Hi, travel experts. This is my Turkey plan so far, but I'd love some feedback: After spending 8 nights in Crete, we plan to fly to Samos, take the ferry to Kusadasi and spend one night in Kusadasi. After spending the morning at Ephesus, we would take an evening flight to Antalya. After spending 4 nights in Antalya, (where we would take a day trip to Pammukale, spend another day on a gulet cruise.etc.), we would fly to Cappadocia and spend 4 nights there. From there we would fly to Istanbul for our final 7 nights. Thoughts? Perhaps 1/2 half day for Ephesus is rushed, but my daughter doesn't want to see it that badly and I would like to, so it's our compromise. Thoughts?
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8591 posts
Most of it looks good but I agree that a half day at Ephesus is very rushed. Is there a reason she doesn't want to see it? The history of that place is mind-boggling, in my opinion, but it's your trip.
Posted by
Connecticut
725 posts
I’ve gone to Ephesus twice - in 2009 and in 2023. In both instances I’ve found that four hours is an exceptionally generous amount of time. Since there are not any programmed activities one can wander at a convenient. The “Terraced Houses” within the site are still under excavation and well worth seeing. This well laid out one way walk about structure provides an excellent perspective. Additionally, visiting it would be a welcomed respite from the potential crowds.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9059 posts
I had the opportunity to visit Kusadasi twice within a two week period. The first visit I went to Ephesus which I found truly amazing. The second visit, I chose a day trip that went to Priene, Miletus, and Didyma. This was also a truly amazing day and such a contrast of experiences. We found ourselves practically alone exploring these three extremely interesting sites in contrast to the crowds at Ephesus. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Ephesus is the only interesting location in the area.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
801 posts
Some random thoughts:
I know that there are day tours from Antalya to Pamukkale and back, but it's a long haul. I would be more inclined to rent a car in Kudasi and drive to Pamukkale and then on to Antalya, probably spending the night in Pamukkale. (Aphrodisias is more than worth a stop if you are driving from Kudasi to Pamukkale.)
I have mixed feelings about Pamukkale. On the one hand, I am absolutely glad that I went. On the other hand, the travertine pools have all dried up except for a narrow string of 8 or so artificially fed (and very crowded) pools along the right edge. Make sure to set your expectations accordingly, and don't be disappointed when it doesn't look the tourist brochures and influencer sites. You can see what I am talking about from a visit in spring 2023 here: https://mariematthews.smugmug.com/Ancient-Turkey/Pamukkale-Travertines. Hierapolis is interesting, but if your daughter isn't interested in Ephesus then I doubt she will be interested in Hierapolis either. (Also, make sure to bring a swimsuit for the antique pools. I left mine back at the hotel because it was so cold that morning that I couldn't imagine swimming. I regret that decision.)
The traditional gulet cruises tend to run out of Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek, and Fethiye. Although there are boats that offer day trips out of Antalya, most of them are more like 3 hour cruises that take you to Upper Duden Falls and back to the marina. I think there may be some that go to Phaselis, but you will definitely need to do your homework. Although I enjoyed the boat tour that I took in Antalya, it wasn't in the same league with the full gulet cruise I did in Gocek and Fethiye.
I have spent a lot of time in Antalya, and can offer additional suggestions on things to do there. Admittedly, I have a thing for ancient sites, and there are plenty of them around Antalya. I go into considerably more detail in my trip report here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/ancient-cities-of-western-turkey
Just curious, roughly how old is your daughter? I might recommend different activities depending on her age.
Posted by
OP
Bend, OR
578 posts
Thank all of you for your wisdom and taking the time to comment. I think I need to rethink the flight from Izmir to Antalya and consider renting a car instead. My daughter is actually a 32 year old engineer and although she loves history (but not especially Biblical history) she wants to prioritize having a more beachy, relaxing experience on this trip. I will study your suggestions and make changes!