3 weeks in turkey in June

We did a similar trip, although in reverse, in Sept 2011. After 7 days in Istanbul we flew to Kayseri, staying in Goreme for 5 days. We rented a car there. From Goreme we took an overnight bus to Antalya where we rented a car for 8 days and drove along the coast and inland staying in Antalya 2, Cirali 2, Patara 1, Pamuklkale 1, Selcuk 3. We then drove to Izmir and flew back to Istanbul. It sounds like you want to see some sights close to Izmir/Bodrum and then in the Cappadocia region but you don't say when or how long you will be in Turkey or how long in each location, if you want to return the car to the same location or how far you're planning to drive. You might want to get the RS guide book or a map of Turkey to decide what you want to see and do and then ask a more specific question. Have fun with the planning.

Hi Mary Ellen, We spent a little over two weeks in Turkey last September. We flew into Istanbul, stayed 5 days (4 nights), then flew to Kayseri to explore Cappadocia (stayed several nights in Goreme). I think we flew Pegasus Air that leg. Then we flew out of Kayseri to Izmir via SunExpress so that we could visit Ephesus (stayed in Selcuk at Nazar hotel, which we'd recommend). We did not rent a car, so I cannot comment there. A few pointers: 1) Intra-turkey airlines are MUCH more affordable than TurkishAir. Like I said, we used Pegagus and SunExpress. 2) Note that your options of flying into Cappadocia (should you choose) are limited (eg, only 2 flights to Kayseri, 9am and 6pm, and only certain days of the week), so you need to plan the flights appropriately. If you miss your 9am flight, you are stuck in Kayseri the WHOLE DAY. (we almost missed our flight).
3) Turkish airports have security right at the door (you go through security to enter the airport) and then a second security checkpoint before you go to the gates. Make sure you allow enough time, esp at Kayseri airport!!

cont'd 3) Turkish airports have security right at the door (you go through security to enter the airport) and then a second security checkpoint before you go to the gates. Make sure you allow enough time, esp at Kayseri airport!! 4) FYi we stayed at Sari Konak hotel in Istanbul (old Town) - loved it well situated, very nice, clean, quiet. Highly recommend it. great breakfast, a stone's throw from the Blue Mosque. 5) We stayed at Local Cave Hotel in Goreme. Note, the best place to stay in Cappadocia is Goreme - so glad we chose that town and not Urgup or Uschitar - it's well located. Local Cave Hotel is ok - it does have a pool (few hotels there did, and if you are going in summer, you may want to cool off). remember that just about every hotel is a "cave hotel" so don't pay extra to stay in a cave because just about every hotel offers that experience. Also, be warned, it gets COLD at night in Goreme... the temp really drops (we were there in Sept - 100 degrees during the day, and cold at night). Definitely do a balloon ride while there, it was worth the cost! Have Fun
brenda

My wife and I did a three week tour of Turkey. The highlight of the trip was the balloon ride over Cappadocia. Don't miss it. Eddie
Laguna Hills, CA 1/26/12

As Eddie said: take the balloon ride - don't let the cost scare you off. My wife, who has hiked thru the Himalayas (sp?) and Andes, took it and said it was one of her "trills of a lifetime". Since I am deathly afraid of heights (never been on the roof of our home) I chickened out and slept in. Sorry I missed it.