Hi there! I am 23 years old and going to Turkey in June for 10 days with a friend. I want to as much as possible. Is Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya doable in 10 days? <BR>Please give me your advice. ~Thanks

Is it doable? I sure hope so! We are going to Turkey in June also and we've got 2 more days then you do, but we're also going more places. From researching our trip, I think you could spend 3 days in Istanbul and th 4th take a bus at night or spend the day and see the countryside to Cappadocia. Spend 2 days there and the7th day take a bus to Antalya, making a shrt stop in Konya. That 7th day you are doing nothing but travelling. Day8 and 9 you have in Antalya and the last day you fly back to Istanbul. I know you can get plane tickets for about $100.00 one way. The only way to get to spend more time in ech place is to fly between cities. Again, each flight is about $100.00 and lasts about an hour. But if you are wanting to save some money, the buses are much cheaper, and supposely really nice.

Last year we spent two weeks in Turkey on our own. We flew into Istanbul and spent 3 1/2 days there and I wish it were more. The distance by bus was very long to Cappadocia from Istanbul so We took the night train to Ankara and spent two days there visiting friends. From there it was another 4-5 hrs. by bus to Cappadocia. We were told that plane connections to Cappadocia are very hard to make. The buses were very cheap,comfortable, and easy to ride. We spent two days in Capaddocia, back to Ankara then we flew to Ismir. The Turkish Airline was easy to book and not that expensive. I did not go to Antalya but I wouldn't have missed Esphesus for anything. The Roman ruins were the highlight of our trip.

You need 4 days in Istanbul to enjoy it without killing yourself. For the other 6 days, cappadocia and antalya is doable. and buses are great...comfortable, leave fairly often (though ones to cappadocia are not so regularly), and provide free snacks.

Just got back from three weeks in Greece and Turkey. We did Marmaris, Istanbul, and Cappadocia in 10 days. Our trip: 3-1/2 days in Athens (waaay too long), ferry ride from hell for 5 days in Santorini, flew to Rhodes for two full days, ferry to Marmaris for 1-1/2 days stay, bus to Dalaman and flew to Istanbul, 5-1/2 days in Istanbul, flew to Kayseri for 2 days in Cappadocia, and then back to Istanbul to an airport hotel overnight then home. After being stuck two extra days in Athens (a real hell-hole) and then 17 hours on a ferry (all due to high winds and delayed ferries), we decided that we would economize on time and changed our itinerary to include fights where we could. All flights were under $90 US. We usually booked the next leg of the trip the day before leaving, so it allowed us to change our itinerary significantly from what was planned. You can do this in May, but not in high season. <BR> <BR>Istanbul needs a full four days just for the crash tour: Topkapi, Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque, Cistern, Taksim, Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye. It is a beautiful, clean and green city, the absolute opposite of Athens! We are not into ruins (skipped the Forum when we were in Rome last trip), and decided to skip Ephesus since we had seen the Acropolis. Marmaris is okay for boat lovers, and it too is beuatiful (mountains, forests and sea) but otherswise, topless aging Englishwomen is not my idea of a tourist attraction. I would highly recommend spending the money on a tour for Cappadocia. We saw stuff we did not find in the tour books. However, check up front if it includes a visit to a carpet store. (Your time is valuable.) The two day tour is enough. The best part was a canyon hike in the south part, that was not even indicated up front. <BR> <BR>Turkey warning: you will quickly tire of the carpet hawkers everywhere you go ("Yes, Please!" "Would you like to spend your money here?" "Where are you from?"). Keep in mind that this is their culture, that they mostly survive off commissions, and try not to be too impatient. Usually saying "no, thank you sir!" is enough. It is nicer than ignoring them (their feelings get hurt when you do this!) and most times makes them back off. Howver, you will meet many of the most genuinely nice people that you have met in your life. Good luck!

Carol, the Turkey portion of your trip sounds great. Sorry about the ferry ride. Two questions: Where did you stay in Istanbul and Cappadocia? Were the domestic flights relatively painless?

