We're planning a trip to Turkey summer 2011 and ideally we'd like to travel by car throughout the countryside. Very preliminarily we're looking at a few days in Istanbul, at the end we'll pick up a car, then head towards Cappadoccia, then towards Izmir and down the coast a bit before we hit Greece. The distances between Istanbul and Cappadoccia and between Cappadoccia and Izmir are daunting and we know we'll have to stop along the way. Can anyone recommend towns/villages--preferably quaint and authentic with a comfortable hotel or pansiyon? Also, some good sights to see along these stretches. We prefer natural beauty and culture to crowds and tourist traps. Any help is much appreciated!

Before i advise any stops on your route, i need to know how much time you will have.

Since, there is no way you are going to hit Greece just going South from Izmir, i am assuming that you will take a ferry to Rhodes, Samos or Chios. If that is not the case and you are planning to fly from Izmir airport to Athens, i will propose a different route from Cappadocia with some very scenic hidden gems on the way.

Initially we thought of taking a ferry to an island, then flying on to Athens, but we're open to suggestion on alternate routes. We would definitely consider flying out of Izmir instead if it makes more sense. In terms of how much time, we're really open right now. We haven't booked flights yet. We're trying to figure out how much time we really need before we pin down dates. Thanks so much.

If you've got time, I would highly recommend driving along the Turkish Riviera and stopping at places like Fethiye and the other coastal cities and villages. it's incredibly beautiful. Or you could drive from Antalya to Fethiye but cute through the wooded mountains, which is also quite scenic. I took a bus between the two and the scenery was beautiful and dotted with little villages.

Another beautiful quaint little village is Cavucin, outside Goreme. This was very unspoiled and wonderfully quaint, dotted with donkey carts and caves that the villagers used to live in.

http://mardeeinturkey.wordpress.com

Sorry, that should be "cut" though the wooded mountains...

This is the second time i lost my post. Every time it gets shorter because i stupidly do not save my reply.

If you have 20-21 days:

- Istanbul 4 nights
- Bogazkale 1 night
- Cappadocia 3 nights
- Silifke (kiz kalesi or Tasucu) 2 nights
- Anamur 1 night
- Side 1 night
- Cirali 2 nights
- Fethiye 2 nights
- Herakleia/Kapikiri 1 night.
- Selcuk/Ephesus 3 nights

If you have less:

- Istanbul 3-4 nights
- Cappadocia 2-3 nights
- eskisehir 1 night (visit Aizanoi and Sardis next day
- Selcuk 2-3 nights

Fly from izmir to athens by aegean air, pegasus or sunexpress.

please check my recommendations re car rental on another thread today.

This time i did save and if i had not, would have lost it again.

After you decide on the basis of the trip reports of other travelers like Ellen, Luisah, Fra Diavola, MsGo, Michael, Michel_Paris and others, and my proposals and of'course your specific interests, and write to us, i will give more details re what to eat where and some lodging suggestions on your route.

Thanks to both of you for the great information. Otherchelebi: I just read your report in the lounge--fantastic! I'm sure I speak for many who post here when I say that your tips are invaluable. I'll look into the locations you mentioned and will follow up for recommendations for food (& wine).