We would like to extend our stay a few days before flying out of Istanbul. The bus to Izmir seems easy for an extra day or 2 but Rick doesn’t like it there. Maybe see more around Kusadasi? There must be additional places to visit, for example the ferry to Samos, nice beaches and National Park boat trip. We are staying in Istanbul for a few days before the trip so there is no Rush back.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3606 posts
"Rick doesn't like it there" is probably not accurate, rather the company made a choice to limit their Turkey guidebook coverage to a few select areas. If there are things you want to see in or near Izmir, by all means go. If you search the forum posts there are several posts about hotels and activities in Izmir.
FWIW I made my post-Turkey tour plans based specifically on flight schedule back home. So I had a leisurely last tour day morning in Kusadasi, hired a private driver to take me to Izmir airport, then flew to Amsterdam for an overnight before heading home. Other tourmates chose to stay in Kusadasi a few days, others took the ferry to Samos, others left for Istanbul right away.
Posted by
OP
Vacaville, California, USA
119 posts
Thank you so much. Rick mentioned in his book that Izmir is just “a transportation hub”. I will still look into it.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3606 posts
Again, I wouldn't take the lack of information in the RS book as the gospel on all of Turkey as 90% of the guidebook content is focused on Istanbul. There are other guide books (Lonely Planet, Moon, DK Eyewitness, Fodors) that offer more robust coverage of other areas.
Posted by
Oregon 🌲
482 posts
This recent post talks about the sites they visited while staying in Selcuk. Selcuk, the site of Ephesus, is about 45 minutes from Kusadasi. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/wonderful-trip-to-turkey