my first time 2-week Turkey trip plan
Mar 26th, 2013, 05:42 PM
#21
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I definitely recommend renting a car at Izmir airport to be returned at Antalya airport for the flight back to Istanbul (loads of flights from Antalya to Istanbul, again spoilt for choice on domestic airlines) - if that's within your budget.
It's a nice drive from Izmir airport-Ephesus-Pamukkale-Fethiye-Kas-Antalya, easily done in a week.
I still think your original plan was pretty good, you're going to love Turkey so much that you'll be back. So, don't rush it too much this first time. My first time was 5 weeks hitch-hiking in '82, and I've been back many times.
It's a nice drive from Izmir airport-Ephesus-Pamukkale-Fethiye-Kas-Antalya, easily done in a week.
I still think your original plan was pretty good, you're going to love Turkey so much that you'll be back. So, don't rush it too much this first time. My first time was 5 weeks hitch-hiking in '82, and I've been back many times.
Mar 26th, 2013, 06:14 PM
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I agree with everyone that Cappadocia is a must see area. It has sites that you will not see anywhere else (Love Valley is so cool). I flew to Nevsehir cheap...cheap...cheap...about $40 one way on Turkish Airlines form IST. Spent 3 nights in Goreme. I took a tour each day to different areas and underground cities. The tours ran $50 for all day including a wonderful lunch. Cappadocia was the highlight of my three week vacation to Turkey, Italy & Greece last October.
Mar 26th, 2013, 06:36 PM
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Sounds another option... car from Izmir to Antalya and flight back to Istanbul... In which case, I'll need to study the route with a good map for Izmir airport-Ephesus-Pamukkale-Fethiye-Kas-Antalya... a bit hesitated for the road finding by reading that highway was dangerous and getting in/out the big town was troublesome...
I could add 1-2 night in Istanbul if better...
3 nights in Goreme, for two full days there, I guess...need to cutoff one? ...depends on the arrival time and departure time...
I could add 1-2 night in Istanbul if better...
3 nights in Goreme, for two full days there, I guess...need to cutoff one? ...depends on the arrival time and departure time...
Mar 26th, 2013, 09:33 PM
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I agree with Croesus, you decide your itinerary and book the air tickets ASAP. Actually that's the most tricky part. What to chose and what to leave, how many days at which places.
What I mean by the compactness of Cappadocia is that the touristy area is fairly compact, kind of conglomeration of a few villages, and can be easily covered by car in a day. Once you do that by car as an orientation tour, you can decide which part you would like to spend more time at. I feel Pashabagi has the most stunning forms for photography and if one is short on time, should spend more time here. Wandering at Goreme Valley was more rewarding than seeing the open air Museum.
If I was skeptical about overnight us travel, I would skip Pamukkale. It is a wonderful place, but I wouldn't do a to and fro journey from Selcuk for it and spend an entire tiring day. Plus, as a photographer, I would like to see the sunrise there as the white hill is over burnt in photos and crowded too in the day. You need to catch it in soft light. I think the sun sets at the back and one cannot take a photo of a setting sun with the white hill. (Not too sure about this)
There are more picturesque places around selcuk. Renting a car at Izmir airport is a good option, but if you are too much concerned about the routes, You can reach selcuk and rent a car only for 2 days instead of all 4. Selcuk & Ephesus can be done on foot, as you get a drop from the hotel owners at the upper gate and you can walk downhill. My hotel owner suggested correctly to avoid Ephesus in the 1st half and visit after 2.30pm to avoid crowd that comes in the morning from the cruise that is docked at Kusadasi. It is true. But you get the wrong sun light for the most famous structure that one sees in all the brochures "The Library" in the 2nd half. You need to click it early morning.
I took a car for 2 days and went down to the agean coast to see several ruins and sites and beaches, but didn't stay there for the night and made selcuk as my base and did day trips. This made my life much easier, as I wasn't packing and unpacking. Most importantly, I was familiar with the area on day 1 and after that my hotel owner Juju helped me with routes and maps.
If you stay in Istanbul for initial 2 days and 2-3 days at towards the end, you will have more advantages than one. You will relax after a long flight. You will see the most important sites that most people see in istanbul, on day 1 and 2. Gives you the feel of the country and culture and kills the anxiety of still reaching the most important and unknown destination at the end of the trip. When I left my big bags in the hotel and roamed with just small day bags to Cappadocia and Selcuk, not only was I travelling super-light but also gave me a feeling of coming back home in Istanbul, after the trip. Only because of this arrangement, I could see Pamukkale on my way to Selcuk from Goreme..
