We are American ex-pats in the UK (DW, DD14, DS11) and our time is nearly up. I thought we would try to squeeze in one last holiday before we return; timing would be mid-December. Not ideal, but that's what we have.

We've traveled the UK and nearby quite a bit, but the farthest east we've gone is Berlin/Prague.

So, based on very little knowledge at this point other than knowing it would be a unique experience we thought Turkey might be a consideration. Thinking 7 nights with time split between Istanbul and Cappadocia. Is this lunacy? Should I save the trip for another time when we could stay longer and come during a more appropriate time?

Tossing this out to see if it sticks. I'll start on the research if so. Other than this forum, if you have any guidebook or website information, I'll gladly take it.

Thanks for the help (and excuse my ignorance at this stage).

At this stage the following would be a good start :

- Any reasonably new guide book
- Historic December weather and temperatures in Istanbul, Kayseri and Nevsehir on the net.
- Trip reports on Fodors
- Information on upper right hand corner of Trip Advisor forums for Istanbul, Goreme, Cappadocia, etc. and previous threads of questions and answers.

In general, if you consider yourselves a somewhat adventurous family, you will most probably love it, even if there is some rain in Istanbul and cold weather in cappadocia.

Coming from UK, you're more than prepared for wet and cold.
Istanbul and Cappadocia region are just a bit North of the same parallel as Madrid.

Just be prepared for walking in muddy terrain in Cappadocia and have suitable shoes.

You should also save on costs because of the season.

Make sure you get your internal flight tickets on airline sites and at least two weeks in advance to get better rates.

Two nights at Cappadocia should be enough in the Winter.

Istanbul will be lively and fun in adition to the history and the museums.

Expect cool/cold, wet weather (and muddy shoes), not much different from the UK at the time of year. Many hotels and businesses in toursit areas (though not in Istanbul of course) will be closed for the season. Would be well down on my list of places to visit in December.

I think if you're going back to the States, then why not? If I were you I'd totally do it, even if it were snowy in Cappadocia.

I say go and you will not regret it. Does a trip to Turkey deserve more time? Yes, but if you only have 7 days that is better than nothing. My family and I went several years ago in December and although it was cold and rainy we also had some bright and sunny days. Prices will be lower and you might not find many hotels open in Cappadocia. I would suggest you fly directly to Cappadocia when you arrive in Istanbul and finish your trip in Istanbul.
Check out TurkeyTravelPlanner.com it has an incredible amount of information with just about anything you need to know about traveling to Turkey. Great suggestions on hotels, train tickets, travel agents etc.

Thanks.

Lots to mull over here: do we have the time? should we save it for more time and generally better weather? etc.

Part of me is thinking about doing Istanbul only for a taste and save the scenic bits for more time / better weather. Decisions, decisions.

I would say "do it." We're making the most of our ex-pat time in Vienna, trying to go wherever we can whenever we can. DH just returned from a week in Hanoi, and I foolishly decided against spending a summer week in Vietnam. I was jealous of his on-the-go and sometimes blurry iPhone photos and so regret not joining him. I shan't make that mistake again.

Our daughter and I spent four hot and steamy days in Istanbul last month. Click on my name if you want to read the travel report.

Or, you could always come to Vienna. Christmas markets, ice skating at Rathaus, Prater, Opera...

Off topic, but a Christmas market trip is the other possibility. Actually leaning towards Salzburg but have but even less time into that research!

We've already made our lodging reservations for the "Thanksgiving" weekend to enjoy the Christmas market and to see "a few of my favorite things" in Salzburg (again). We'll likely drive home via the markets along the Wachau Valley.

Could be Plan B in the making...