) up the Bosphorus all the way to Sariyer and then take a bus, or a taxi, or a bus and the metro back to Taksim or Sultanahmet.
You can eat or have a coffee or just walk under the Galata bridge between Eminonou and Beyoglu (soft g, don't pronounce it), you can walk down the less touristy streets, you can take a commuter 'feribot' to Asia for a dollar or two (Uskudar Kadikoy) and back in a few hours, you can go to Taksim and walk on crowded Istiklal street and find bookstores with books in English, food, ice cream, coffee, jewelry, clothes. Cicek Pasaji is something to see - many restaurants. (tails under C's mean ch, "Cheechek" means flower, pasaji=passage, although it is restaurants only) Walk downhill from Taksim metro to Galata Tower. you can sit in Sultanahmet and just stare at the people for a while, as there is such a variety, including ... you! It is a very interesting place. Of course you've heard of the Grand Bazaar, which could take 8 days itself perhas, and Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Achaeological Museum, Topkapi and Dolmabache Palaces, Basilica Cistern (and others) and the Spice Bazaar... Bring comfortable shoes. You will be walking on paved streets and up and down hills and stairs all day.
May 24th, 2012, 10:24 PM
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The Library alone in Ephesus is almost worth the trip. It is one of the most beautiful archeological sites I've seen.
However, if I had to make a choice, I agree with Tower that I would definitely choose Cappadocia over Ephesus because Cappadocia can be a whole experience: interesting history, outdoor museum, stay in a cave hotel, hot air balloon ride over the lunar-like landscape, great food, interesting and nice people.
However, if I had to make a choice, I agree with Tower that I would definitely choose Cappadocia over Ephesus because Cappadocia can be a whole experience: interesting history, outdoor museum, stay in a cave hotel, hot air balloon ride over the lunar-like landscape, great food, interesting and nice people.
May 25th, 2012, 04:47 AM
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Thank you all so much!
As far as interests...we enjoy wine, good food, beaches, boating, music....husband is more into history than me however on past visits to Rome & Athens, I found the historical sights fascinating. I know he would like to try to visit Ephesus.
I do think Cappadoccia sounds like something we would enjoy...cave hotel, ballooning...
Would there be a sensible way to tie in Cappadoccia, Epheus & the coastline? Would you recommend driving? We are not tour bus fans...
Loved the photos from everyone....gorgeous!
Thank you all again...
As far as interests...we enjoy wine, good food, beaches, boating, music....husband is more into history than me however on past visits to Rome & Athens, I found the historical sights fascinating. I know he would like to try to visit Ephesus.
I do think Cappadoccia sounds like something we would enjoy...cave hotel, ballooning...
Would there be a sensible way to tie in Cappadoccia, Epheus & the coastline? Would you recommend driving? We are not tour bus fans...
Loved the photos from everyone....gorgeous!
Thank you all again...
May 25th, 2012, 05:05 AM
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<i>"Would there be a sensible way to tie in Cappadoccia, Epheus & the coastline?"</i>
You mean one of these or all of them?
If all, then you won't have any days in Istanbul!
There are many viable options for these various side trips: bus, car, or flight. I will wait to know exactly what you choose to do before offering detailed logistics.
You mean one of these or all of them?
If all, then you won't have any days in Istanbul!
There are many viable options for these various side trips: bus, car, or flight. I will wait to know exactly what you choose to do before offering detailed logistics.
May 25th, 2012, 05:59 AM
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I think Cappadocia is more than plenty for a 2 or 3 night trip.
You should FLY.
A round-trip flight from Istanbul is around $100 on budget airline Pegasus. Fly out of SAW and into ASR.
http://www.flypgs.com/en/default.aspx
Doing this in the middle section of your 8 nights in Istanbul is best.
You should FLY.
A round-trip flight from Istanbul is around $100 on budget airline Pegasus. Fly out of SAW and into ASR.
http://www.flypgs.com/en/default.aspx
Doing this in the middle section of your 8 nights in Istanbul is best.
May 25th, 2012, 06:26 AM
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Here's one idea for a 3-night stay in Cappadocia (if it's only 2 nights, you'll need to cut):
Arrive at Kayseri airport late afternoon, 45 minute shuttle ride to one of the towns, we liked Urgup. Dinner, relax, evening walk?
Day 1: Balloon ride - a must. Most balloon tours pick you up at your hotel and meet about 7 am - return you to your hotel by 10am. Then the Goreme Open Air Museum (another must) - allow 2-4 hours. Take time to explore the nearby town of Goreme, maybe including a nice lunch in town. After you're restored, go for a hike in the nearby Zemi Valley - gorgeous. Back to your hotel/town, collapse (nap?), dinner and maybe evening strolling, window-shopping, etc.
Day 2: Zelve Open Air Museum (another must)- allow two hours. Other options for the day include: Pasabag (< 1 hour), Church of St. John -in the cute town of Cavusin (1 hour), Uchisar, including the castle - also a great own for lunch, drink, or cafe. (1-2 hours), Catacombs (2-4 hours, depending on how many you visit). Collapse, late dinner.
Day 3:
Depending on flight time, either head to airport or see something you didn't have time for earlier.
Arrive at Kayseri airport late afternoon, 45 minute shuttle ride to one of the towns, we liked Urgup. Dinner, relax, evening walk?