Flights to naveshir are more expensive than to Kayesari.(Normally) I feel you shold fly 1st to cappadocia, then see selcuk and around and fly back to Istanbul. As suggested by Croesus, book your flights 1st and then fill in the gaps.
wishing you Happy travelling and happier planning
What I mean by the compactness of Cappadocia is that the touristy area is fairly compact, kind of conglomeration of a few villages, and can be easily covered by car in a day. Once you do that by car as an orientation tour, you can decide which part you would like to spend more time at. I feel Pashabagi has the most stunning forms for photography and if one is short on time, should spend more time here. Wandering at Goreme Valley was more rewarding than seeing the open air Museum.
If I was skeptical about overnight us travel, I would skip Pamukkale. It is a wonderful place, but I wouldn't do a to and fro journey from Selcuk for it and spend an entire tiring day. Plus, as a photographer, I would like to see the sunrise there as the white hill is over burnt in photos and crowded too in the day. You need to catch it in soft light. I think the sun sets at the back and one cannot take a photo of a setting sun with the white hill. (Not too sure about this)
There are more picturesque places around selcuk. Renting a car at Izmir airport is a good option, but if you are too much concerned about the routes, You can reach selcuk and rent a car only for 2 days instead of all 4. Selcuk & Ephesus can be done on foot, as you get a drop from the hotel owners at the upper gate and you can walk downhill. My hotel owner suggested correctly to avoid Ephesus in the 1st half and visit after 2.30pm to avoid crowd that comes in the morning from the cruise that is docked at Kusadasi. It is true. But you get the wrong sun light for the most famous structure that one sees in all the brochures "The Library" in the 2nd half. You need to click it early morning.
I took a car for 2 days and went down to the agean coast to see several ruins and sites and beaches, but didn't stay there for the night and made selcuk as my base and did day trips. This made my life much easier, as I wasn't packing and unpacking. Most importantly, I was familiar with the area on day 1 and after that my hotel owner Juju helped me with routes and maps.
If you stay in Istanbul for initial 2 days and 2-3 days at towards the end, you will have more advantages than one. You will relax after a long flight. You will see the most important sites that most people see in istanbul, on day 1 and 2. Gives you the feel of the country and culture and kills the anxiety of still reaching the most important and unknown destination at the end of the trip. When I left my big bags in the hotel and roamed with just small day bags to Cappadocia and Selcuk, not only was I travelling super-light but also gave me a feeling of coming back home in Istanbul, after the trip. Only because of this arrangement, I could see Pamukkale on my way to Selcuk from Goreme..
Flights to naveshir are more expensive than to Kayesari.(Normally) I feel you shold fly 1st to cappadocia, then see selcuk and around and fly back to Istanbul. As suggested by Croesus, book your flights 1st and then fill in the gaps.
wishing you Happy travelling and happier planning
Mar 26th, 2013, 10:59 PM
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I'm glad that Paragkash enjoyed his/her time in Cappadocia so much, but I must admit that I don't agree with all of his/her conclusions.
For example, I don't agree that "the touristy area [of Cappadocia] is fairly compact, kind of conglomeration of a few villages, and can be easily covered by car in a day. .... Goreme Valley was more rewarding than seeing the open air Museum."
I'm glad I was able to spend some time hiking in valleys in/around Goreme, but I would NOT consider them a substitute for the impressive Goreme Open Air Museum; I was glad to see Pasabag, but was glad that I also say the Devrent Valley and the Zelve Open Air Musuem and the Soganli and Ilhara Valleys and Kaymakli (1 of several underground cities in the area) and various nearby hans and some stunning cave monasteries. I also took a hot air balloon - fabulous! And I drove through some incredibly stunning landscapes outside Goreme. Really, there is a GREAT deal to see here, much more than "a few villages." And much more than can be done in 2 days. I have no problem with someone who chooses to visit for just 2 days and makes his/her choices about what to see/do/experience, but I don't think it's reasonable to suggest that 2 days are necessarily sufficient.
FWIW, I got some stunning photos of Pamukkale in the "soft" sunset light of an overcast sky.
Perhaps the young and fit can visit Ephesus from Selcuk on foot, but I'm glad I didn't try that! And when I was there in 2012, I was told that hotel owners in Selcuk were no longer permitted to take their guests to Ephesus. I don't know what the laws are, but I was not willing to put the proprietor of my lodging in legal jeopardy just to save me a few Turkish lira -- and seriously, the taxi fare is minimal.
