Turkey Travel Forum

Hi all, I intend to spend one week in Turkey and have made plans to travel from Istanbul to Troy to Ephesus and Cappadocia (tentative).

I will be travelling in early to mid September.
What are your recommendations for covering the above routes?
I intend to take bus, but is it possible to get a bus on the spot or do I have to book beforehand? What is the frequency like?
Are there any better alternatives besides taking bus?
We don't speak Turkish - will it be a problem?

Also, we are not sure if we need to book accomodation before we go. Are there any motel or hotel chains in Turkey which are reliable, cheap and provides good service?

Waiting for your kind advice. Thanks.

I took a bus from Istanbul to Canakkale where Troy is located then on to Selcuk where Ephesus is located and I did it easily. A shuttle bus picked me up near my hotel in the Sultanahmet district and took me to the main bus terminal where I boarded a regular bus that took me to Canakkale. When I was ready to go to Selcuk I went to the bus station and purchased a ticket for the next bus. Simple as that. I was travelling during a holiday so there were some moments of doubt that I would be able to get my ticket to Selcuk, but it worked out for me. That would be the only consideratin that might make it a problem. Otherwise, if you're not travelling on a holiday, just find a travel agency in Istanbul that will sell you your ticket and you're off to Canakkale. Have a great time. Did you know that there were actually several incarnations of Troy, and Hellenic Troy was not the first but I believe the 5th or 6th? Interestng stuff.

I meant to say Homeric Troy, not Hellenic Troy. I was referring to the story of Helen of Troy and the Trojan Horse, you probably figured that out.

Lots of buses go from Istanbul to Canakkale where you can then get a local bus or tour of Troy. Several then go to Izmir (maybe change) and Selcuk. I have done both during september and never had problems. To Cappadocia you may have to change in Konya. Hotels and pensions are plenty, especially in Canakkale and Selcuk (up the hill towards the castle, on the left) and Nevsehir or Goreme (lots). Catch a dolmus to Kusadasi from Selcuk and Efes (Ephesus) is 2-3km down the road on your left. Most tourist places will have people who speak fairly good English.

hello there ,
September seems to be the best time visiting Turkey.I would like to provide you full itinerary also with hotel recommendations.Are you on budget ? Would you prefer driving for Gallipoli and Coastal part down to Ephesus which is definately very enjoyable one ?How many days you have in total ?

you can also mail me :)