I usually don't get the chance to do a trip report. But did make the effort to do one this time for our recent trip to Turkey. Thought I'd share our experience here.

We did a great tour of Turkey in 17 days. My second visit (last time 20 years ago) and the first for my husband and 9 year old. It was a fascinating trip. I have yet to complete the trip report but here is the link to what I have written so far.

Feel free to ask any questions.

http://www.TwoCountriesAYear.com/category/blog/

I enjoyed your report. Thanks for the wisely chosen photographs and the organization which separated the "practical tips", as well as the section on the Southeast which has been a major gap in previous trip reports.

Southeast Turkey is indeed a very fascinating place. We did debate with ourselves if it was wise to go due to security concerns but glad that we did. And we felt totally safe and comfortable when we were there. Highly recommend it.

wky123, Despite your feelings of safety, terrorist attacks have stepped up to more than one a day in the last few days, especially since the military forces are now in a turmoil and the government action to rub their noses in the dirt has de-moralized them, and as the Kurdish minority are trying to conduct a democratic fight for local independence.

Although the activity has been against the security forces, some civilians who found themselves in the way of mines or bullets have also been hurt. I am afraid, that under such circumstances, the false sense of security lasts until something breaks up, since it is not a continuous situation.

Although we have not been to Urfa and Gaziantep yet, we are delaying the trip we had planned and going to Chicago instead, even though it may be even more risky.-

Thanks for posting this--very helpful. We are going to be driving from Selcuk to Kas at the end of September and were wondering what the drive would be like. From your report it sound like it's pretty straightforward. Do you think it would be possible to do in 1 day?

You can do it in a day but would miss a lot. Try and fit in Lake Bafa at least....

aprillilacs -
As Tommmo said, it's doable in a day but you'll miss a lot. Plus, it is going to be a long day. We drove from Pamukkale to Kas in a day and managed to squeeze in a couple of stops (Saklikent Gorge and Kayakoy) comfortably. And if you go from Selcuk to Kas in a day, you would have to miss Pamukkale too.
The drive overall is pretty straight forward and and the roads are well-marked.

otherchelebi -
I am aware of the recent increase of terrorist activities as well. It is just unfortunate. But I do think the area is a very exciting place to visit but of course safety always come first.

Oh, I've been thinking about visiting Gaziantep /Nemrut Dagi /Mardin / and Hasankeyf for the first two weeks of October this year and was not aware of the terrorist attacks. I'm glad I opened up this thread. I'll have to check the Dept. of State site an maybe cancel.