One more thing... the bus trip is hell. The people on our tour, in their early 20's, who did the overnight bus trip barely made it through the first day of the tour, even with the help of caffeine. They barely slept on the over night bus. It stopped a dozen times with the lights on, and they got there with not even enough time to brush their teeth before the tour left. However, the plane was $80 each way plus $28 for the transfer from Kayseri (US$). So if you are economizing on money, and you are young, the bus may still make sense.

Sorry I did not read your last post before my last post. We stayed in Sultanahmet, at the Ishakpasa Hotel, on Ishakpasa street. $50US per night double with private bath and breakfast. It was pretty tiny and a bit aged, but okay. It is really near the area of several hotels and hostels (I can't remember the street, Caddessi Akbiyik?, but it is near the Four Seasons and several cheap restaurants, and is easy walking distance from most attractions). For a student I would suggest checking out this street. Whereever you stay, check out the top level pub at the Sultan Hostel (not to be confused with the Sultan Pub downtown, which is pricey no matter what Lonely Planet says). Cheap food and beer, and a wonderful view of the Sea of Marmara and night views of birds in the lights of the Blue Mosque minarets that will forever be imprinted on my memory. <BR> <BR>In Cappadocia we stayed at Hotel Alfina in Urgup for $US60 double in a cave room. We wanted to stay in a Fairy Chimney in Goreme (cheaper) but they were all booked. We are 40+ and professionals (this trip celebrated my MBA) and so we could afford more than a 23 year old student. Both Urgup and Goreme are much cheaper than Istanbul for the same hotel. <BR> <BR>You can easily have a meal with a large draft for under $5 US anywhere in Turkey.

I just returned from ten terrific days in Turkey. In that time we managed to do Istanbul, Cappidocia and Ephesus without any trouble... and all of our travel in country was by bus. <BR> <BR>We started in (ferry from greek island of Samos) Selchuck which is basically the modern town next to Ephesus . If you go, stay in this town and not in any of the places further out. All I can say is the ruins were amazing... the best I have ever seen including those in Rome and Athens. <BR> <BR>We then took a day bus to Parmukali (not that great) with a connection on an overnight bus to Cappidocia. Do not miss cappadocia what ever you do. It was amazing. My best advice is to stay in Goreme which is right in the heart of all the best stuff... get up as early as you can, lace up the hiking boots and get lost in the Rose Valley and the several other valleys next to it... it will be a life altering experience. We spent three days there and did most of the stuff you are supposed to do including an all day guided tour of the underground city and the other real important sites out of Goreme. We ate at several places in Goreme and the best by far was called S.O.S right next to the post office. We stayed at a reasonable place called the Kalabeck Pension which in addition to a great view of the city, had a very helpful staff... Regular room are about 18-25 bucks American but if you can splurge they have a "honeymoon suite" for about $60 american that is really cool. We then took the over-night bus to Istanbul. <BR> <BR>Istanbul was, as everyone says, a wonderful cosmopolitian city with lots to offer. Be sure to get up to Isla Cadessi for dinner one night... start at the square and walk down the street. Also, a walk from the Feith Mosque to the church where the cool mosaics are (I'm forgetting the name at the moment) is a real trip into the past (future?) of islamic culture. It was the only time in Turkey where I felt like I was out of the tourist culture and into a different world. If you have a free afternoon... do it. <BR> <BR>Here's my take on the bus in Turkey. I'm 38 years old and, while the bus was certainlly no picnic... it aint all that bad either... especially for younger travlers... and at 17 bucks for the trip from Cappidicia to Istanbul its a bargain. As for the stops... get out... strech you legs and get a bowl of lentil soup (offered in the cafe of every stop) and enjoy the cultual experience... (my travling friends said I was "on the soup tour". You'll be suprised at how much fun it can be... it all comes down to attitude. <BR> <BR>Have a great time... and for the advice... you have to toast me over a nice cold Cappi Cherry drink... the most tasty drink in Turkey... have a few my friend.

