Turkey planning questions - 3 week trip
Mar 1st, 2012, 11:01 AM
#1
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Turkey planning questions - 3 week trip
Its time for my almost-annual request for help for a September trip. This year Turkey!
We are two active adults who prefer to travel on our own than follow-the-tour leader. Here's what we are thinking and would love advice from those who know more than us! Especially with the Turq coast car rental etc...
Arrive Istanbul - 4 nights
fly to Cappadocia - 4 nights (or 3??) want to see usual sites, also get some hikes in.
fly to Antalya - or is it better to rent car in Cappadocia and drive to the coast?? rent a car and explore the coastal towns,etc. (Where to stay? Is 5 nights enough? Dont' mind hopping around different towns. want to kayak, day trip gulet, hike. Which towns and how many nights each??)
drop off car in a ferry port town
ferry to Greek island 5 nights
ferry back, bus or train to Selkuc 1 night ?? have no info on this... how do we get Bodrum or other town to selkuc?
bus to Izmir - ferry/train to Istanbul for last night
How does this sound? Should we stay in an area longer or less? I would like to know the transportation options - where to drop the rental car (Bodrum or other ferry port town) and how we get around to Selkuc when we return. We have not booked flights from US yet - seems more expensive to return via Athens than head back to Istanbul, which also lets us route back and see Ephesus.
This is a duplicate post - i forgot to tag it for Turkey
Also... lastly - my husband is concerned about safety and threats. Anyone cautious about traveling there at this time?
Any and all advice is welcome. Thanks Fodorites!
We are two active adults who prefer to travel on our own than follow-the-tour leader. Here's what we are thinking and would love advice from those who know more than us! Especially with the Turq coast car rental etc...
Arrive Istanbul - 4 nights
fly to Cappadocia - 4 nights (or 3??) want to see usual sites, also get some hikes in.
fly to Antalya - or is it better to rent car in Cappadocia and drive to the coast?? rent a car and explore the coastal towns,etc. (Where to stay? Is 5 nights enough? Dont' mind hopping around different towns. want to kayak, day trip gulet, hike. Which towns and how many nights each??)
drop off car in a ferry port town
ferry to Greek island 5 nights
ferry back, bus or train to Selkuc 1 night ?? have no info on this... how do we get Bodrum or other town to selkuc?
bus to Izmir - ferry/train to Istanbul for last night
How does this sound? Should we stay in an area longer or less? I would like to know the transportation options - where to drop the rental car (Bodrum or other ferry port town) and how we get around to Selkuc when we return. We have not booked flights from US yet - seems more expensive to return via Athens than head back to Istanbul, which also lets us route back and see Ephesus.
This is a duplicate post - i forgot to tag it for Turkey
Also... lastly - my husband is concerned about safety and threats. Anyone cautious about traveling there at this time?
Any and all advice is welcome. Thanks Fodorites!
Mar 1st, 2012, 11:09 AM
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We did a drving loop from Istanbul, Ankara, Goreme, Konea, Antalya, Kas, Marmaris, Bursa, ferry back to Istanbul.
Roads we good to very good
Really liekd the countryside, and the Turquoise Coast...wow.
We liked staying in Kas, small fishing village, day trips on boats to see underwater ruins.
Antalys was a bit too modern (of what we saw) Apart from the private Sheraton Hotel Beach (and poolside at Sheraton), we could have spent more time along coast.
Roads we good to very good
Really liekd the countryside, and the Turquoise Coast...wow.
We liked staying in Kas, small fishing village, day trips on boats to see underwater ruins.
Antalys was a bit too modern (of what we saw) Apart from the private Sheraton Hotel Beach (and poolside at Sheraton), we could have spent more time along coast.
Mar 2nd, 2012, 08:30 AM
#3
Here are some ideas:
= You do not have enough time to drive the very scenic and interesting coastal route from Cappadocia to Antalya, and the inland route is not as exciting. So it is probably better to save time and fly Kayseri-Antalya.
- Consider visiting Termessos from antalya before you hit the coast road.
- Three nights at Cappadocia may be enough unless you wish to take a long days tour to the Hittite ruins at Hattusas (Bogazkale)
- The various resorts and villages between antalya and Selcuk have more interesting sights, lots of scenic canyons, forests, mountains and lovely beaches, so you may wish to reduce time at a Greek island which may be nice for the different nght life and the tavernas. I suggest Rhodes or Samos.
- If you wish for a combination of antiquity, interesting flora and laid back beach, try Cirali. Excellent hikes up to Goynuk. (check with Canmom on Trip Advisor), the Chimaera, Olympos, etc.
