I have been reading the postings and have found them very helpful. I will be in Turkey for 15 days and be traveling from Istanbul to Seluk, flying from Izmir to Kayseri and then making my way back to Istanbul. Please let me know if you have any suggestions on: *Where to stay in Goreme- female dorm or a inexpensive hotel *Any advie on getting to the airports in either Izmir or Kayseri * a place to stay in Sulek * I will be traveling by myself so any helpful advice or things not to be missed would be appreciate. I wish Rick Steves had a done a book on all of Turkey!
Posted by
Bellevue, WA, USA
811 posts
i just came back from turkey last week. i didn't go to izmir or kayseri, but did visit selcuk and pamukkle, i think both places are worth a visit. in selcuk i stayed at a place called wallabies you can find on tripadvisor. it's a very close walk from the bus or train station, basic but clean rooms, good price and the owner can meet you at the bus/train station. when i was there his cousin gave me a ride to efes for free, so it's a choice to consider. if you can make it to pamukkale, you can try this place called kale hotel. it's a couple of min to the lower entrance, good price, and friend family run.
Posted by
Atlanta
3280 posts
Hi Marianne, Are you flying from Istanbul to Izmir? If so, it's about one hour from Izmir to Selcuk. We took a cab from the Izmir airport to the bus station and then a dolmus (small van) to Selcuk. For about $60. US you can take a cab from the airport to Selcuk. We stayed at Hotel Bella in Selcuk and it was the perfect place - not so expensive but maybe too much for a single traveler on a budget - I'd check their website. If you have time while in Selcuk the small village of Sirince, Turkey is fun to visit. *Small travel agencies in various towns can help you arrange transportation - the bus system is very good. *We were not so happy with our hotel in Goreme (Dora Motel) though it is in the Lonely Planet Guidebook and very inexpensive. Our room had mold on the walls and the bedding did not seem very clean. If you decide to stay there check the room first - there are probably other good places to stay that are better. Best wishes for a fun trip to Turkey!
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY, USA
21 posts
Atlas Jet is about the same price as the other airlines that fly within Turkey plus they have free shuttles to and from various airports (provided you're flying on their airline). There's even one from Selcuk to the Izmir airport, which I think is an hour's drive. List is here: http://cmss.atlasjet.com/en/campaigns/flybusen Have fun! Roman in Brooklyn
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
I flew from Izmir to Istanbul on Turkish Air in June of this year right after completing the RS 14 day Turkey Tour. Turns out that out tour guide, who lives in Istanbul, was also flying from Izmir to Istanbul at the same time. She flew on a local airline, Atlas I believe, and she paid half what we paid on Turkish Air. She said that the local, smaller airlines were dependable and much cheaper than Turkish Air. Well, next time.....
Posted by
Bellingham, WA, United States
11 posts
My daughter and I (two single women)just got back on Sunday after doing the same itinerary as you. We took the 4-TL train to and from Izmir's airport to Selcuk - a real local adventure, not for everyone. Like another poster, we stayed at Hotel Bella in Selcuk and were so impressed at the level of service. Free transport to Ephesus, Sirince, etc, free nargile and a great 20-TL dinner on the terrace. We flew Onur Air from Istanbul to Izmir, Sun Express from Izmir to Kayseri, and Pegasus from Kayseri to Istanbul. Note Pegasus was half the price of Turkish Air, but flies into Istanbul's airport on the Asian side. Stayed at Kelebek Cave Hotel in Goreme. Please feel free to email me. I have lots of info to share. I typically travel solo, so I know a bit about what it's like alone. Have suggestions about how to see Cappadocia.