Dhoops

I have been scouring this board and learning as much as I can, but would love some more advice from the experts out there! I am traveling with my best friend, we are both females and in our late 20s. We are avid hikers, love the outdoors and scenic nature, appreciate good food, and like to hit areas that are a little "off the beaten path" and a little less touristy.

Our tentative plan is as follows:

May 31 - Arrival in Istanbul
June 1 - Istanbul
June 2 - Istanbul
June 3 - Istanbul
June 4 - Fly to Cappadocia, rent car and stay in Gerome
June 5 - Gerome
June 6 - Gerome
June 7 - Fly to Antalya, rent car and stay in Cirali
June 8 - Kas
June 9 - Kas
June 10 - Fly to Istanbul (from Dalaman)
June 11 - Istanbul
June 12 - Departure

I would love to get some feedback on the itinerary, obviously it would be great to see Ephasus but I would hate to make the common mistake of squeezing too much into a trip.

The drive along the Mediterranean coast seems remarkable. Did I choose advisable towns to stay in? (Avoiding a night in Antalya)

Any recommended hikes in Cappadocia?

Thanks in advance! I realize that despite liking less touristy places I chose a tourist heavy route, I am hoping that the rental car in both Gerome and the coast will give us the freedom that we are looking for!

otherchelebi

Dhoops, you have prepared well and have made good use of information in view of your interests.

I think you picked good locations to stay.

The route from Antalya to Cirali is heavenly once you get past the Konyaalti beach area, Roll down your windows and breath in the pine aroma.

Try one of the more scenic roadside stall/restaurants for "gozleme", sort of pancakes that peasant women make on a convex tray, with cheese, potatoes, ground beef or greens. Drive through the resort roads at Beldibi and Goynuk to have an idea of the area. They both have entrance and exits to the main highway so you do not have to backtrack. You can also buy water and what not at small markets there.

Cirali is friendly, has large pebble beach, gives you the fires of the Chimaera and a very different micro-ecology from other valleys in the area. Visit Phaeselis on the way to Cirali, sometime before or after Camyuva/Tekirova.

Visit Arycanda if you wish, but definitely Myra before UCagiz and Kas.

Take the side road to Ucagiz, before going to Kas and if you have not already reserved at Kas (you may not need to because of the early season) you may prefer to stay at Ucagiz village at least for one night. The boat tour on Kekova bay and to Symena and Kale is easier and cheaper from Ucagiz.

Have a look at my trip report and my wife's photo albums:

http://www.fodors.com/community/fodo...lykians.cfm?39

http://travel.webshots.com/album/578740185vRZRyr
http://travel.webshots.com/album/578798538VEOMIK
http://travel.webshots.com/album/578816688RFqCoE

Afterwards, you can enjoy a more lively evening at Kas if you like.

Definitely visit Patara and if you have time, Tlos and Saklikent on the way to Dalaman airport.

I hope you will get some good recommendations on hikes at Goreme, since I am one of those who believe that the turtle and the tortoise have long lives because they walk very little.

Michel_Paris

We followed as similar route. I had a car, so drove into Istanbul every day, toured, then drove to Ankara, Goreme.

Our hotel in Goreme arranged for us to go see evening entertainment of local dancing, includes meal. Bit hokey, but could be one way to spedn an evening.

You might want to look at Ilhara valley. Easy hike to see cave churches, then have a nice lunch. There are also underground cities that may be of interest.

Kas, perfect. Think of taking a day long cruise out to see Lycean ruins, swim, lunch.

We drove from Kas to Marmaris, then Ephesus, night in Bursa, ferry back to Istanbul.

otherchelebi

Sorry Michel, Ihlara Valley closed for the time being, as per my post of a few weeks ago. However, lots of other hikes in the area.

Michael

Hiking is possible in what is called the Monastery Valley just outside Güzelyurt.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622933537559

Michel_Paris

OC,
You are the Turkey guru, I cannot compete

Dhoops

Thank you to the "Turkey Guru" and others who chimed in!! I normally just lurk this site but I am glad that I finally posted. All of your suggestions are invaluable!

Turkey Guru, your trip report and photos are making me very anxious for June to come. Thanks for sharing and for all of your advice. I am sure I will have more questions but at this point I will just dig around the forum for a while....all the answers are out there somewhere!

Thanks again!

Dhoops

I am bumping up this post as we are closer to our trip and looking to make a few adjustments to my original itinerary. Would be appreciated if otherchelebi and others could chime in.

After a recent trip to Central America, my friend and I were reminded once again that we REALLY prefer beaches, nature, and small towns, as opposed to the hustle and bustle of cities. That being said, we think we would like to cut out one of the days in Istanbul and replace it with extra time along the coast. I am unsure where to stick that other day in the itinerary and would appreciate any suggestions.

Also - My friend is really interested in seeing Pamukkale. Is this at all doable with our current itinerary?