- For small village, short day cruise and kayak in very secluded bay, over ancient ruins, snorkeling and eating harpooned fish, consider Ucagiz. Including nearby ancient sites like Simena, Myra, arycanda, Saint Nicholas.
- For bohemian life, decent restaurants plus the above, consider Kas, a small town only half hours drive from Ucagiz.
Other side trips to Patara, Letoon, Xanthos, Pinara.
- For a very Turkish town, having a good size center with satellite resorts and a good location for gulet trips, consider Fethiye. Side trips to Kayakoy, Butterfly Valley, Olu Deniz, Saklikent canyon, Tlos.
- Forget Bodrum, but hit Bafa lake and Kapikiri village/Herakleia on the lake for interesting sites and some very good hikes, before you get to Selcuk.
come back with more questions when you are ready with them.
= You do not have enough time to drive the very scenic and interesting coastal route from Cappadocia to Antalya, and the inland route is not as exciting. So it is probably better to save time and fly Kayseri-Antalya.
- Consider visiting Termessos from antalya before you hit the coast road.
- Three nights at Cappadocia may be enough unless you wish to take a long days tour to the Hittite ruins at Hattusas (Bogazkale)
- The various resorts and villages between antalya and Selcuk have more interesting sights, lots of scenic canyons, forests, mountains and lovely beaches, so you may wish to reduce time at a Greek island which may be nice for the different nght life and the tavernas. I suggest Rhodes or Samos.
- If you wish for a combination of antiquity, interesting flora and laid back beach, try Cirali. Excellent hikes up to Goynuk. (check with Canmom on Trip Advisor), the Chimaera, Olympos, etc.
- For small village, short day cruise and kayak in very secluded bay, over ancient ruins, snorkeling and eating harpooned fish, consider Ucagiz. Including nearby ancient sites like Simena, Myra, arycanda, Saint Nicholas.
- For bohemian life, decent restaurants plus the above, consider Kas, a small town only half hours drive from Ucagiz.
Other side trips to Patara, Letoon, Xanthos, Pinara.
- For a very Turkish town, having a good size center with satellite resorts and a good location for gulet trips, consider Fethiye. Side trips to Kayakoy, Butterfly Valley, Olu Deniz, Saklikent canyon, Tlos.
- Forget Bodrum, but hit Bafa lake and Kapikiri village/Herakleia on the lake for interesting sites and some very good hikes, before you get to Selcuk.
come back with more questions when you are ready with them.
Mar 2nd, 2012, 08:37 AM
#4
Forgot to respond on the safety issue.
There seems to be no local problems regarding terrorism, public opinion, xenophobia or racism.
However, there are some nasty news about the opposition to Esad setting up an operations center in Turkey and conducting military sortees across the border.
This can cause major problems between Turkey and Iran and Turkey and Russia in addition to any reprisals from Syria. So, we should follow how this matter develops and possibly you may get refundable tickets for your flights.
This is not something I can ignore as a political scientist and a risk manager.
There seems to be no local problems regarding terrorism, public opinion, xenophobia or racism.
However, there are some nasty news about the opposition to Esad setting up an operations center in Turkey and conducting military sortees across the border.
This can cause major problems between Turkey and Iran and Turkey and Russia in addition to any reprisals from Syria. So, we should follow how this matter develops and possibly you may get refundable tickets for your flights.
This is not something I can ignore as a political scientist and a risk manager.
Mar 3rd, 2012, 05:37 AM
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Thank you so much for these great and detailed replies. I was told by a travel agent there is not a direct flight from Cappadocia to Antalya, only connecting. I haven't checked further yet. We'd rather spend time driving the coast than to the coast.
So appreciate the recommendations for the coastal areas, etc.
So appreciate the recommendations for the coastal areas, etc.
Mar 28th, 2012, 01:29 AM
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there are no direct flights available from kayseri to antalya with sunexpress
pegasus has indirect flights through Istanbul ( via Istanbul - S.Gokcen )
you can also look at AnadoluJet and Bora jet..again not direct and of course Turkish airlines but they would be more expensive.
Bora jet goes through Ankara ( Esenboga (ESB) )
for destinations along the coast..have a look at Cirali, Kas or Uçagiz and then on to Fethiye and Olu Deniz
you could take an overnight bus from Cappadocia to Antalya..about 9hrs
pegasus has indirect flights through Istanbul ( via Istanbul - S.Gokcen )
you can also look at AnadoluJet and Bora jet..again not direct and of course Turkish airlines but they would be more expensive.
