If you had to choose between Ephesus and Cappadocia and only had 2 days at one of them -- which would you choose? We have always wanted to see the ruins at Ephesus. I had honestly never even known about the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia until I started reading these posts and planning our trip to Turkey. I know that one is ancient ruins and one is more landscape and also underground cities. Hope to get some feedback.

Thanks. ccc

When are you going to Turkey? I will be chilling out on the island of Samos this coming September, and because Ephesus is so close, we will make it one of our daily tours. Sorry I can't advise on Cappadocia.

What is the rest of your itinerary? I chose to pass on Cappadocia during my upcoming 13-night trip. I just felt that I didn't have the time and didn't want to rush around, but plan on going on a future trip.

GOD!! what an agonising decision, I put this one to the family vote and Cappodocia just scraped in 3 to 2. Where are you spending the rest of your Turkish odyssey ?

Ephesus was great and I love ancient cities but I've never seen anything like Cappadocia. It was amazing. If I could only visit one it would be Cappadocia.

Of course CAPPADOCIA. The area has also very important HISTORY too.

Have a nice trip in Turkey

Sinan Akdeniz

Hi and thanks for the replies. I will be starting out in either Cappadocia or Ephesus (right now Ephesus) then a week on the coast (we need it) and then 3 nights at the end in Istanbul. I know I could take off days on the relaxation part of the trip -- but we really want to chill on the mediterranean. Please reply.
Thanks. ccc

Cececat, I always think that I can chill at beach in my own country ! Turkey is more about history, culture and the excitement of a truly different country. Enjoy your visit, I presume you will be staying on the coast near Kusadasi (for access to Ephesus) ?

Definitely Cappadocia - Ephesus is very interesting but given only 2 choices it's gotta be Cappadocia. You will never see anything like this in the world. Absolutely fabulous scenery along with the cave houses/churches. It's very hard to express how interesting this is.

You can "ruins" all over Europe/Asia but Cappadocia is so different. Don't short change yourself.

another vote for cappadocia

A real dilemma! Two days is too long for Ephesus and too short for Cappadocia!

If you're talking about spending a week on the beach, I'm assuming that you'll be traveling during warm/hot weather. If that's the case - Cappadoccia - it's natural air conditioning in the underground cities... in fact, can be rather cold.

But like anywhere in the summer in Turkey all will be overrun with tourists. However, the area of Cappadoccia is greater and more places to visit.

I think I may have found a compromise:

We will fly directly from Istanbul (immediately after landing)and fly ti Izmir (Secluk) for one night.(Night 1) Spend the next day in Ephesus. Get up early and tour Ephesus (about 3 hours). If we have the energy afterwards, visit the Basilica of St. John. After this, return to Izmir Airport and fly to Kayseri Airport, transfer to Urgup and spend the night. (Night 2) The next day we will visit the Open Air Museum, enjoy the scenery, try to relax a little and spend our second night in Urgup.(Night 3) The next morning, get up early and do a hot air balloon ride! After the balloon ride, checkout and transfer to Kayseri Airport, fly to Istanbul and fly into Dalaman Airport, drive to Kas.(Night 4). Spend the next 5 nights in Kas relaxing and chilling. We will then fly back through Dalaman to Istanbul for 3 nights. Spend our last three nights touring Istanbul -- then HOME! I got this idea from TTP's Turkey's top sights in 6 days. It may be a little rushed though. But then we get to relax for 6 nights in the Mediterranean. Feedback please.
Thanks. ccc

Hi Cececat,

Are you going to Turkey rushing one place to another? OR Just want to be in Turkey that you may say "I Saw Turkey".

Sorry. If I were you I would not go to Turkey for this trip.

first flying to kayseri from izmir takes 4 hours WHY because you hvae to fly to Istanbul then to Kayseri. Here is the time that you have to catch:
(***)You have to be at the airport an hour advance.
TK 323 depart 14.45 arrive 18.30 (kayseri)
TK 337 Depart 20.50 arrive 01.50 AM

when you arrive to Kayseri you have to add 1 hour more to get to your hotel.

After these rushing you are going to visit some ruins.

I recommend you THINK again.

Have a nice HOLIDAY

Sinan Akdeniz

Thanks Sinan for your honest opinion. I don't want to say I saw anything -- I just don't want to miss the two things I really want to see in Turkey. I know it sounds a bit rushed and exhausting. It was suggested though in TTP's Turkey Top Sights in 6 days (with a little change at the last day b/c we are driving to Kas). I figured it was a good idea but now you have got me thinkin' . . . .
Thanks. ccc

CCC, I have to agree with Sinan, an awful lot of rushing around and time in airports. How about fly into Istanbul, direct to Kayseri, three nights Urgup, fly out of Kayseri to istanbul then onto Izmir, book into a nice seaside resort north or south of Kusadasi (Sinan can help you there ). From that area you can at your leisure in between days of sunning yourself and abusing your liver with copious quantities of EFES and the local red wine you can spend a day exploring around Ephesus. Then back to Izmir for a short flight ot Istanbul . Just a thought..good luck !

It would be great if Sinan could recommend a seaside resort north or south of Kusadasi. I'm booked in June at the Kismet, but have had some reservations about staying in Kusadasi. I still want to be fairly close to Ephesus for a daytrip.

Hi, what I heard about Kusadasi was that is is loud, very hard partying people and a very tourist trap atmosphere. I really wanted something more laid back with lovely sea views like the Kas or Kalkan area. My husband gave up booze a long time ago -- so the EFES will not apply to us .

I have to go back to the drawing board. I looked at the Hotel Kismet and it looked like a mega hotel. A little too big for our taste.

Thanks guys. ccc

This board is acting weird today... this is my 2nd attempt to post...

Anyway, I chose the Kismet because it's located on a peninsuls a bit outside of the main madness of Kusadasi (I hope). I wasn't able to locate an alternate seaside area to use as a base for Ephesus. I thought I found one or two, but they eneded up being 5 star hotels with about 300 rooms each.

Please let us know if you find something!

"peninsula" and "ended." When will this board have an edit feature???