I am in the early stages of planning for a June 2026 visit. Two travelers. One with an archeology minor, one with a substantial background in ancient history.
I have multiple questions after researching here and elsewhere. I've reviewed the RS postings from the last 2 years - thanks to all who have posted previously, lots of good info, anecdotes, experiences. You've given me many ideas.
Can anyone help with your recent impressions or here's-how-I'd-do'it-next-time thoughts??
1) The one day excursions with a flight from Istanbul are tempting for efficiency. Or, we could spend 2 nights (one full day) in Selçuk. Any strong feelings on one vs the other? I know the day excursion is long - I wonder if the travel aspect over-shadows the actual sightseeing? Given that there is a flight involved - are the flights reliable?? Did the one day excursion include the Ephesus Museum - or was it necessary to make that an "add-on"?
I haven't been to Turkey before and have no idea of what to expect for air travel efficiency or lack thereof. We have done these
l-o-n-g day excursions before elsewhere, leave at 6:30 AM, return in the evening, so I do have a notion of what the length of day entails. We've never had a flight included in these long days.
2) Guide or DIY? My preference is generally DIY - but I don't want to miss out if the guides info is particularly insightful. We have visited Roman Forums and ancient sites, Ostia Antica and Siem Reap temples without a guide. I didn't feel I lost out on much, but that could be because I don't know what I'm missing!
If you used a guide, did have the opportunity to "fine tune" if you saw an area of interest? How were guides at handling questions? My experience at some places is that guides can't go "off script".
3) My research found that average time at the site was 1 - 4 hours. Was this your experience? Is that enough time? It seems short to me, but I haven't been there! Was anyone able to find a guide for an overview, then continue wandering on their own?
4) We would stay in Selcuk if we did overnight(s). Anything I should know that might not be obvious from online promotions?
5) Any other bits of advice, warnings, cautions, "I wish I had knowns", etc? I would prefer to travel more off-season, but the June timeframe can't be changed.
Thank you to anyone who can help me fine tune! I don't know anyone who has traveled this region, so the RS posters' insights are valuable!