Will be going to Turkey in November for 2 weeks. I will definately be staying in Istanbul but would also like to stay in 2 maybe 3 other areas of Turkey. I know it will be too cold to swim but would also like to see the coast. I also love cities and love to shop. Can anyone give me some ideas?

Sheesh, there are dozens of guide books in the book store. Why don't you get off your lazy rump and do a little research.<BR><BR>Sorry, but I get sick of lazy people. It's one thing to have a specific question about a place, hotel, etc. It's another to expect other people to hold your hand and sppom feed you everything because you're too lazy to do a little work on your own

Wow, that's a nasty answer. <BR><BR>Unfortunately I didn't see a lot of Turkey on my only trip there. We just had a week, but want to go back. <BR><BR>X did have a good idea about guide books. If you don't want to buy a book, you could probably get one from your public library. I did buy the Lonely Planet guide to Turkey and it's given me a lot of ideas on what to see next time. I think it's one of the better books. We didn't get to Istanbul last time so that's on our list. We also definitely want to go to Cappadocia. That looks like a must see. Since you only have a couple of weeks, I would probably go to one other place. I'm in the same boat - probably will only have 2 weeks. We were on the Mediterranean coast - Fethiye and Kalkan. However, I know that Ephesus is supposed to be wonderful, so maybe you want to consider that area.<BR><BR>I think weather could be a factor for you. November is late - weather might not be too good at that time.

Fodor's book on Turkey has a section in front with some ideas for itineraries. I'm not sure about the weather in November as we're planning for May but it might make a difference at some of the resort areas where hotels/restaurants/attractions might be closed.<BR><BR>We're spending some time in Istanbul (2nd visit) and then flying down to Cappadocia (Kayseri), driving through Konya to Antalya on the Med. coast and then flying back from Antalya to Istanbul. We've only got 8 days so with 2 weeks you could probably see most of what those regions have to offer. From what I've read you could easily spend 4-5 days near Cappadocia, certainly 4-5 days in Istanbul and then allocate a couple for the Med. coast to see the ruins at Perge, Aspendos and Terrmesos.<BR><BR>Istanbul has a lot of shopping although I've heard it is more pricey than other regions. Bursa, which is a day trip from Istanbul, also has a large bazaar that you might schedule a day for.

Dear BLY,<BR><BR>November would be late for Turkey but some time weather could be better then summer. I do not know your itenary but If you send me your itinery I recommend you really good place ESPECIALY in CAPPADOCIA because there are many places that even travel agency in Cappadocia don't know.<BR><BR>Sinan Akdeniz

You have to see Cappadocia. If you like ruins, Ephesus. You can see the Bosporus from many points in Istanbul. There is a great view of it (and the Blue Mosque) from the rooftop terrace at the Sultan Hostel, which also has cheap food and beer.<BR><BR>For reference material, rather than go and buy a guide book right away, check your public library and borrow a few. Some have lots of great photos to inspire you. It is a fun way to reference your trip. Then buy the one you like most, or even take the library book with you if you are willing to take the risk.

Thanks to the people who gave me some good ideas for my travels to Turkey. To the coward who called themselves x@x who called me lazy you are sorely mistaken. I have traveled all over the world and, for me, part of the fun of travel is doing extensive research on the places I will be visiting. I have several books on Turkey sitting right next to me. This is a travel forum and I was merely asking for opinions from people who have already been there and know what they're talking about. Surely you have better things to do with your time than write "nastygrams" on a travel forum. Good day.

Bly, check out the website<BR>VitrualTourist.com<BR>There are tips from people all over the world about where to go, what to do, how to behave (mosques, etc), where to stay; lots of Turkish people happy to give you personal advice. It's like having a personal tour company! Post your question on the Turkey discussion forum and you're sure to get in-depth responses! (I like this forum, too, but there you can also find out a little about your respondents.) Have a blast!

Cappadocia has defintiely go to be in there.. we were in turkey for 2 weeks or so and it was fantastic. <BR><BR>The buried city of Derinkuyu is something I will never ever forget .... Olympos - if you like the beach .. well what can I say.. for me that was almost paradise. The problem with turkish beaches I found was that it was rocky. Being an aussie, I am not used to carrying "water shoes" around .. but that is what the germans do and believe it, it's a great idea as it lets you walk along the coast.<BR><BR>We did our main beach stop-over in Kas where we took a boat out for sightseeing the first day and the second day, it was a fisherman's boat that just allowed us to island hop. It was really nice. <BR><BR>Olympos is sandy, has a lagoon and it's really great! If you want more info, let me know. It really does depend on the type of person you are. So check it in your books if you can. <BR><BR>I loved turkey ... antalya stood out too.. but that's cause we managed to grab a local (he worked at the hotel, and we could pay him some money to drive us) to take us to Selge Canyon. It's really weird because you see pictures of it everywhere but not really written about. We took the picture and the write-up (I think it was in Thomas Cook but have to check) to a few travel agents and they ended up taking copies of the pages on it. <BR><BR>If you have any questions - send me an e-mail for the quicker response.