> If you stay in Istanbul for initial 2 days and 2-3 days at towards the end, you will have more advantages than one
Here again, I think it's a matter of personal choice. I was very pleased with my choice to go on from Istanbul to my next stop (Ankara) -- I was exhausted when I got there, but I would have been exhausted had I gone only as far as Istanbul, and I avoided the transit from the airport into Istanbul and back out again.
> You will see the most important sites that most people see in istanbul, on day 1 and 2
Seeing the "most important sites" in Istanbul in only a day or two while jet lagged is not something that I would recommend. My 5 days in Istanbul were at the end of my trip, after I'd acclimated to the time zone and the language. Even so, I would have liked more time to savor Istanbul's treasures!
Hope this helps - Vive la différence!
For example, I don't agree that "the touristy area [of Cappadocia] is fairly compact, kind of conglomeration of a few villages, and can be easily covered by car in a day. .... Goreme Valley was more rewarding than seeing the open air Museum."
I'm glad I was able to spend some time hiking in valleys in/around Goreme, but I would NOT consider them a substitute for the impressive Goreme Open Air Museum; I was glad to see Pasabag, but was glad that I also say the Devrent Valley and the Zelve Open Air Musuem and the Soganli and Ilhara Valleys and Kaymakli (1 of several underground cities in the area) and various nearby hans and some stunning cave monasteries. I also took a hot air balloon - fabulous! And I drove through some incredibly stunning landscapes outside Goreme. Really, there is a GREAT deal to see here, much more than "a few villages." And much more than can be done in 2 days. I have no problem with someone who chooses to visit for just 2 days and makes his/her choices about what to see/do/experience, but I don't think it's reasonable to suggest that 2 days are necessarily sufficient.
FWIW, I got some stunning photos of Pamukkale in the "soft" sunset light of an overcast sky.
Perhaps the young and fit can visit Ephesus from Selcuk on foot, but I'm glad I didn't try that! And when I was there in 2012, I was told that hotel owners in Selcuk were no longer permitted to take their guests to Ephesus. I don't know what the laws are, but I was not willing to put the proprietor of my lodging in legal jeopardy just to save me a few Turkish lira -- and seriously, the taxi fare is minimal.
> If you stay in Istanbul for initial 2 days and 2-3 days at towards the end, you will have more advantages than one
Here again, I think it's a matter of personal choice. I was very pleased with my choice to go on from Istanbul to my next stop (Ankara) -- I was exhausted when I got there, but I would have been exhausted had I gone only as far as Istanbul, and I avoided the transit from the airport into Istanbul and back out again.
> You will see the most important sites that most people see in istanbul, on day 1 and 2
Seeing the "most important sites" in Istanbul in only a day or two while jet lagged is not something that I would recommend. My 5 days in Istanbul were at the end of my trip, after I'd acclimated to the time zone and the language. Even so, I would have liked more time to savor Istanbul's treasures!
Hope this helps - Vive la différence!
Mar 26th, 2013, 11:50 PM
#29
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kja, you are really lucky to have spent so much quality time in Cappadocia and see all. I wish I had too. I hope to visit Goreme with so much time in hand, again in this life. It's worth it. It is better to spend two days, if you don't have much time, than to not visit at all. I am happy that I spent 2 most amazing days in my life there.
Cappadocia is actually the valleys outside villages. If you have a car, you can stop at suitable places, wander around and come back to your car. Repeat that for other places as well. It is more relaxed and time saving, than travelling by a tour or by public buses. I like other valleys too. Best is that you search for photos on the net, see what you like and spend more time there.
I am not aware of the new rules at Selcuk. You can book the hotel and call up the owner for best option about reaching Selcuk. I remember walking it back from Ephesus lower gate to the Selcuk town. Loved the 40 odd minutes walk.
The Istanbul Ataturk airport (IST) international airport and the other Sabiha gokcen airport (SAW) for Pegasus flights, can be different. My personal opinion is that, it is tough to shuttle directly to another airport after a long flight and go to another destination. I feel too much stretched rather than enjoying the journey.
Each option will have pros and cons, that will vary from person to person.
You can choose the one that suits you the best.
One thing is for sure, you will surely fall in love with Turkey, like we all did and are...
Cappadocia is actually the valleys outside villages. If you have a car, you can stop at suitable places, wander around and come back to your car. Repeat that for other places as well. It is more relaxed and time saving, than travelling by a tour or by public buses. I like other valleys too. Best is that you search for photos on the net, see what you like and spend more time there.
