Planning a trip to Turkey
 

Hi,

We are planning a seven day trip to Turkey in early June - two adults and two teenagers (11 and 13 years old). We have been to Istanbul several times and would like to spend very little time there (maybe 1 night max - our flight gets to Istanbul). We have also visited Antalya two years ago and would like to visit a new place this time. We have been discussing a combination of beach time and a trip to historical places. We looked at Dalyan and Bodrum for a beach destination (didn't decide which one is better) and discussed visiting Pamukalle or Cappadocia. Could you please recommend a route that has a nice beach and would be easy to get to flying from Istanbul and then easy to reach Pamukalle or Cappadocia? Any trip itineraries?

thank you!

You might check my trip report to see if it helps you. I would think you could fly to Cappadocia (plan on at least 3 days there, IMO), stop for a few days along the coast (maybe around Kas), then head to Pamukkale. With only 7 days, you will need to prioritize!

In addition to kja's advice above,

- check for direct flights between Kayseri or Nevsehir and a coastal airport. Most of these flights will be in the Summer and you may need to check later when Summer schedules are available. The most frequent connection is between Izmir and Kayseri.

- Izmir Kayseri connection will save you time and allow you beacj and history combination. Kusadasi for beach is:
45-65 minutes from Izmir airport
15=25 minutes from Ephesus
45-60 minutes from Prienne-Miletus-Didyma
60-79 minutes from Heraklia and lake Bafa
150-180 minutes from Pamukkale
There is also an excellent large nature reserve with many endemic fauna and flora, Dilek, with hiking and cycling tours, a lagoon, cave of Zeus. The South entrance is recommended because of the museum, lagoon and proximity to the antique city Priene.

Past the Dilek (Carino) lagoon, the is a simple local fish restaurant and large stretch of empty beach for swimming.

- If you fly to Dalaman from Istanbul, Kas, as kja suggested, will have warmer sea water and kayaking, snorkeling in addition to beach time. The antique cities, Patara, Myra are quite close, and the cities Tlos, Xanthos, Pinara with the fun Saklikent Canyon to the Northwest and Limyra and Arycanda to the East are also possible as two day trips.

You can actually reach this area from Antalya (in case that is the best flight from Cappadocia) airport also and the coastal drive if you rent a car will be enjoyable.

I really believe that a few days extention to your trip will make it more than memorable for you and the kids.

hi there,

how many days you have for this trip?

Cheers,
Kadir

If you have not finalized your itinerary, AnadoluJet a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines will start direct flight from Nevsehir Airport direct to Izmir or vice versa from April onwards with good frequency (think 4 weekly), Like Otherchelebi mentions Kayseri - Izmir flights are also available making your chances better for finding a suitable time to fly, both airports serves to heart of Cappadocia, have a good Trip to Turkey and enjoy.
Murat

check out my videos on Istanbul...I hope this helps..enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr-Clr_ddwc

check out my VLOGs on Istanbul...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCug...nCVdPpDFgNhtZw