jft

Probably in the back of my mind I am thinking we may not be back in Turkey for a long while so want to get a glimpse of another area.Usually we do not hop around as much but find a base and see a lot around it as we did in Bergen,Norway this fall. We are not opposed to renting cars and driving but also okay with public transit. I think our timeline is too short to add the turquoise coast especially as there is a lot to see and villages to experience. It's not so much going to a beach but seeing more of Turkey that drew me to the Kas area.
Now that I have some guidebooks I can sit down and learn more of the areas.

kja

The good news is that you will see some wonderful things even if you don't see everything you had originally hoped to see. Once you go through your guidebooks, but sure to check back with any additional questions you have.

jft

I managed to get hold of some guidebooks from the library and am making some headway. I am comfortable with spending time in Cappadocia (4 nights) and then flying to Izmir on a morning direct flight from Kayseri and renting a car. We would go to Epheseus, and Pamukkale ( with a stop at Afrodesias )flying out of Denzili airport near Pamukkale on the Friday morning.(possibly a drive to Cesme pennisula on arrival). The issue is the 120 Euro drop off charge at Denzili for the rental car which seems excessive. Is anyone aware of reputable agencies that don't charge such a hefty charge? I am not sure a day trip to Pamukkale and back to Selcuk or Kusadasi is worth it.....

kja

I arranged my rental through gemut.com

jft

I seem to be making good headway with my trip to Cappadocia and Selcuk region end of May.
Booked flights from Toronto and internal flight from Keyseri to Izmir. I was able to arrive one day earlier than planned arriving in Goreme on friday May 23 at 645pm and leaving for Izmir on Tuesday morning arriving at 1020am.
I have found a well reviewed private guide that will take us to Afrodisias and Pamukkale/ Hieropolis then to the airport at Denizli airport for a 715pm flight to Istanbul on the following Friday. I think it is a good option as it makes use of our short time in the region plus we will get the benefit of his knowledge. It won't be as tiring as driving to and from Selcuk in one day or dealing with the drop off car charges. We also won't have to change hotels so often. What we don't have is use of a car to possibly drive around the Cesme pennisula etc.
Having poured over the guidebooks I now see how going to Kas would not do justice to the area. I will go to the turquoise coast another trip.

I have not booked a hotel/b&b yet in Goreme or Selcuk nor figured out the best transfer from the airport. I am hoping to go to the market in Tire on the Tuesday we arrive in Izmir although I do not know when it closes. We have Wednesday and Thursday to tour Ephesus, go to the Ephesus museum wander around Selcuk etc.
I have read many of your trip reports and looked at the beautiful photos which are so inspiring.

Any further suggestions are welcome!
Thanks!

kja

Good news about the extra day!

I believe the Ephesus Museum in Selcuk is closed temporarily. The last I saw, it is scheduled to reopen in summer 2014. You might see if you can find anything out closer to the time of your trip.

jft

Looking at reviews I believe the museum in now open. I am looking forward to 3 whole days in Cappadocia and almost 4 days in the Ephesus/Pamukkale area.
Need to figure out where to stay as there seems tons of good choices in Goreme and less great options in Selcuk. Thinking about Aydinli Cave hotel in Goreme. Not sure where in Selcuk.

kja

Have you looked at booking.com?

otherchelebi

jft, Selcuk has rather simple accommodation. If you prefer larger rooms, sea view, things to do in the evening, a possible dip in the sea, some sunbathing on balcony of room, try hotels at Kusadasi, only 20-25 minutes from Selcuk. In the past we have stayed at Turban, Kustur, Kismet and more recently Hilton in Kusadasi.

For only one or two night stays we have enjoyed staying at Nazhan in Selcuk, especially because of the friendly atmosphere and the very special breakfast which included local wild greens and despite the smaller rooms and bathrooms. (we were told that they now have a new building or two with larger rooms)

jft

We have 3 nights. I like booking.com for pictures and reviews and then try to book with the individual hotel when it is a small one. Between there and tripadvisor you get some sort of sense.
Ephesus Suites looks really nice but only have 2 nights available suggesting that we stay at their relatives hotel the first night if nothing comes up. Seems like a hassle. I am looking at Nazhan and St. John. I think we may prefer the local scene at Selcuk versus the resort scene at Kusadasi but I will take a gander at your suggestions, otherchelebi.

In Cappadocia Erenbey Cave Hotel looks nice as do many of the hotels/inns.

tower

Jft: Chelebi and I never agree on anything..but I must admit the Kismet in Kusadasi (koosh-a-desu) is perfect for his suggestion of cooling it, yet not very far from Selcuk and Ephesus.

Go back for another look at my pics and you will see quite a few heralding the Kismet..very peaceful with views overlooking the harbor. I don't know what the rates are now. Look it up. You will throughly enjoy your visit to Turkey.
stu

jft

I will look at Kismet but we may have one day too much there. I was looking at Saint Johns or Hotel Nilya. I was thinking Selcuk is a bit more like a working town so more a Turkish experience.
Other than hotels( Cappadocia and Ephesus area) my trip is pretty set ( internal Turkish flights, a guide for Ephesus and Afrodisia/Pamukkale/Hieropolis to Denizli airport.....coming together nicely and very exciting.

jft

Sorry my last response did not make sense. I will look into the Kismet ( just sent a request- it may have renovations done presently. Reviews are all over the place but views look great) I was thinking Selcuk is a bit more of a Turkish experience but 3 nights may be too long for it. Looking at Saint Johns or Hotel Nilya in Selcuk.
Not set in Cappadocia yet- my husband would prefer a bright room ( ie windows ) rather than a real cave room....

kja

I was very pleased with my stay at the Arch Palace Hotel in Goreme; it is not a cave hotel. You can find my trip advisor review under KJA3.
http://archpalace.com/en/index.html

jft

Thanks for all your help! We had a fabulous trip. We flew to Cappadocia via Istanbul from Toronto and stayed in Goreme at The Elysee Cave house for 4 nights(loved the hotel and fabulous hospitality by Cengiz the owner). We use Turkiye Balloons the first morning and they were extremely professional and well priced. The balloon ride was fantastic and I felt the 24 person balloon was just fine( there were 20 in our balloon) with very clear visability.
We did some things on our own and also arranged two tours, one with Reliable Travel and one with Heritage (both good- preferred Reliable). Lots to see and do out of Goreme- Cappadocia is a great escape!
We then flew to Izmir and took a hotel transfer to Selcuk staying at Hotel Kalehan for 3 nights (okay hotel). We took the dolmus to Tire on our arrival day to visit their large Tuesday market(very local, no tourists)which I loved. The next day we had a private guided tour of Ephesus with Ertunga Ecir, followed by a wonderful lunch at a local woman's home in Serince. The following day we took 2 buses to Mili National Park for a beautiful day at secluded beaches very close to the Greek Island of Samos. Not many people but a lot of wild boars! The last day was spent again with our guide who drove us to Aphrodesia, Pamukkale and Heropolis before he dropped us off at Denzili airport enroute to Istanbul. Ertunga was very knowlegable and accommodating.
My next big trip will be Vietnam end of January/February!

kja

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for letting us know!