Piya

Hello, Me and my husband are planning a trip to Turkey from (USA) around April 18th. We just have 5..max six day (excl international travel). I wish to not only explore Istanbul but also combine one more city/countryside on this trip..I may be trying to pack too much.. but this is my only chance and dont know when will be able to return to Turkey. Can you some one throw in some suggestions as to what other variations i can include on a 6 day trip. I just read about Cappadocia. The cave town looks pretty intriguing. Is it possible to include that. However, would like to find out whats the best way to get there from Istanbul?? How much travel time?? etc. Also, open for any other suggestions. Something that you must see in Turkey other that Istanbul.

yorkshire

While you could get to Cappadocia, I'd think long and hard about your personal travel style and if you want to squeeze it in, considering you would squander considerable time in Istanbul by flying back and forth (but it is not a long flight).
I'd strongly consider staying all 5-6 days in Istanbul. There is a ton to see and do, but it is also quite a relaxing place to be. You could do the Bosporus cruise and visit the Princess Islands for some downtime.
Here is a great resource: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/index.html

Piya

Any good websites for getting good airfare deals for travelling within Turkey??

otherchelebi

I think you will get the best rates directly at the airline web sites:

THY
Pegasus
Atlas Jet
Onur Air
Sky
Sunexpress
Bora Jet

THY is usually the most expensive being the national carrier, winner of the best European airline award for 2011 and providing full service.

The others do not fly all routes.

You should also choose IST for your Istanbul arrivals and departures rather than SAW because of the distance from the city and cost of transfer, unless you are staying at a hotel on the Asian side of the city.

Visit Emirgan Park for the tulip highlights and see the Sabanci museum as well as eating at Muze de Changa instead of one of the Princes' Islands. You can also take a criss-cross ferry from emirgan pier to asia and back for excellent photography opportunities.

Piya

Thanks Otherchelebi!

Is it ok to wait till the last minute to book domestic flights?? or book them on arrival in Istanbul??

Any suggestions on the 5-6 itinerary to include Cappadocia??

otherchelebi

You should have no problems finding seats after you arrive in Turkey. However, booking early will give you lower rates on THY. Do a few trial runs for rates at different dates and you will see.
I do not know if the other airlines are as date senditive as THY because we usually prefer THY.

You can do Cappadocia but it will mean two full days because of the traveling even when you fly because the transfers take time and you need to be at the airport 90 minutes before flight.

You can actually do a day trip to Ephesus and may wish to consider that, flying to Izmir with an early flight and coming back with an evening one. You will have many choices for Izmir flights including free shuttles to Selcuk for Ephesus and back if you fly Pegasus or Onur Air.

brenda66

try these 2 websites for flights within Turkey

http://bulucak.com/default.aspx

http://www.alobilethatti.com/

otherchelebi

sorry, i meant Onur air and Atlas jet for free shuttle to selcuk (near ephesus) and not pegasus.

Piya

Thank you!

ChrisBObs

I can understand your feeling that it may be your only chance to get to se Turkey, so try and do more than Istanbul.
You could have a first day in Istanbul doing a tour that covers all the highlights of the old city, stay in that same area of Sultanahmet. Then fly early on day 2 to Kayseri or better at the smaller with less services Nevsehir: which are the two airports for Cappadocia. There are travel agents there that are perfectly capable of picking you up from the plan and taking you on tour for the day and dropping you at your hotel, do a another tour or half day after the early morning magical ballooning the next day and the same people can drop you at the airport again.
To use your time even better- fly direct from Kayseri to Izmir to get to Ephesus for a night and the day, then fly back to Istanbul and have the last 2 days in Istanbul at a more leisurely pace!
It can be done, but the faster you want to go, the more you should consider using professional guides and travel agents who can make it a smoother operation. Having done things independently, I know we spent time making decisions and reading of the next thing to do as independent travellers, and missed the ballooning!
Enjoy Turkey!

Piya

Thank you so much ChrisBobs!!

I planned doing the exact same thing and you just endorsed it!!

BTW, I am planning to visit Pamukkale instead of Ephesus.

I was planning to take an overnight bus from Istanbul to Pamukkale on the first night that I arrive in Istanbul spend one whole day there and then head to Cappadocia for 2 full days and then take an early morning flight from Kayseri to Istanbul for 2 full days there.

Do you have any idea about the overnight buses and how i can book them online in advance. Any websites that you recommend??