The last report is exactly the kind of thing I like to read! We were in Turkey for just a week last year and hope to go back next year and see more. Cappodocia is definitely on my list of places to see.

Here I am again, asking about hotels. Sorry if I sound obsessed. Les and Susan, which hotels did you stay in and what how would you rate them? And Les, would someone who walks with a cane be able to do the underground city tour in Cappadocia? Thanks!

Rosenatti, Sorry it took me so long to get back to you but I just now checked back on the site. <BR> <BR>In Istanbul we stayed at Side Pension which is about 30 yards (or one carpet shop) away from the front door of the Four Seasons. It was definitely servicable but that's about it... and there were a lot of stairs. It cost $25 U.S. per night for a double room with shared shower and toilet separate from the room. It is nice being close to the Four Seasons... just tell the any cab driver in town"the Four Seasons" and you will get there.... <BR> <BR>In Cappodicia we stayed in two places and both were quite nice for the money. The first night we stayed at the Goreme House for $25 U.S. with the toilet and shower in the room. The Goreme House had the most amazing hot, hard shower we had on our trip and that is something to smile about. They also had a wonderful breakfast at the Goreme house too... the best Turkish breakfast I had in two weeks in there. The other place we stayed in Goreme was the Kelebeck pension which we moved to because we wanted the honeymoon suite (even though we are comming up on our sixth anniversary.) Kelebeck was very nice... at the top of the hill with a wonderful view of the town and a very helpful english speaking staff. The honeymoon suite had two rooms including a fireplace in the sitting area, a huge California King bed and a shower and jucuzzi... which in Goreme seemed amazing. It was $60 a night (thanks mom). Regular rooms there went for $18-25 U.S. HOwever once again... lots of steps and it is at the top of a long hill. <BR> <BR>In Selcuk we stayed at the Tuncay Pension. It was a nice little family run place with a very helpful staff. The wife of the owner is Canadian and the owner lived in the U.S. for many years so there is no language problem. Rooms were servicable (out of room toilet and shower) for $4 per person, two to a room including a nice breakfast and a free ride to Ephesus and several other local sites... but that does include a stop by the cousins carpet shop which I thought was a lot of fun in itself. <BR> <BR>As for the underground city and walking with a cane. Well I would certianly have some reservations about going in there... The ADA hasn't quite made it to Turkey yet. I specifically remember one spot where I was crouched down almost onto my knees and moving sideways at the same time. That might pose some problems if you have mobility problems. Also, there are a lot of odd shaped stairs that are, while not wet, dusty and therefore a little slippery in places. Also, the path through the city is "one way" and if it were crowded it might be difficult getting back out if you found an area that was too difficult to negoiate. <BR> <BR>But, the open air museum in Goreme was reasonably easy to get around and there are several chapels and cave areas that you should have no problem with there. <BR> <BR>If you need anything else, feel free to e-mail me. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip, <BR> <BR>Les <BR> <BR>

Thanks for all the input, Les. Much appreciated.

I too have to put a plug in for the bus system in Turkey. <BR> <BR>I am 23, and traveled for three weeks in May through Greece and Turkey. We took overnight busses from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Cappadocia to Selchuk (Ephesus), and a short trip to Marmaris to catch the boat to Rhodes. <BR>I brought cheap earplugs, an airline blindfold, and an over the counter sleeping pill. With these combined, I found that I had no problem on the buses. <BR> <BR>I was also amazed with the availability of the busses to everywhere in Greece. We had NO problem getting a bus even an hour before we wanted to leave. <BR> <BR>Have a blast! <BR>

I would NOT suggest doing the underground cities with someone using a cane. Electrical power in Turkey sometimes can be a hit-and-miss thing in the summers - blackouts sometimes happen. In my case (one of the few)- while I was in a small tunnel bent over going through an underground city - had to stay there for a while until they got the generators going. Picture total darkness and air vent holes 2 or more feet wide with a metal grate on the floors here and there. It could cost a pretty nasty fall if a cane hit one by mistake...