Desidero

I am going to be in Turkey for 9 full days in late May/early June. I have some questions about my itinerary. Here's what I'm considering:

Day 1: Land in Istanbul in late morning.

Day 2: Istanbul

Day 3: Istanbul

Day 4: Fly to Kayseri on an early morning flight. Tour Cappodocia. Overnight in Urgup.

Day 4: Cappodocia/Urgup.

Day 5: Fly to Ismir. Visit Ephesus. Overnight in Selcuk, Kusadasi or Sirince.

Day 6: Continue visiting sights in area. Overnight in Selcuk, Kusadasi or Sirince OR drive to Bodrum and overnight in Bodrum.

Day 7: Bodrum

Day 8: Bodrum. Fly back to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 9: Istanbul

Day 10: Depart

I am a straight, single male in my early 30's. I will be traveling with a friend. We are not necessarily in Turkey to party, but we would like to stay in towns with some good nightlife. That being said, here are some questions:

1. Generally speaking, how does the allocation of time in my proposed itinerary sound? Should I devote more time or less time to any of the proposed destinations?

2. I have a reservation at Esbelli Evi in Urgup, which receives lavish praise on this board. Is Urgup a better base in Cappadocia than Goreme? If you think Goreme is a better base, can you recommend any hotels? I don't expect that Cappadocia will have a great nightlife, so that's not a major focus of mine on this leg of the trip.

3. What is the best base around Ephesus? I'm considering Selcuk, Kusadasi and Sirince. I've heard that Kusadasi has a good nightlife, but also that it is touristy, cheesy and western. Selcuk seems like the most convenient base for Ephesus, but there aren't many details on this board about the town. Sirince sounds like a good place for couples, but not for a few single guys. Thoughts?

4. Is Bodrum worth visiting or can I get what I'm looking for in Bodrum in Kusadasi? In other words, should I pass up Bodrum and spend all 3 days of this leg of the trip in Kusadasi/Selcuk/Sirince?

5. If you think Bodrum is worth visiting, is 1-2 days too much time or too little time in Bodrum? Bodrum is known to have good nightlife, but is it, like Kusadasi, very touristy and inauthentic? Can you recommend any alternatives to Bodrum?

6. In early June, will I be able to go to the beach?

7. How touristy will Turkey be in early June?

Note that I'm willing fly to these destinations regardless of cost.

Thank you VERY MUCH for any insight you can provide. This board is a miracle.

gertie3751

I can help you a bit with 3# #4 and #5

Selcuk is a great base. I stayed there last year in Homerous Pension...highly recommended in Lonely Planet and Rough Guide. From there Ephesus is walkable and Sirince is about 20 minutes by dolmus. I thought Kusadasi was a nightmare and wouldn't touch it.
Sirince is too quiet as a base and too out of the way. Beautiful little place though.
Bodrum is your place to stay for nightlife. It's quite upmarket these days and not as cheesy as Kusadasi. There is quite a lot to see in and around Bodrum. Nice beach. Don't know about June, it was too hot to sit on the beach last August!
I suspect the big waves of tourists arrive July and August but last year even in August there were few tourists off the usual tourist route. Beware of cruise ships, they can destroy the tranquility and atmosphere of a place in minutes.

ANATOLIANCRUISER

Dear Desidero,

Your itinerary seems fine for a straight, single male in his early 30's. As far as your questions are concerned, here are the answers.

1. Your time allocation for each place is fine.

2. Since your priority is not the night life in Cappadocia either Ürgüp or Göreme will do. Esbelli Evi is good choice to get the taste of an authentic place in Cappadocia. Do not change your reservation and enjoy your time in Ürgüp. (My personal choice is also Ürgüp as far as local architecture is concerned) If you want to taste a local delicacy you can try delicious kebabs and pide (Turkish pizza with minced meat, cheese etc.)at Develi Kebap Salonu which is not far from the Town Center.

3. Best base around Ephesus is Selçuk.

4. Bodrum is a special place for upscale Turkish holiday makers. However, late May or early June is a bit too early for Turkish people. I believe you will enjoy the nightlife there.

5. As I told you earlier, late May or early June is a bit early for you to meet the Turkish jet set night life in Bodrum. As an alternative you can go to Dalyan and spend 2 nights there.

6. Yes you will be able to go to the beach and swim in early June. No problem. I also recommend that you take a daily boat tour to discover untouched beauties of the Gökova Bay while you are in Bodrum.

7. Not very touristy. High season begings around mid June (after the schools close in Turkey) and lasts until mid September.

Enjoy your time in Turkey.

sinan

Hi Desidero,

I just want to add one more think BODRUM is the RIGHT PLACES for NIGHT LIFE. You may also have night life in Kusadasi NOT in SIRINCE.

I agree with Selehattin Tumer.

Have a nice trip in Turkey

Sinan Akdeniz

propertravel

Hi Desidero,

As Selahattin suggests, I am fully agree with him and your itinerary looks just fine. I would second thought of Kusadasi as for the night life concerns, and you can still hide yourself a bit fromm cheesy crowd and enjoy.....

Happy travelling and have lots of Fun. Istanbul and Bodrum will be your nightlife heaven, Cappadocia is reboosting your energy and amaze your imagination, Ephesus will be awaking your senses admiring ancient history and architecture.

Happy travelling,

Murat