What is the best way to get visas for Turkey? Seems difficult?!?

It's easy and doesn't have to be done in advance. When you arrive at your point of entry into Turkey-for most people this is Istanbul-you'll first be approaching an Immigration desk where you will be required to pay $20 per person for your entry stamp. It's that simple. Be sure to take 4 $20-dollar bills for this. This same thing applies if you're arriving by ferry from one of the Greek islands.

Thanks! That sounds better than the huge process in advance via the embassy.

Just to add to what Lee has posted--it is very easy to get your Visa once you arrive in Turkey. If you are arriving at the airport in Istanbul there is a separate line for getting your Visa and it's clearly marked--you will want to go there first. Once you have your Visa stamp on your Passport then, get in line for Immigration/Passport Control.

Enjoy Greece and Turkey!

Lee and Sharon: Thank you.
We were planning to cross over from Rhodes or Samos to visit Emphysis before leaving from Istanbul. Do you think it will be "visa friendly" on that kind of route?

Yes, it's simple, as I've already mentioned. To get to Ephesus the closest Greek island is Samos. Take the ferry to Kusadasi then a bus or taxi to Ephesus, which is close by. From Rhodes you'd take a ferry across to either Bodrum or Marmaris, then a bus or rental car to Selcuk. Ephesus is a short distance outside of Selcuk by taxi. This will take quite a long time so expect to spend the night there, but at least you'd be partway back to Istanbul if you did this.

If you spend the night in Selcuk as Lee suggested, check out Hotel Bella. They will provide transportation to visit Ephesus, give you lots of great information, and help you make any travel arrangements.

We stayed there in May and they made our trip to the area very easy!

I want to leave Rhodes and pass through Ephesus (thanks for correcting my rotten spelling) and on to Istanbul. The two suggestions of ferry and land are both good. If you had 5 days to go from Rhodes to Istanbul, how would you go?

Forgot to mention. I found the hotel bella recently and have emailed with them. I am happy to hear that you liked it, too. I will follow your advice!

Not sure I'm understanding correctly but, if you are going to Istanbul from Selcuk your best bet would be to take a bus or taxi from Selcuk to Izmir and fly on one of the discount airlines. We flew Atlasjet from Istanbul to Izmir and it was fine. There are other discount airlines as well--check www.whichbudget.com for airline options. It should be either Pegasus, Atlasjet or Onur Air.

Hope that answered your question--the staff at Hotel Bella can help you with your transportation options from Selcuk to Izmir.