18 Days in Turkey
 

Hi,

Myself and a friend have 18 days in Turkey (including travel days) from end of May to mid June and were hoping for some advice/feedback on a possible itinerary.

Day 1 - Arrive Cappadocia
Day 2-3 Cappadocia
Day 4 - Cappdocia to Istanbul (flight)
Day 5 - 9 Istanbul
Day 10 - Istanbul to Canakkale
Day 11 -12 - Canakkale
Day 13 - Canakkale to Izmir
Day 14- 17 - Izmir
Day 18 - Leave Izmir

We were thinking of using Izmir as a base to explore nearby areas but would it be better to stay somewhere else and just fly out of Izmir? We arent much into partying, but enjoy art, ancient ruins, relaxing by the beach. So we had been thinking maybe staying in Cesme or Selcuk? But am open to suggestions

Forgot to mention, I will be coming from Greece so shouldn't be too tired on day but she will be coming from Australia, so not sure if this plan makes sense with the possibility of jetlag, and if we should maybe add some time to Cappadocia and take it from the end?

I don't think you would regret adding time to Cappadocia. I spent nearly 4 full and very busy days in the area and did not see everything I would have liked to see. But of course, it depends on what YOU want to see and do!

I like that you have given yourself 5 full days in Istanbul -- there is SO much to see and do there!

I stayed in Selcuk for two nights, using it as my base for Ephesus. I found it very pleasant -- low key, great food (of course! it's in Turkey!), some lovely places to stroll, and a wonderful produce market (I think I visited that on a Saturday and am not sure what days it is open), not to mention the storks and their nestlings (which you should be in time to see -- I was there in late May).

Hope that helps!

Thanks kja, I might add a day to Cappadocia and take some time off the end.

And maybe stay in selcuk instead of Izmir

Hi there,

if you are interested in visiting Pergamon ancient city and the ruins around it, you can stay a night in Izmir but i see you have canakkale in your itinerary, will you be driving south from istanbul to canakkale and izmir then or you are taking a daily trip to Canakkale from istanbul and then taking a flight from istanbul to izmir? izmir is an attractive city but not like istanbul so i recommend a stay in a place nearby Ephesus ruins, Selcuk, Sirince village or Kusadasi town. if you like swimming, Kusadasi, architecture; Sirince, travelling on budget; Selcuk. I also see you have 4 days in the area, i recommend you to add Bodrum to your itinerary as well, you can do Ephesus one day and next day Priene miletos and didiyma finishing in Bodrum...
hope i was some help,
Kadir

I assume you are traveling to Canakkale to visit ancient Troy. It is mostly mud brick walls, our least facorite ancient site in Turkey or Greece. Pergamon, on the other hand, was incredible, Ephesus was very interesting too. You can visit both from Izmir.

Hi,

The plan is to stay in Canakkale, the main reason being Gallipoli.

Also have heard there is some good scuba diving there so was thinking of maybe doing a day of diving to see some of the sunk wrecks (I am PADI advance open water certified)

We are still trying to decide between Canakkale and Eceabat to stay when in the area but thought Canakkale as it was closer to Troy and thought that would be interesting, though after what you have said HappyTrvlr it may not be worth a visit.


Thanks for then info trtourorganizer I enjoy swimming though my mate is not as keen, so maybe Selcuk would be good.

just want to make sure you know it is the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli. Also, I found a very good documentary on youtube about the battle.

hi Peggionthego,

I did know that thanks. I am Australian so its a big deal over here, I am disappointed I wont be there in April for the anniversary.