My husband and I are thinking about a trip to Istanbul, mid-April, 5 days, plus one day at each end for travel to and from. Never have been to Turkey but really want to also see Cappadocia (caves from the early desert Ammas and Abbas). We only have this much time, this time around. Currently living in Austria.

What is the best way from Istanbul to Cappadocia? We could put Cappadocia on either end of our trip, or in the middle.

Should we book a tour to Cappadocia from Istanbul with one of the tour companies?

In Istanbul: How hard it is for non-Turks to navigate the city?
Recommendations of good, clean, places to stay?

Thanks in advance for any ideas and suggestions!

http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/g...ist_cappa.html

Too much cramming for me 500 miles away from IST

Very historic and pretty though if you can make more time.

In 5 days just enjoy wonderful Istanbul www.booking.com

many excellent choices based on budget ranked by reviews.

Easy to navigate with a good guidebook.

Have fun,

There are many very recent posts here on accommodation in Cappadocia. Check trip advisor for the regular tourist places like apricot hotel, alaturka, etc. in sultanahmet

You should of'course fly to either nevsehir (somewhat closer) or Kayseri from istanbul. Flights from SAW are cheaper but transfers are more expensive and time consuming.

Check Pegasus, Sky, Anadolu Jet, Atlas, Sunexpress for budget flights and THY for full service.

For 5 days I would just enjoy Istanbul. The hotel we stayed at in 06 & the one I rec'd to my sister who went last year was Hotel Dersaadet www.dersaadehotel.com It is a converted Ottoman hotel with wonderful customerservice. The rooftop balcony has a wonderful view of the Blue Mosque. Istanbul is an easy city to manuver-no car necessary. The hotel willpick you up at airport if you stay a certain # of days.
We stayed about 3 weeks in Turkey so were able to go to Cappadocia-had a wonderful guide & stayed in a cave hotel. Enjoy-Turkey is magical.

You don't have to book a tour for Cappadocia. Many of the hotels will make day trip arrangements for you once you're there. As I'm sure you realize, you'll hardly have time to see either Istanbul or Cappadocia in five days; it will be hectic.

Stay in Sultanahmet in Istanbul. It's the old city, more touristy, but safe and within walking distance of the major sites. Istanbul is a very easy city to navigate. We took the light rail which is clean, easy and inexpensive. Many hotels will arrange transport to and from the airport in Istanbul, but only if you're staying at least four or five nights.

If I were you, I'd rethink trying to cram both Istanbul and Cappadocia into a short trip. Enjoy one or the other and plan to return - you'll just whet your appetite for more of this wonderful country!

Thank you, everyone. will take the advice and just do one or the other this time around!

If I had five days, no kids, not much luggage and might never be there again, I would do both. The flight to Nevsehir is very short. The scenery starts at the airport. There is no wasted time in Cappadocia.

... and you are only flying from Austria. It is not like you will be exhausted and need a day to rest when you arrive in Turkey. If it were me I would fly right to Nevsehir through Istanbul on your first travel day.

I agree with Cold. If you get to Cappadocia with a connecting flight and can even spend the next one whole day there it will be worth it. This way, you will be able to visit other interesting areas when you next have the time to get to Turkey.

If you ask me, focus on İstanbul for 5 days. Do Cappadocia some other time. Istanbul has too much to offer in especially 5 days. Cappadocia is a "must-see" place. But fater Istanbul, in my opinion. Also, mid-April is quite a good date for exploring Istanbul.