ekscrunchy

A groups of us will be in Istanbul in early October for a few days. After our visit to the city we would like to rent a car and travel along the coast, sightseeing and eating good local food. We will have 4-5 days in which to do this before returning to Istanbul. I know very little about the three towns mentioned above but am wondering if anyone can inform me as to how far they are in driving time from Istanbul and which one or two of them might make a good place to spend a few days. We might visit one or two of these places and take day trips from them to nearby places of interest; I believe Ephesus is not all that far away from Foca or Alacati. Can anyone tell me what the general atmosphere is like? Recommended hotels? (not more than 150 E. per night but with plenty of comfort and charm). Thanks!