Hi fellow travelers,

I will be traveling along the turquoise coast of Turkey with a friend in mid- July. We are flying in from Cappadocia to spend 10 days exploring. We would like to have no more than 2-3 bases. I would love advice from those who know the área on how best to organize our time.



Option 1:

*July 19-22: Arrive in Antalya or Dalaman (depending on flights) and head to Kas. (3 nts.)

*July 22-24 Travel to Fethiye early morning for ferry to Rhodes, Greece (2 nts)

*July 24-27: Ferry from Rhodes to Bodrum (3 nts)

*July 27-29: Cesme (overnight here and visit Alacati and surrounding towns)

*July 29- Fly home (Izmir airport)

Option 2:

July 19-22: Kas 3 nts.

July 22-23 Rhodes, 1 nt.

July 23-27: Bodrum, 5 nts

July 27-29: Cesme/Alacati: 2 nights

July 29: Fly home from Izmir

Option 3:

July 19-21- Arrive in Izmir, stay in Cesme/Alacati (2nts)

*July 21-22- Ephesus & stay in Pamukkale (1nt)

July 22-26- Arrive Bodrum (4 nts) Day trip to Rhodes, Greece

July 26-29 - Kas (3 nts)

July 29- depart Kas for Dalaman airport

*Mixed feeligs about this as I’ve heard Pamukkale sin’t as impressive as it appears in photos and we do know we would need to arrive at 6am if we go (hence the overnight stay.)

Option 4:

Same as option 3 but eliminate Pamukkale Night and add that Night to a final Night in Antalya (fly home from this airport instead.)

I have also read about the Blue Cruise but not sure how I feel about commiting to a small, overnight boat tour. I worry about a Booze Cruise tope atmosphere and although we love drinks and fue, that’s not our style. Any information on this is much appreciated also.

We are open to sugestións on small hidden gems to stay off the beaten path on any of these itinerary options. We like the quaintness of staying in smaller towns with walkable charming streets and cafés. Don't mind touriusty áreas but prefer quiet areas away from bars/restaurants for sleeping at night.

As for car rental, it will depend on the final itinerary and if we do, we don't one to have one the whole time. We do plan to do day trips /boat trips to Butterfly Valley, Ephesus and other sights during our time there.

If anyone has stayed in an Airbnb or hotel they loved, please advise. We have looked at so many. Our budget is normal range. Not looking for high end fancy Hotels but would love a place with character and charm. Bed and breakfast option is also ok.

THANK YOU in Advance!! We appreciate any input you can offer.
Jeanna

There are no direct flights from either Nevsehir or Kayseri to Dalaman or Bodrum. The only direct flights go from Kayseri to either Antalya or Izmir.
The most important historical sites of Southern Turkey are around Antalya.
There is not much to see at Kas. The beaches of Kas are nothing to write home about.
There is a lot to do and to see at Rhodes (10times more than at Bodrum). Spend there AT LEAST 2 FULL days or forget it.
Why don't you fly out from Bodrum airport instead of going to DLM?

Thank you for your reply. I did know that about the direct flight and the more we have looked at Rhodes, the more we have decided to spend more time there. Maybe 3 nights now. We do, however, want to spend some time exploring some sights and beaches along the Turkish Riviera. We aren't trying to cram it all in as we live in Europe and can return again sométime but do like the idea of staying in either Kas/Bodrum or Izmir some during our stay so that we can see some beaches and sights within driving distance. Hiking is probably not something we are intersted in with the Heat of July (normally, we are super active in that regard) but this trip is more about having quaint bases to explore at a slower pace since we willl have already covered Istanbul and Cappadocia.