520

We'll be in Turkey for 14 days, 13 1/2 days in late October--early November. We will arrive in Istanbul mid-afternoon of the 23rd and depart early a.m. of 11/6. We're splitting our time in Istanbul between the beginning and end of our trip with four nights at each end, but really only three and a half days at each end as I understand the time required getting to and from Ataturk is considerable. Right now we are booked for three nights in Cappadocia, 10/27--10/30 and then three nights, 10/30--11/2 in Alacate. But Otherchelebi just posted a response to a December itinerary query that he thought two nights in Cappadocia at that time of year was enough. We would love to have more time in Istanbul and have thought of canceling Alacate altogether, but perhaps two nights in Cappadocia would resolve things. We've not made our internal flight reservations yet.

leuk2

two nights in Cappadocia is not enough. 3-4 nights is better.

kja

Must you split your time in Istanbul to include both the start and end of your trip? You can save some time by putting it all together, preferably (IMO) at the end (so you are in Istanbul the night before your flight).

I didn't visit Alacate, so can't comment on it. Are you planning to use it as a base for Ephesus, etc.? I did visit Cappadocia, but in spring, when options are (as I understand it) a bit different.

otherchelebi is most certainly an expert on the area -- and we are very fortunate to have his input! Just make sure you understand what he means and vice versa. For example: do 2 nights mean three days or two or one? Are the discrepancies in your ideas of how much time is needed because some things are not accessible or because you have different lists of priorities? etc.

if you haven't already seen it, you might find some helpful info in my trip report -- just click on my name to find it.

Enjoy!

otherchelebi

Thank you for the very useful clarification KJA, you're right :

The two nights I wrote was for two days of not very pleasant weather in December and for a certain age group or family with kids who would find it difficult to hike or walk long distances.

Cappadocia requires rather a great deal of ealking and visiting at locations not so close to each other, more fully enjoyed by also a great deal of hiking. If you will not enjoy those due to cold, wet weather or mobility issues, two days are sufficient to see and enjoy the highlights in the area.

If you wish to visit Alacati area near Cesme, you should be aware that the area will be rather dead at that time. Peaceful, good boutique hotels, not much of a hiking area, some cozy bars, but most closed for the season, not that close to Ephesus but within reasonable driving distance to Ildir,Sivrihisar and Teos.
Not worth it to take long drive to Karaburun.
(read my hotel and restaurant reviews on Trip Advisor)

Just for "Something Completely Different" have a look at my trip report, "From Denver to Virtuous" about a trip early November last year in Southern Turkey.

520

kja and otherchelebi, many thanks. This is the kind of information I was hoping for. Re: splitting our time in Istanbul, we do want to stay on both sides of the Bosphorus and so decided to make the switch after travelling to Cappadocia and Alacati. We regularly do a great deal of walking--and have done quite a bit of what I call hiking, my DH calls walking--in our trips hither and yon. But I had hoped the weather in late October would still be reasonably good in Cappadocia and knew Alacati would be quiet--which has some appeal. We did also wonder if a day trip to Ephesus would be unrealistic? ) We live in NY, and will be spending a week in Berlin before Istanbul. We already are booked at the Empress Zoe at the beginning and at the Karakoy Rooms when we return. I think we could probably get rooms at the Karakoy if we cancel Alacati. If we do that, we would then have nine full days in Istanbul.

otherchelebi

520, Karakoy is just across the short Galata bridge across the Golden Horn and not an exciting area after dark, although closer to Beyoglu, Taksim and Nisantasi, but still with heavy traffic except for the ever useful tram.

If you wish for something on the Bosphorus, consider Bebek Hotel, Radisson Sas Bosphorus, House Hotel Ortakoy or cheaper, La Maison (not sea front but with view)

Another option is to check flats (like Cheya) or hotels at Nisantas like House hotel (again), Sofa and others, where you will be in the thick of things with the beautiful istanbulites, good restaurants, popular bars and designer shopping.
The major Turkish designer "Vakko" will have a one day "pearl" sale on November 1. Mention my or my wife's name Ahmet or Eser Celebiler to "Cetin" the store manager usually at the lower floor ladies shoes and handbags for a welcome (will not get you any other advantages though) and offer of coffee or soft drink.

520

Otherchelebi, thank you for all this information; I looked at the hotels you recommended and the House Hotel Ortakoy is certainly enticing--but at 300 E. per night more extravagant than I think we want to be. Several friends have recently stayed at the Karakoy Rooms and gave it highest marks. It was also recently written up in Travel and Leisure, and the price is right. So I think we're going to stick with it.

We love to rent apartments in the cities we visit, but, again, I think we're going to opt for the easy path of a hotel this trip.

At least that's how things stand for now.