We are planning a trip to Greece and Turkey this fall. We will go to Greece first and plan to spend several days in Istanbul. We would like to fit in Ephesus and Gallipoli. We are looking for suggestions on how best to fit in the Ephesus and Gallipoli part of the trip. Should we travel to that area directly from Greece? and then travel to Istanbul? or go Greece to Istanbul and then take the side trips from Istanbul? What are the most efficient modes of transportation for this plan?
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3161 posts
Not the easiest of routes. To visit Ephesus, I'd suggest flying from Athens to Izmir, renting a car and driving to Kusadasi. Plan on visiting Ephesus as soon as the gates open to beat the cruise ship invasion. The drive from Kusadasi to Gallipoli (Eceabat) is about a 6 1/2 hour drive and then another 4 to Istanbul. You can use rometorio.com to check on different options. Via Michelin app or website would also prove useful.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for the info. We had wondered about flying to Izmir. Any thoughts on buses or trains from there to the other two spots (instead of driving?)
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3161 posts
There is bus service available but you'll be increasing your travel time to 9 hours to Gallipoli and 6 hours to Istanbul. I've driven in Turkey and the roads are generally in very good condition and I found that congestion near cities is akin to what you find in the States. A GPS or smart phone is a must! Having a car will also provide a lot of convenience in not having to make your way to/from bus stations and working around bus schedules that might be inconvenient. Having a car, you could also stop to see the ruins in Bergama on your way north.
Posted by
Canada-Istanbul-USA
90 posts
Start from Istanbul. Book from Metro Turizm or Kamil Koc or Truva Turizm to Gelibolu( Gallipoli). No way, you can see Gallipoli on your own. U need to rent a car or there is a company who offer Gallipoli Tours in Gelibolu. I think its $30 including a tourist guide.They will show you all of major war sites in Gallipoli.
Gallipoli is an underdog place to see!
After Gallipoli, you can see Assos Ancient city and Pergamon Ancient city afterwards. Well, Germans stole most of its artifacts to exhibit STOLEN artifacts in their Pergamon museum in Berlin in Germany but you can still see a lot in the city.
Between Gallipoli, Assos, Pergamon and Ephesus, you can take bus one of those three companies I gave you above. They are located in the same route and you will like them.
But if you have time, I would recomend you to see the Lycian cities who are in the same route too but on the mediterrenan coast of Turkey.