Thinking Turkey
 

Seriously considering skipping Spain this year and traveling to a new destination

Time of the year...early October. Probably traveling alone.
5-6 days in Istanbul seems reasonable, but I am not sure how to continue
for another 4-5 days .
My dilemma : I am not fond of organized tours , I also don't drive ( or backpack)
Is it easy to arrange accommodation
and transportation in other areas of Turkey?
Since it would be my first visit, is Cappadocia a logical choice ?
Thanks.

It was an easy answer for me--Cappadocia, not because it was my first visit but because I was obsessed with seeing the area. There may be other areas that speak to you more, but the tourist infrastructure there is great.
There are plenty of low cost carriers in addition to Turkish Airlines. You can fly into Nevesehir or Kayseri airports, and there are transfers as well as public transport to the towns of Cappadocia from both airports. I highly recommend the Kelebek hotel in Goreme. Husband and I don't typically drive or do tours either, but we hired a driver for one day in Cappadocia and it was a bargain. You can do most things without a driver or guide as long as you don't mind hiking, public transport, etc.
Another note--because I had to return to Istanbul anyway, I split up my time something like this: Istanbul 5, Goreme 3, Istanbul 3. It worked really well. I intensively did sightseeing the first leg in Istanbul, then when I returned saw what I had missed and leisurely enjoyed the city.

thanks for the quick reply.
Returning to Istanbul for a few days , before fling home, makes sense.
I assume hotels can recommend a driver or a guide for a day or two.

Absolutely, your name is quite familiar from my Spain trips!
Kelebek hotel arranged my driver and they offer many services, but I really just liked the breakfast and the view from their terrace.

Turkey has become one of our favorite trips. And yes you must visit Cappadocia and if you do try to stay at Esbelli Evi. Suha only accepts reservations directly because he wants to screen out obnoxious types.

We have spent considerable time in Spain and will again, but Turkey is clearly worth it. We drove and flew within Turkey, very easy, but gas, is very expensive.

Thanks again .
It is only January but. with the spring trip to Venice already arranged,
time to think about the fall!
IMD, I don't know many obnoxious types...well, some Fodorites might qualify.

Istanbul easily merits a minimum of 5 days IMO; a week wouldn't be too long! For the rest of your time, I agree that Cappadocia is a very good choice. If you prefer ruins, Ephesus plus would be another "logical" option.

I generally prefer to put all of my time in my departure city at the END of my trip to limit the number of changes of hotel. It can also save a chunk of time. For example, the main international airport in Istanbul is about an hour from the places you might want to stay in that city, so if you can go straight on, it might be worth considering.

While in Goreme, I stayed at the Arch Palace Hotel -- another place with great breakfasts on a roof-top terrace and a host who loves introducing his guests to the area and helping them arrange their visits.

Although I had a car while in Turkey, you can visit without a car. In addition to yorkshire, I think MinnBeef filed a trip report on his car-less travels there.

Hope that helps!

thanks , kja
I have a case of really bad jet - lag, I need some time to "recuperate".
I will probably stay in Istanbul 5-6 days, 3 nights in Cappadocia and another couple of days in Istanbul
before going home.
iIt is true, changing hotels and travel from / to airports is a PITA...

That will give you the chance to stay in two different parts of Istanbul! :-)

You might want at least 3 days in Cappadocia. I gave the area 4 days, could have used more....

thanks...will consider 4 nights.

I'm also considering Turkey for October-November this year, for many of the same reasons danon lists. Is that a good time of year weather-wise...is it considered shoulder or peak season? Sorry to hijack! ;-)

you are welcome...more info for all
I don 't like hot weather that is why I am thinking about early Oct.
Hope it is not a rainy season.

We spent four days in Cappadocia and it was not enough and we spent a week in Istanbul and that was not enough either.

We went in early May and places like Ephesus and Tokapi were still over run by people like us-tourists.

I went in May and thought it lovely -- even more wildflowers than tourists. :-)

I'm hijacking also :-) Is July/Aug a bad time to go? It wouldn't be my first choice anywhere..but with the kids' school breaks my hands are tied. Should I wait and go at another time? (Istanbul & Cappadocia)