I am not aware of the new rules at Selcuk. You can book the hotel and call up the owner for best option about reaching Selcuk. I remember walking it back from Ephesus lower gate to the Selcuk town. Loved the 40 odd minutes walk.
The Istanbul Ataturk airport (IST) international airport and the other Sabiha gokcen airport (SAW) for Pegasus flights, can be different. My personal opinion is that, it is tough to shuttle directly to another airport after a long flight and go to another destination. I feel too much stretched rather than enjoying the journey.
Each option will have pros and cons, that will vary from person to person.
You can choose the one that suits you the best.
One thing is for sure, you will surely fall in love with Turkey, like we all did and are...
Mar 28th, 2013, 05:10 AM
#30
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Hi Glander
Turkey is a turkey with my boyfriend, and 9-day holiday package tour and the trip was received. And for 9 days in May, I think Glander enough turkey to gofor you can get much cheaper tour package and flights. Glander definitely purchase all pack my regular tour if you take a tour of the private is very good aircraft must use the bus instead of the Ulusoy bus company has a very nice and new buses. If you do book early, you assume much cheaper at one tour
Me and my boyfriend together with istanbul istanbul ephesus and the virgin mary pergamon aphorodisas Cappadokia I would recommend a 9-day tour program to you. After about 2 hours journey, arrived at Sabiha Gokcen airport to our hotel and went down and transfer to our hotel, a very nice tool, a hotel, a popular 4 stars rooms had views of the sea and the Oldcity programızda 2 days tour in istanbul istanbul and then flew ephesusa very nice, fun, and an indoor bazaar is very We have a beautiful and very cheap souvenirs and hipodreme sophia istanbul haqia the second day, a full evening of the eastern Roman monuments and magnificent yacht trip in the throat, had a very 2 day trip to the beautiful authentic Turkish dishes go throat had a tour of the works of Ottoman Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, we took a lot of photos and dervish show, very beautiful and strong need to go to the baths in a Turkis my frien Glander
We reached there by plane and transfer to the island of birds ephesusa brought with us, and a great library of ancient Greek city and theater and I enjoyed a lot and my boyfriend You should see the amazing ancient arena toilet and güzüel from there we went to the house of virgin mary, and there prayed and lit candles Glander I think you need to. Pamukkale I spent a day there is a huge mountain of cotton can walk or even swim in it every place was very clean and white and there is a museum of ancient immediately above him, I think that every female should go even a little bit expensive, but beauty klopatra enter havuzua pool and tour cappadocia, then we can conclude there came another planet We thought very impressed with a lot of people do in a magnificent natural wonder and join a tour, and after the flight of champagne blowing up baloon.
You can see photos on flickr I think the whole trip took us round Below is my boyfriend can get more detailed information. A good holiday to you too
http://www.goturkeytours.com/turkeytours5.htm
information and advice on this issue I am going to Japan next year we got a light?
Turkey is a turkey with my boyfriend, and 9-day holiday package tour and the trip was received. And for 9 days in May, I think Glander enough turkey to gofor you can get much cheaper tour package and flights. Glander definitely purchase all pack my regular tour if you take a tour of the private is very good aircraft must use the bus instead of the Ulusoy bus company has a very nice and new buses. If you do book early, you assume much cheaper at one tour
Me and my boyfriend together with istanbul istanbul ephesus and the virgin mary pergamon aphorodisas Cappadokia I would recommend a 9-day tour program to you. After about 2 hours journey, arrived at Sabiha Gokcen airport to our hotel and went down and transfer to our hotel, a very nice tool, a hotel, a popular 4 stars rooms had views of the sea and the Oldcity programızda 2 days tour in istanbul istanbul and then flew ephesusa very nice, fun, and an indoor bazaar is very We have a beautiful and very cheap souvenirs and hipodreme sophia istanbul haqia the second day, a full evening of the eastern Roman monuments and magnificent yacht trip in the throat, had a very 2 day trip to the beautiful authentic Turkish dishes go throat had a tour of the works of Ottoman Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, we took a lot of photos and dervish show, very beautiful and strong need to go to the baths in a Turkis my frien Glander
We reached there by plane and transfer to the island of birds ephesusa brought with us, and a great library of ancient Greek city and theater and I enjoyed a lot and my boyfriend You should see the amazing ancient arena toilet and güzüel from there we went to the house of virgin mary, and there prayed and lit candles Glander I think you need to. Pamukkale I spent a day there is a huge mountain of cotton can walk or even swim in it every place was very clean and white and there is a museum of ancient immediately above him, I think that every female should go even a little bit expensive, but beauty klopatra enter havuzua pool and tour cappadocia, then we can conclude there came another planet We thought very impressed with a lot of people do in a magnificent natural wonder and join a tour, and after the flight of champagne blowing up baloon.