Although we usually travel independently, we decided to travel with a group to Turkey and were glad we did. We learned so much about the culture and were able to move through so many different landscapes. You might want to check out the Smithsonian Turkey brochure just to see the places they visited and stayed so that you could get some ideas for your independent trip.<BR>One book I loved: Mary Lee Settle's Turkish Reflections, A Biography of a Place. She brings Turkey to life.<BR><BR>Karen

Just to add my 2 cents on Cappadocia - it is the place that stands out most in my mind from my 2 week trip. The landscape, underground city, cave dwellings, fairy chimneys is something you don't see anywhere else that I know of. To really enjoy it you need at least 2 days and I would stay 3 another time. When people ask, Turkey still rises to top of my most favorite countries visited. It is very unique.

I loved Turkey - went last year for my honeymoon. In Istanbul, stayed at the Ciragan Palace - woke up with a view of Asia over the Bosphorus each morning. So many sights to see - well listed in travel books but be sure to give yourself time to just wander and eat in markets and cafes. <BR><BR>Ephesus is incredible. We stayed in Izmir for ease of location and found this city to be a nice base to tour ruins above and below the city. Coming home to the high rise hotel (name escapes me -it's the tallest building in Izmir) was a nice respite with lovely staff and loved the small bazaar and waterfront restaurants. Many people prefer to stay in the beach towns instead but I enjoyed my time there. We hired a guide and a driver very inexpensively for two days. <BR><BR>A word on shopping - I went to Istanbul first and decided to leave much shopping for later i my trip. Wrong. Istanbul may be a bit pricier but has an incredible selection - the Grand Bazaar is fantastic. The selection in other towns pales by comparison -especially given the economy.

contact Suleyman in Cappadocia at the Gamirasu Cave Hotel! He organized our 9 day trip and we had the best vacation ever!!!Hiking (saw 2 other people!) great food, warm people. email me for details!

lived in turkey for 6 years:<BR>November is a touch month...Highly recommend the Black Sea Coast - the most amazing foods, architectures and cultures: distinctively mix of greek, russian...try trabzon - the largest city...or a ferry from Istanbul to samsun...drive through some of the coastal towns...you won't be disappointed...the weather is colder...be forewarned...<BR>The south will be reltaively warmer...i recommend Kas and Fethiye in the south - amazing coasts and beautiful hiking all year round...or the tip of the mediterranean Marmaris or Bodrum as your main destination and hub while travelling to neighboring smaller coastal cities...Marmaris has spectacular hiking...<BR>- a

Dear Bly,<BR><BR>November is the month for cultural trips around Turkey. It will be quiter and just about the end of tourist season at many places. Coastal line is warmed as said above and you could still swim ( usually in mediterranean )<BR><BR>If you are found of historical and ancient sites especially I would suggest a general itinerary :<BR><BR>3 days istanbul + 1 day on return ( you ould also reverse this ) than fly to izmir and drive to Selcuk for visiting Ephesus and related sites( you ould stay in a nice little hotel ) 1 night than drive to Bodrum ( visit sites on the way ) 2 nights than head down to Fethiye and Kalkan to relax and visit Lycian cites. ( 2 nights ) Drive or driven via Konya ( heartland of sufi culture )to Cappadocia.Stay in a nice cave hotel to visit the area allowing yourself 3 days. Via Kayser, fly back to istanbul. 1 day left could be used within those places or adding another site at aegean region. Otherwise if this sounds to heavy : &Yacute;stanbul - fly izmir to visiy Ephesus and Pergamon - fly back to istanbul and fly to Cappadocia could be another option. Briefly this is a good route.<BR><BR>If you seek assistance on your travel itinerary to go in detail we would be happy to consult your needs. Great shopping both in istanbul and Cappadocia.<BR><BR>Good luck and regards,

Dear Bly,<BR>I like to give you an idea, i mostly reccomend for our guests to see Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, pamukkale and somepart of sea side, I can also help you to arrenge packege tours or hotel reservation for you. Easely take a look to the web: www.turkeyhotelsandtours.com<BR>Regards<BR>Erdal