Bora jet goes through Ankara ( Esenboga (ESB) )
for destinations along the coast..have a look at Cirali, Kas or Uçagiz and then on to Fethiye and Olu Deniz
you could take an overnight bus from Cappadocia to Antalya..about 9hrs
Mar 28th, 2012, 01:29 AM
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sorry forgot to add this;
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/t...os-and-cirali/
Turkey has dozens of pristine beaches, among the finest of which is Cirali, a long stretch of fine white sand at the mouth of a towering canyon. The beach, an easy walk from the ruined city of Olympos, is a protected nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. After dark, lights on the shore are extinguished so as not to confuse the hatching babies. On a moonless night, the view of the Milky Way is phenomenal.
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/t...os-and-cirali/
Turkey has dozens of pristine beaches, among the finest of which is Cirali, a long stretch of fine white sand at the mouth of a towering canyon. The beach, an easy walk from the ruined city of Olympos, is a protected nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. After dark, lights on the shore are extinguished so as not to confuse the hatching babies. On a moonless night, the view of the Milky Way is phenomenal.
Mar 28th, 2012, 06:26 AM
#10
Pegasus has direct Kayseri Antalya flights once or twice a week in September, i.e. 5th, 8th and 12th. But the schedule is bad. leaves midnight or so and arrives after 1 AM. Would not be easy to start driving off at that time.
These schedules may also change later in the year.
These schedules may also change later in the year.
Mar 28th, 2012, 07:33 AM
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thanks otherchelebi...for that..I did a search for direct flights and nothing came up....via Istanbul - S.Gokcen )
Just for September huh..that does not help many people does it..it helps the poster I guess if they are travelling in Sept.
what other dates are available in September ? and are these flights available in other months..like May, June , July and August ?
Just for September huh..that does not help many people does it..it helps the poster I guess if they are travelling in Sept.
what other dates are available in September ? and are these flights available in other months..like May, June , July and August ?
Mar 28th, 2012, 10:11 AM
#12
brenda66, it seems that pegasus has direct Kayseri-Antalya flights every Saturday and Wednesday throughout the Summer. The issue is the schedule of those flights.
https://book.flypgs.com/Common/MemberRezvResults.jsp
https://book.flypgs.com/Common/MemberRezvResults.jsp
Mar 28th, 2012, 02:57 PM
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Australian friends of mine managed the drive straight through in one day from Cappadocia to Olympus, and that was the second time ever driving on 'the other side of the road'!
I could take great umbrage at 'the forget Bodrum' remark! In September the crowds are gone and everyone relaxs! It is any Bodrumite's joyful season.
But going back to the orginal request.
Drive along the Antalya coast as above, lots of beautiful places. then drop the car off at Fethiye - ferry daily across to Rhodes, then there are ferries/ hyrdofoils/ seacats to Kos then daily/ twice daily ferries to Bodrum. See the Museum in the Crusaders Castle there, and even take a day wander up into the pine covered hills to Pedasa, home of the pre-Carians, the Lelegians.
A more subtle Aegean beauty after the south coast.
THEN you can drive to Selcuk via Bafa Lake for hiking, Didim. Miletus, Priene to Selcuk and Ephesus for ancient sites.
Then trsansfer to Izmir airport for Athens, Istanbul or even Frankfurt and some other European hubs.
Safety is fine in Western Turkey - more than 1000 kms from the Syrian border. And Turkey is at pains to protect and care for the vital tourism industry.
All you will notice are the spot traffic checks on roadsides by police in rural areas- Jandarma, and the passport registration at hotels, ID to be carried at all times.
Enjoy!
I could take great umbrage at 'the forget Bodrum' remark! In September the crowds are gone and everyone relaxs! It is any Bodrumite's joyful season.
But going back to the orginal request.
Drive along the Antalya coast as above, lots of beautiful places. then drop the car off at Fethiye - ferry daily across to Rhodes, then there are ferries/ hyrdofoils/ seacats to Kos then daily/ twice daily ferries to Bodrum. See the Museum in the Crusaders Castle there, and even take a day wander up into the pine covered hills to Pedasa, home of the pre-Carians, the Lelegians.
A more subtle Aegean beauty after the south coast.
THEN you can drive to Selcuk via Bafa Lake for hiking, Didim. Miletus, Priene to Selcuk and Ephesus for ancient sites.
Then trsansfer to Izmir airport for Athens, Istanbul or even Frankfurt and some other European hubs.
Safety is fine in Western Turkey - more than 1000 kms from the Syrian border. And Turkey is at pains to protect and care for the vital tourism industry.
All you will notice are the spot traffic checks on roadsides by police in rural areas- Jandarma, and the passport registration at hotels, ID to be carried at all times.
Enjoy!