You can see photos on flickr I think the whole trip took us round Below is my boyfriend can get more detailed information. A good holiday to you too
http://www.goturkeytours.com/turkeytours5.htm
information and advice on this issue I am going to Japan next year we got a light?
Mar 28th, 2013, 05:24 AM
#31
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in turkey may of 2011. wandered with car no problems MUST GO TO CAPPADOCIA!!!!!! nothing like it in the world - 2/3 days. our favorite was around the black sea in northeast turkey. like being in switzerland with its mountain pastures and wandering herds of cattle and horses. no us or european tourists, just turks. loved it. flights on pegasus airlines out of asian istanbul were almost free.
Mar 28th, 2013, 07:48 AM
#32
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Thanks lizaevghenia. The reason I prefer to go on my own pace, as Paragkash said, is to experience something more than just a tour... to catch every sunset and some sunrise as well. It's the price I have to pay for the little freedom in perhaps one-time life experience as the one between the group tourists and backpack campers. The difficulty for my plan is having too many options with too limited time. I cannot do for all but hope to capture some typical and special Turkey's beauty in the 15-16 days.
To who responded to my inquiry, I appreciated and valued all your input considering:
flight to IST, 2 nights
flight to ASR, to CAPPADOCIA 3 nights
flight to IZM, rent a car to Selcuk, Pamukkale,
Fethiye (?), Antalya and drop the car, 6 nights
flight to IST, 3 nights then flight home
it's adjustable though, reduce one day by car and add to IST, for example.
I need suggestions for the route by car and where to stay (2-3 stops?) for easy in&out...
Other than countless Dos, any Don't by your first-hand experience?
To who responded to my inquiry, I appreciated and valued all your input considering:
flight to IST, 2 nights
flight to ASR, to CAPPADOCIA 3 nights
flight to IZM, rent a car to Selcuk, Pamukkale,
Fethiye (?), Antalya and drop the car, 6 nights
flight to IST, 3 nights then flight home
it's adjustable though, reduce one day by car and add to IST, for example.
I need suggestions for the route by car and where to stay (2-3 stops?) for easy in&out...
Other than countless Dos, any Don't by your first-hand experience?
Mar 28th, 2013, 05:06 PM
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> I need suggestions for the route by car
Check viamichelin.com or mappy.com and, based on my experience, assume the one with the longer estimate is closer to the truth.
> I need suggestions for ... where to stay (2-3 stops?) for easy in&out...
You can see maps of hotel locations on booking.com or tripadvisor.com
Check viamichelin.com or mappy.com and, based on my experience, assume the one with the longer estimate is closer to the truth.
> I need suggestions for ... where to stay (2-3 stops?) for easy in&out...
You can see maps of hotel locations on booking.com or tripadvisor.com
Mar 30th, 2013, 09:26 AM
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Glander, Please search for Fodors member "Otherchelebi". You will get the best advice on where to go from Selcuk, where to stay etc. He is the best...
I liked your itinerary.. 15-16 days are good to get the best of Turkey. My suggestion... Just keep 1 extra day each at Selcuk and Istanbul without any itinerary... just go there and decide...do what the locals do... when you go back home... you will remember these days the most...I had been to Mili national park from Selcuk on my free day..and loved it a lot..Blue sea, lot of greenary, and could see a Greek Island just 900 meters from us... never knew about it. It was my hotel owner Juju's suggestion... You take your pic.
I liked your itinerary.. 15-16 days are good to get the best of Turkey. My suggestion... Just keep 1 extra day each at Selcuk and Istanbul without any itinerary... just go there and decide...do what the locals do... when you go back home... you will remember these days the most...I had been to Mili national park from Selcuk on my free day..and loved it a lot..Blue sea, lot of greenary, and could see a Greek Island just 900 meters from us... never knew about it. It was my hotel owner Juju's suggestion... You take your pic.
Mar 30th, 2013, 02:06 PM
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Don't miss "Turkish night" at Yasir Baba restaurant...Your hotel owner will give you a package with the pick-up and drop.. The best extravaganza at unbelievably low rates (25 TL in 2010) with unlimited food, local wine(raki) and all the dances from Turkey... Including whirling dervishes, Belly dancing and many real folk dances. also some interactive dances and everyone joins the camp-fire in the end...Haven't seen a better show anywhere in the world...
