I desperately need some help. I know Rick Steves readers are probably the most traveled in the world, and I'm hoping someone out there can give me insight. Is it better to stay in Kusadasi or Selcuk if you are without a car and want to see Ephesus and the island of Samos, and any other interesting sights in the region. I'm hoping someone can help! Any input would be much appreciated! Thanks All!
Heather
Posted by
Seattle, USA
990 posts
I'd go with Selcuk. Kusadasi is more resort oriented and not very Turkish. Selcuk has several important tourist sites itself (St John Basilica, the house of Mary, the tomb of the seven sleepers) and is much closer to Ephesus. Many of the recommended hotels will provide transportation to Ephesus and other sites for you. Check out the Hotel Bella website--it's a wonderful Rick Steves type hotel to stay in.
Posted by
OP
Leucadia, California, USA
6 posts
Thanks so much, we took your advice and are staying at the Hotel Bella!! It looks perfect, just what we prefer!!
Thanks again,
Heather
Posted by
Brentwood, ca, USA
115 posts
Are you able to rent cars in Kudasi? Did you check into it on your trip?
Posted by
OP
Leucadia, California, USA
6 posts
Yes, In fact we met some nice folks from Chicago that were staying at Hotel Bella and they did. The hotel itself helped them with that. Next time we will do the same, driving is very easy there.
Posted by
OP
Leucadia, California, USA
6 posts
Regarding the rental car, that was in Selcuk. And the recommendation was right, Kusadasi is very touristy, Selcuk was incredible!
Posted by
Brentwood, ca, USA
115 posts
We're going there this summer, just planning our trip. You already went. Any tips? We're going to stay at Bella also for 3 nites. Is that to much for the area? I'd like to rent car from there and travel the coast to Cappidocia then drop off car, bus Antolya then night train to Istanbul. We're allowng 16 days for this trip. Any ideas?
Thanks so much,
Helene
Posted by
Atlanta
2 posts
Helene, it's a looooooong drive from the Aegean to Cappadocia/ Avanos, especially in the summer, when everyone in Turkey is on vacation. You might want to consider taking a Varan or Koc bus-- they're clean, modern, and they offer beverage service. Not to mention, you get to look at the countryscape while someone else does the driving. If you have kids, they'll love the night train into Istanbul.
Posted by
Brentwood, ca, USA
115 posts
Victoria,
The reason I wanted to drive some was to have the freedom to stop at some of the beach towns on way to Antayla, and enjoy the ocean. Do the buses stop at the different little seaside towns?