Planning a trip to Turkey Greece in MAY 2012. Yup, 2012. I know it is more than a year away, but a big part of the fun for me is planning and I love to hear other peoples opinions (even if I choose to completely ignore them).

Want to hit some of the highpoints without rushing around too much. The sig other wanted to see some of Greece too - I know Rhodes might not be the most authentice place in Greece, but it is a good jumping off point to Turkey - and will allow the BF a rare opportunity to relax and maybe hit the beach.

I think I am pretty pleased with the itineary overall. I really want to give Istanbul its due and dont want to spend less that 6 days there. The Rhodes-Bodrum-Ephesus part is somewhat restricted by ferries and flights etc...really want to take advantage of that Izmir to Kayseri flight!
And the Rhodes to Bodrum ferry is someowhat in the air until I see a real schedule. Wondering if I should plan any time in Bodrum (to see the Castle and the museum at least) or should just head up to Selcuk etc and spend more time there. Is there anything intersting to see on the drive up? Should I spend less time in Cappadocia and more somewhere else?

Anyway, always interesting to get peoples feedback! Thank you in advance!

Sunday Arrive Athens around 16:00 athens
Monday Athens athens
Tuesday Athens-Rhodes ferry/flight?
Wed Rhodes Rhodes
Thurs Rhodes Rhodes
Friday Rhodes Rhodes
Saturday Rhodes-Bodrom Bodrum
Sunday Epheseus Selcuk
Monday epheseus Selcuk/Izmir?
Tuesday Izmir-Kayseri Cap
Wed Cappadocia Cap
Thurs Cappadocia Cap
Friday Cappadocia Cap
Saturday Cappadocia Train
Sunday IST IST
Monday IST IST
Tuesday IST IST
Wed IST IST
Thurs IST IST
Friday Depart (in the evening I hope!)

Some answers:

- yes, there are some very interesting places to visit on the way to Selcuk from Bodrum, in and around Milas, around lake Bafa, in the Bes Parmak mountains, Priene, Euromos, Magnesia, Heraclea, etc. If you stay in Bodrum or elsewhere in the peninsula like Golturkbuku, prefer the more upscale hotels. If you're in Bodrum with time to see the castle and museum and push off, heraclea is only about onehour 15 minutes away and has some decent B&Bs in a rural-antique-lake setting.

- You can have along day's visit from Cappadocia by rental car to the Hittite capital, Hattusas and the nearby religious area, Yazili Kaya, as well as Alaca Hoyuk, some 30 kilometers further, staying at Bogazkale if you need to.

- Taking the train from Cappadocia is a big waste of time. If you must take the train, get to Ankara to visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and then take the overnight sleeper to Istanbul.

Thank you otherchelebi!

Yes - I was planning the sleeper. I like sleeping on trains - it kind of adds to the adventure.

So for Bodrum - probably just make time for the castle and the museum and then take off? Are they worth it?

As far as i remember, museum and castle are at the same location. And, yes, especially the museum is definitely worth it. It has some of the most extensive underwater recovered antique artifacts anywhere in the world.

The castle was actually held by the knights for quite a while longer after the whole mainland was conquered by the Ottomans and is one of the best examples of a late Middle Ages operational castle.

Regarding shopping and boutiques in istanbul, I always have shopped with my wife and we worked together on her unique style which goes with her hair-skin color, size (which has remained almost unchanged at age 52,) proportions, smile and energetic and pleasant personality, since our wedding in 1979.

Her favorite designer shop is and has always been Vakko. You may check their web site to get an idea. We obviously cannot afford to buy everything there, but you'd be surprised at some of the occasional bargains you can get, unless Chetin, the current store manager at the Nisantasi store gets a hold of you. Besides their twice a year sales, they have special "pearl" sales on the first of every month where some items are put on sale, and only shown to be on sale by a small white plastic bead on the hanger and no other sign.

For myself, i prefer to shop elsewhere (usually cheaper) and mostly in the United States. (dress shirts only from Brooks Brothers.) But, Vakko has excellent ties, and better priced than the major European designers (also excellent silk scarfs for women)

We also know some fun bookstores and stores for small knick knacks and personally prepared items as well as art exhibitions, etc.

Thank you otherchelebi - looking forward to it!

It is true that you can buy clothes cheaper in the States than almost anywhere - but I like finding stuff that is unique and different. And everytime I wear it, I have fond memories of my trip!

I would suggest you to fly from Athens to Rhodos.
Thankfully this year flights between Izmir & Kayseri is 6 days a week so no worry on that part. If you do not travel to Ankara and take train from Ankara to Istanbul, I too would suggest to fly out of Nevsehir or Kayseri.
Happy Travelling,

Murat