Here is how I decided: I figured I was more likely to return in the future to the coastal region of Turkey, so I chose to see Istanbul and Cappadocia on my first visit--and it was one of my best trips yet! I split my time in Istanbul with 3 days at the beginning and 2 at the end, which worked out nicely--I did intensive sightseeing the first pass through, and upon returning after a relaxing time in Goreme, we saw things we missed and just enjoyed the city.
FYI, this year I am seeing good flights along the Turkish coast, so I may finally get to Ephesus.

<< We land in Istanbul at 10:15am on June 1st. >>
Is that day one of the 8? Is your last day, the one you fly out of Turkey one of the 8? If so, I would skip Ephesus, and split the time between Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Just spend a few days in Istanbul, and see how you feel about it. We will be visiting later this year, so what I’m saying is only based on my research, not personal experience.

But if you realize that you have too much time in Istanbul (doubtful, as there seems to be so much to see, but hey, everyone is different), then you can do a day trip to Ephesus from Istanbul. A lot of companies seem to offer such tours.

Personally, I hate leaving a place before I finish seeing/doing everything that is a high priority for me, and I thought Cappadocia deserved at least 3 full days, so that would be my choice. I found plenty to occupy me in glorious Istanbul, and was glad to have 5 full days there.

That said, if you ever return to Turkey, it is likely that you would end up flying into/out of Istanbul, so you could see more of it then....

I have been mulling over the same. I really, really wanted to visit Ephesus, in fact it was for a long time the main site I wanted to see in Turkey. But I've just finalized our itinerary in Turkey and have decided to cut it out. We have ten days total. We are spending five days in Beyoglu, three in Cappadocia, and then two on the Bosphorus. We could squeeze in a day trip to Ephesus, but I guess I realized that's not how I like to travel.

I plan to return in a few years and do the coast - Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, a gulet. That's just a different trip. I'm still sad about it, though. Wish my vacations were longer!

I am in the same spot as you. I have nine nights but it is more like eight full days after travel. I decided on four nights in Cappadocia and five nights in Istanbul. I am flying into Istanbul and arrive at 10:00 AM and immediately fly to Cappadocia. This saves us an extra trip to the airport. I want to see other areas of Turkey but I will have to wait until my next visit. I was going to do three nights at each destination but felt I would be rushed or would miss too much at each stop. Good luck.

Nice to hear everyone have Turkey in mind also for another visit which is great and country deserves. There are a lot to do and a lot to see. While Ephesus is an excellent site to see, being still excavated over 165 years...
Unfortunately Selcuk Ephesus Museum is closed this year for restoration which I believe complements a lot an after visit to Ancient site of Ephesus. Direct flights from Kayseri to Izmir seems having better timing this year so After Cappadocia Ephesus can be done or other way around. Taking a day trip from Istanbul is still a good option too.

If coming back is in the plan OK one can skip Ephesus. As there are many other sites at that region to combine and go further south to the coast and take a Gullet cruise etc.

Angel your plan is good and as the beach question is there, maybe Pincess Islands would be interesting option for a day/overnight.

Wish you all a great time in Turkey,
Murat