Turkey in April
 

After much thought we've finally decided (I think :) to spend our spring break trip in Turkey. We're a family with three kids (2, almost 6 & 9). We will be flying from London, and this is the plan:

10/4 Fly to Istanbul
11/4 Istanbul
12/4 Istanbul
13/4 Istanbul
14/4 Fly to Cappadocia
15/4 Cappadocia
16/4 Cappadocia
17/4 Cappadocia
18/4 Cappadocia
19/4 Fly to London

We have considered a more hectic plan that includes two nights in Ephesus, taking a day from both Istanbul and Cappadocia. In the interest of sanity (remembering the kids!) I think we're going for the more sane option indicated above. We're really sad, however, to miss Ephesus, so tell me I'm doing the right thing by cutting it! Is four days in Cappadocia too much?

I would love feedback on our suggested plan. And would also love tips on how best to arrange it. It would be a little cheaper to book a roundtrip from London to Istanbul and then book the Istanbul to Cappadocia seperately. Is that unwise? Is Kayseri the only airport to fly into that time of year? Should we rent a car while in Cappadocia, and if so can we rent one at the Kayseri airport? Advice on where to stay, both in Istanbul and Cappadocia? My kids are super excited about exploring caves, horseback riding, hiking, etc. Any tips for things to do?

Thanks!

Sounds like a great plan to me. You might want to consider one more day in Istanbul and one less in Cappadocia. I absolutely would rent a car for Cappadocia. It can be picked up at the Kayseri airport. We arranged ours thru Murat at Proper Travel. I agree that adding Ephesus might make things a little hectic. We included it but we had more time.

Hi Samtraveler,

Your plan is good no worries. Cappadocia mostly as interesting as for grown ups also an adventure capital for the kids. Depending on how your kºds doing outside your days can be planned also to keep them fit & happy. Sites to visit can be splited and short walks at valleys will be topping.

However if Ephesus is also in your mind and you would be more happy with it, there are direct flights from Kayseri to Izmir which gives you possibility to visit.

There are two airports in Cappadocia. Nevsehir with one flight daily and Kayseri with more flight options.

If you are buying you tickets with Turkish Airlines you may get better rates including Kayseri with it.

Hi Kettamic :-)

Happy travelling,

Murat

Thanks for the replies. I'm sorely tempted to add Ephesus back into the plan. I just don't know that we'll ever be back in Turkey. I'm so indecisive on these thing! Thanks for the airport tips!

If you'd really like to see Ephesus (and it's well worth it), I'd take a day off your time in Cappadocia.

Fly to the coast the morning of April 14, see Ephesus and the other attractions that afternoon, then fly to Cappadocia on April 15th.

If we do add Ephesus, can someone shed some light on logistics. We fly into Izmir, I assume? Then we rent a car down to Ephesus? How long is the drive?

IMHO, Ephesus is very much worth it and 5 days in Cappadocia will be too long. You can either stay in Kusadasi or Selcuk. If you decide to stay in Selcuk, you can also visit Sirence, St. John Basilica, the Virgin Mary's House, etc. You will have a great time as Turkey is a very fascinating country with the friendliest people.

The drive from Izmir to Ephesus is about an hour, probably less.

If your kids are good travelers I would go for it. Make it Istanbul, Cappadocia, and then the last two days in Izmir / Ephesus / Selcuk. The flight from Izmir to Istanbul is also more frequent and shorter.

Diane, I really like this plan! May just go for it! Still thinking . . .