Greece to Turkey - HELP!
 

I thought my trip was all planned until I realized I made a mistake...

We are already pushing it trying to make it landing at Izmir at 2:00 pm , renting a car, and then heading straight for Ephesus. I figured we would have about 3 hours for the ruins if all went well. But I forgot to figure in customs. Anyone have experience with customs arriving in Izmir? The only other flight I can find is an Olympic air flight that lands in IST at 9:45 and then an Atlas Jet flight that at 11:30 - that seems like that might be risky as well??

My only other options would be to split my time in Istanbul to move things around. Or cut my already limited time in Athens and take a ferry to Chios - Cesme.

I was hoping to get to Ephesus on Monday June4th with enough time to visit the ruins etc. We probably don't need all day but don't want to miss out either.

TIA for any help

To clarify, are you saying that you're flying into Izmir non-stop from another country (Greece?)? If you're passing through IST you will have already been processed.

Argh - the Atlasjet flight only lands 30 minutes earlier - so that wont work either - sigh.

Sorry Brotherlelove - I posted my last post before I saw yours.

Right now - we have a direct flight on Pegasus from Athens to Izmir landing at 12:50. So customs would be in Izmir. I am wondering if there is anyway we are going to be able to see Ephesus getting bags, going through customs, renting a car and driving to Ephesus...

You will be in Greece, and you won't see Athens?
Why taking the ferry to Chios, when you can fly?

We will have two quick days in Athens...which is why I don't want to cut my time short. I can find a ferry that goes to Chios at 19:00 but that is so early...I see there might be one at 21:00 on Hellenic - but it hasn't been announced yet (they have one in May but not June). My Boyfriend will not go on a Turboprop plane - only a Jet so we cant fly to Samos....

It really depends on how many other international flights have arrived in izmir just before yours. if the pegasus flight is not delayed and is the sole flight, you should be out of visa, passport and customs within 45 minutes or so.

the car rental will take only 10 minutes and the drive to Ephesus 45-60 minutes.

So you should be at the ruins by 15:30 easily, hich will give you enough time for the ruins as long as you get in before 4PM.

Do not climb up to the theatre if you feel rushed, but do not miss the terrace houses. park at the bottom, walk to the terrace houses, visit them and then decide whether you have time to continue to the upper parts or just to come back down to the library and possibly the theatre.

Late afternoon light should be good for photography. Will still be good to have UV filter.

have some bottled water and a hat.

We don't land until 1:45 so with your timeline, I don't we would make it until 4 if we are lucky:(

<i>My Boyfriend will not go on a Turboprop plane - only a Jet so we cant fly to Samos....</i>

I remember back in the late 50s when people were afraid to fly on jets because they couldn't understand how an airplane could stay in the air without propellers. :-))

Actually a turboprop <i>is</i> a jet engine: http://inventors.about.com/od/jstart...t_engine_2.htm

Heimdall - I could argue forever the facts - but if it has a propeller, he wont get on it :) He is already flying way more than he likes to travel with me!

Then I hope he doesn't find out that ships have propellers! :-))

Sorry, I couldn't resist. ;-)

That is funny :)

Eh - think we are going to just break up our Istanbul days to make it work and not be as crazed.

Then I hope he doesn't find out that ships have propellers!

hahaha Heimdall , you rock !!!! :)

If it's any help, Aegean Airlines flies to Lesvos (Mytilene), and they have an all jet fleet. Sorry about my wicked humour. ;-)

But I cant fly in the same morning and then catch the ferry - in fact, I dont see a ferry from Mytilene to Ayvalik on Mondays...

Botherleelove, Clausar, Heimdall - I hope you see this!

The BF got mad at the idea of more flying. So I am now thinking of a ferry from Piraeus to Samos and then taking the ferry from there to Kusadasi - but I am having a heck of a time finding schedules for the route. I am okay to waiting to book as long as I know the plan will work - can you help me out?
Thank you!

(Heimdall - you will laugh, BF asked me if ferries were safe !!:) I had to roll my eyes at him - some times I dream of traveling ALONE :) )

There has been a ferry between Piraeus and Samos for as long as I can remember, but so far this year nothing is showing for that route beyond the end of March on any of the schedule websites. It remains to be seen if one will be added. I doubt if anyone here can say yes or no with authority but my _guess_ is yes. http://www.gtp.gr

Tell your BF that these car ferries are very large and very stable and the seas in June are nice and calm. But buy him a set of "Swimmies" just in case.

Thank you botherleelove!

I have planned multiple trips all over the world and I have never had a trip as challenging to plan as this one!!

My Dad suggested drugging his beer to get him to get him on a turboprop...:)

What about the ferry from Samos to Kusadasi - which port does it leave from and what is the usual schedule?