Cathie

Please advise on best way to spend 8days in Turkey--don't want to be with groups, in airports or on buses the whole time! Best to plan tours here or there-medium budget--<BR>Thanks!<BR>Cathie

Les

Cathie,<BR><BR>Well, you have to spend at least three days in Istanbul and then make the choice between Cappadocia and the costal areas including Epehsus. Cappadocia is one of my favorite places on earth... just amazing scenery. The costal areas are beautiful too... the ruins of Ephesus near Kusidasi rival those in Italy and Greece. I would probably choose Cappidicia, especially if you've been to Greece or Italy... Cappidocia is just so "different" from any other place that I've ever been. (Note - there is another recent posting wiht rave reviews about the Cappidocia region.)<BR><BR>Have fun in Turkey... its truly and amazing and wonderful country

Mary

Hi Cathie, If you don't want to waste precious time while you're in Turkey, book your hotels here, there are tons of web sites to help you and it may cost you $10.00 more then if you walk up to a reception desk in person. My other suggestion and this is the big time saver-is fly between sites. You can reserve your flights here or there, but its much faster then driving or sitting on a bus for 8 to 10 hours, and thats how far apart stuff is there! Again, as everything else in Turkey, the flights are cheap. For tours you can probably wait till you get there and book from your hotel. I second 3 days in Istanbul and then Cappadocia, but Ephesus is really incredible too. Ephesus is full of history and very close to the sea. Cappadocia has this incredible landscape and also lots of history. Whatever you do, you'll have a great time.

carol

In 8 days, you could do Instanbul, Cappadoccia, and Ephesus if you flew where you could and took minimal time in each place. I think Istanbul needs at least 4 days, Cappadocia 2, but in a pinch you could chop a day off either. I did not go to Ephesus because I don't care for ruins, but I hear it takes 1-2 days. The above post is correct, the plane flights are cheap. We flew to/from Cappadocia through Kayseri (including transfers to Urgup) for about $110 US each last May. But you should add at least half a day for each trip between places. Ephesus is pretty hard to fly to. Cappadocia will be more efficient if you either stay in Goreme and only go to the open air museum, or if you take a tour.

nurale

Hi,<BR>I think you need more than 2 days in Cappadocia and bear in mind it is really hot during summer. April may be a good time. Also don't forget to take a few sweaters or even a coat, beacuse though it is hot during the day it can be freezingly cold in the evenings. You can also read the other postings here about Cappadocia, they'd be very helpful. Have a nice time!<BR>

beytan

hello cathie,<BR>well, i think you definetely should go to Bodrum... and also Cesme and Kusadasi...these places are in the west coast of Turkey...<BR>and as other friends said cappadocia is also great!!!!<BR>you can find some cheap, but no luxury, places to stay...<BR>have fun and in case you want to get more info, i posted my e-mail so you can reah me!<BR>im in turkey by the way

Tugay

Visit us<BR>www.helloturkey.com<BR>Tugay

Nejat

Dear Cathie<BR><BR>The best is to fly Istanbul and spend few days there.<BR>Then<BR>Fly to Izmir To see Ephesus and vicinity<BR>and finally flying to Istanbul airport<BR>for the return flight to home.<BR>If you send me details<BR>such as arrival date<BR>dep date<BR>flight numbers or times<BR>I may be able to arrange you exact itinerary checking the operation days of museums etc.<BR>rgds<BR>Nejat Incedogan<BR>Ephesus guide<BR>and<BR>affliated travel Agent

Ben Haines

Cathie &lt;[email protected]&gt;<BR><BR><BR>You can save time and avoid busses if you take berths in railway sleeping cars. These are comfortable and cheap. See http://www.tcdd.gov.tr for train times and fares and <BR>http://www.seat61.com/ under ?Turkey? for photos and notes.<BR><BR>Between Istanbul and Cappadocia you might pick the Meram Express: Istanbul (Haydarpasa) 1920, Konya 0821, or Konya 1750, Haydarpasa 0630 (or usually rather later).<BR><BR>From Cappadocia to Ankara the Cukurova Express, Ulukisla 2223, Ankara 0805.<BR><BR>Between Ankara and Izmir the Izmir Blue Train Ankara 1810, Izmir 0700 or Izmir 1800, Ankara 0820. The Dumlupina Blue Train runs on the same route to similar timings.<BR><BR>The restaurant cars, too, are good, but I usually buy before I board peanuts, wine, and fresh fruit, which they do not serve. Beer they have. So far as you?ve the choice please take sleepers, not couchettes, as sleepers have more space and their own washbasin.<BR><BR>On four days a week you can make a pleasant day journey by boat between Istasnbul and Bandirma, connecting with a restaurant car train between Bandirma and Izmir.<BR><BR>Please write if I can help further<BR><BR>Ben Haines, London<BR>

lo

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