Day 1: Balloon ride - a must. Most balloon tours pick you up at your hotel and meet about 7 am - return you to your hotel by 10am. Then the Goreme Open Air Museum (another must) - allow 2-4 hours. Take time to explore the nearby town of Goreme, maybe including a nice lunch in town. After you're restored, go for a hike in the nearby Zemi Valley - gorgeous. Back to your hotel/town, collapse (nap?), dinner and maybe evening strolling, window-shopping, etc.
Day 2: Zelve Open Air Museum (another must)- allow two hours. Other options for the day include: Pasabag (< 1 hour), Church of St. John -in the cute town of Cavusin (1 hour), Uchisar, including the castle - also a great own for lunch, drink, or cafe. (1-2 hours), Catacombs (2-4 hours, depending on how many you visit). Collapse, late dinner.
Day 3:
Depending on flight time, either head to airport or see something you didn't have time for earlier.
May 25th, 2012, 07:19 AM
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Bardo...excellent outline ..I would try to slip in Ilhara valley, if it's entirely open after the recent landslides. According to OtherCelebi, it is. En rotue to Ilhara, a quick visit to Kaymakli or Derinkyu(underground cities..if you're not claustrophobic!) should be doable.
I, too, favor Urgup...I had flown TAL to Kayseri on Turkish Airforce business one time...on another, I had the Esbelli Evi cave hotel in Urgup arrange for a pickup. Their cost $30 at the time for a private car and driver. I afterward rented a car in Urgup which I was able to return to Marmaris at no additional charge.
Callalili...stricly a personal choice. You can see Greco-Roman ruins anywhere in Europe, and other ancient civilization's ruins in other parts of the world.. but there is only one landscape (I call it a lunarscape)quite like it. I think the pics show it clearly. Again, it's personal. Thank goodness I never had to make that choice by being able to see both! Happy travels. You'll love Turkey, its people, its food and its varied offerings.
stu
I, too, favor Urgup...I had flown TAL to Kayseri on Turkish Airforce business one time...on another, I had the Esbelli Evi cave hotel in Urgup arrange for a pickup. Their cost $30 at the time for a private car and driver. I afterward rented a car in Urgup which I was able to return to Marmaris at no additional charge.
Callalili...stricly a personal choice. You can see Greco-Roman ruins anywhere in Europe, and other ancient civilization's ruins in other parts of the world.. but there is only one landscape (I call it a lunarscape)quite like it. I think the pics show it clearly. Again, it's personal. Thank goodness I never had to make that choice by being able to see both! Happy travels. You'll love Turkey, its people, its food and its varied offerings.
stu
May 25th, 2012, 09:13 AM
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I also would stay in Istanbul for 8 days. I did 6 and wasn't enough. 3 nights/4 days in Cappodocia just wet my appetite. Thinking of going back already. This time we might try to do some hiking in Ihara valley because it's so beautiful there. I have not done any hiking before but i have a feeling it will be amazing.
tower, May I ask you which car company didn't charge a drop off fee?
tower, May I ask you which car company didn't charge a drop off fee?
May 25th, 2012, 11:39 AM
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Mohan: Auto Europe (but that was in 1995, when Turkish tourism was just getting into full gear).... Urgup had a little office on the main street. Urgup was very small with only a few restos...and one good one with folk dance entertainment, "Somine", on a rooftop in the center of town..things have changed since the aforementioned tourism has fully blossomed.
May 25th, 2012, 01:47 PM
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We also stayed at Esbeli Evi in Urgup and loved it. We arrived very late and they had food delivered for us that night. It was some of the best food we had on the trip and better than we picked for ourselves in a restaurant the next day, also only about half the price we paid at a restaurant. They arranged air port pick ups and taxi drivers each day for us. The price for their taxis was much less than we were quoted when we asked drivers ourselves. We did the Balloon ride with Butterfly Balloons and it was fantastic.
May 26th, 2012, 09:38 AM
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sassafras....ah, another Suha/Bill (owner of Esbelli Evi) fan. I found them in Lonely Planet in 1995 (rate was $40 then) and was so happy I did. Have since sent several friends there. In fact Aduchamp was there two years ago, and Suha showed him the Polaroids he used to take of all guests..and pointed mine and wife's to Adu.
Check out Turkey pics on my post near top of this thread...you'll see Suha and our "cave" along wth some good views of the region.
stu
Check out Turkey pics on my post near top of this thread...you'll see Suha and our "cave" along wth some good views of the region.
stu
May 26th, 2012, 11:03 AM
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Stu, it was from this forum that I read about Esbelli Evi and Butterfly Balloons. Forever grateful for the info and appreciate that you and Aduchamp shared it. I would not even consider staying anyplace else in Cappadocia now. We did not meet Suha, but I was so impressed by the beautiful, high quality (in tune) piano and all his classical music books. The staff was so helpful and kind, bending over backwards to do anything for us. It is really a special place.
DH and I had a suite of two bedrooms, sitting room, mini kitchen and two baths. I just asked for a small room, but that was what was available when we got there. We looked at it and said, "We could live here," especially since there was a piano in the reception/library area.
DH and I had a suite of two bedrooms, sitting room, mini kitchen and two baths. I just asked for a small room, but that was what was available when we got there. We looked at it and said, "We could live here," especially since there was a piano in the reception/library area.
