Help with Turkey trip

When planning our Turkey trip, we faced a similar dilemma. Unfortunately, due to the logistics of getting there, we decided to drop the Kas/Kalkan area from our trip. In terms of transportation, Turkey seems similar to the US. Distances are longer than you think and the 2 quickest modes of transport are car or flying. We decided to leave the southern coast of Turkey for another trip.

Thanks Rick

I think you are right, that was the area that does seem to be the hardest to work into our plan.

where did you stay in the south/west area? did you like it?

take care
sara

We haven't taken our trip yet. It's coming up in a little while. We fly into Istanbul, then fly to Kayseri, staying in Urgup for 4 nights. We then fly from Ankara to Izmir, staying in Kusadasi for 3 nights, to see Ephesus. We then travel by bus from Izmir to Bodrum, for 3 nights, for some beach time. We then fly from Bodrum to Istanbul for 4 nights. So, to answer your question, the areas in the west that we will be staying in are Ephesus and Bodrum.

Your best bet is to arrange your trip in the form of a circle, either clock-wise or counter-clockwise. At the time you're going, clock-wise is better so that you'll avoid colder weather in Cappadocia. If you decide to do the Mediterranean coast, it'll likely be the warmest place in Turkey. Antalya has a charming walled old city and some fine ruins easily accessible by busses. The Villa Perla and the Paloma Pansion are two small family hotels with character and charm and good food in Antalya. I would be inclined to skip Pamukkale and Aphordisias. The necropolis there is fine, but Pamukkale is actually not so impressive and it's a long way out of the way to travel to. Instead, think about staying longer on the Aegean coast. I'd stay at the Hotel Bella in Selcuk rather than sterile touristy Kusadasi--the Bella is a charming ultra friendly place. They'll shuttle you to Ephesus and also to ruins further down the coast in Didyma, Miletus, etc. Then a cheap Izmir-Istanbul flight on Onur Air.

Have fun on your trip Rick, sound like fun! maybe we will be there around the same time.

JER - thank you so much for your info, it is so helpful and makes sense. I had a feeling that Kusadasi wasnt the place for us and that Pamakkale was really far away and apparently you cant get to the really gorgeous sites there anyway. I will look into that hotel in Selcuk and antalya. I was thinking about staying in kirzali as well - do you know anything about it? Do you drive or take the bus from cappadocia down?
many thanks once again
Sara