We're trying to make some final decisions on our intinerary for 2 weeks in Turkey -- Arriving March 18. We originally had 5 full days in Istanbul but decided to spend one of them on a day trip to Ephesus. That means we now have 4 days in Istanbul. The travel agent in Turkey is suggesting 3.5 days in Cappodocia (staying in Goreme) which sounds heavenly (two days on tour, 1.5 on our own), but now I'm thinking maybe we want more time in Istanstanbul. So, the question is: 4 days in Istanbul and 3.5 in Cappodocia? or 5 days in Istanbul and 2.5 in Cappodocia? Thoughts out there?
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
That is a tough choice! We were there last May and spent 7 nights in Istanbul and 4 nights in Cappadocia. There is really so much to see in Cappadocia--we hired a driver ($80 per day arranged by our hotel and absolutely worth it!) and saw a lot in 2 days. Then, it was nice to have extra time to spend more relaxed. So, I would say, 4 nights in Istanbul and 3.5 days in Cappadocia. We stayed in Urgup and I loved our hotel (Esbelli Evi) but it was a little off the beaten path. For a future trip we would opt to stay in Goreme. Any chance you could find another day in your 2 weeks to add to Istanbul?
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
25 posts
Well, we could give up the day trip to Ephesus, giving that day to Istanbul. We also are spending 4 nights in the Western Mediterranean (three nights in Kas, one night in Antalya), so we could do just two nights in Kas. We're being a bit ambitious, but I really don't want to overdo it.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
Hi Darlene,
Don't skip Ephesus! For our trip, we skipped Antalya for more time in Cappadocia and Istanbul. So, in addition to Cappadocia (4) and Istanbul (7) we went to Selcuk (2) to visit Ephesus, and Cirali (2). We flew from Istanbul to Izmir and then took an overnight bus from Cirali (leaving from Antalya) to Cappadocia.
One thought--since the beach will be chilly in March you could skip Kas.
For us, the most difficult part of the trip to figure out logistics for was the southern coastal area. Lots of choices!
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
25 posts
You're right about it being chilly in March and not summer beach weather, but 70 or 75 degrees sounds heavenly after the winter weather beating we're all receiving here in the States! And we'll take your advice and leave the one day Ephesus tour in place.
For the 4 days on the Western Mediterranean (where we're going after Cappodocia), today we're thinking first night in Antalya (since we'll have been on the bus overnight from Cappodocia and don't want 2.5 hours more on a bus to Kas), second and third night in Kas (or maybe a picturesque village closer to Antalya?), and then the fourth night back to Antalya since we have a very early morning flight back to Istanbul and then JFK the next day.
If you have thoughts or advice about this since as well, please share. You've been a big help to us today already!
Posted by
Seattle, USA
990 posts
Be prepared for cool weather in March in Cappadocia--especially if you are thinking about a hot air balloon ride. You are likely to run into daytime highs in the 50's and 60's rather than the 70's that time of year.
Posted by
Seattle, USA
990 posts
There are some very nice Ottoman era pensions in the walled Old City of Antalya--I liked the peaceful Paloma Pansiyon and the somewhat more ramshackle but charming Villa Perla. Either one would be a good one night stop on the way back from Cappadocia.