My travel companion and I will be in Istanbul June 28-July 1 and then want to go to Selcuk and Ephesus for 1-2 days before going to Greece via Samos. To save time we are thinking about flying from Istanbul to Izmir and then taking bus/taxi to Selcuk. Are we going to miss out on some amazing scenery between Istanbul and Selcuk if we fly? For those who have traveled by bus or car between Istanbul and this region, is it worth us taking a long day (or more? not sure how long the bus trip is) to go by bus?
It doesn't sound like you have that much time, so in your circumstances, I would fly.
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If you had more time, it would be worth going overland with stops at Gallipoli, Troy, and Bergama (Pergamon), However, if you only have 1-2 days after Istanbul, then fly to Izmir to save time. Ephesus will take you about 1/2 day to tour. However, the nearby Ephesus museum in Selcuk is also worth visiting. The nearby Virgin Mary shrine is also worth visiting if you are religious. You can also hit the beach at nearby Kusadasi or visit the ruins of the Greek town of Priene (40 km south) if you have any time left.
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