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Report 1595: Turkey - The Turquoise Coast, Cappadocia and Istanbul, 2008

By Linda Hagstrom from Pennsylvania, Fall 2008

Page 2 of 20: More Planning

Cave complex (still used) across the path from Gamirasu Cave Hotel in Cappadocia

In the summer, I got to thinking about the part of my trip between the Lycian Way walk and Istanbul. I didn't want to spend nine days in Istanbul. I thought about spending a few days along the coast north of the Lycian Way, in Bodrum or Kusadasi. I love the sea, and these cities are close to Ephesus, one of the most famous sites in Turkey.

But then I had a brainstorm, 'How about Cappadocia?' I got out my Frommer's guide to Turkey and it sounded like Cappadocia was really something special (and it is). The guide recommended Cappadocia Tours so I emailed them. We went back and forth and finally came up with a plan that was perfect for me. Here is what I got for €570 (yes, euros - I would find that although the lire is the Turkish currency, many prices would be quoted in euros):

Plane fare from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul and from Istanbul on to Kayseri in Cappadocia on Turkish Airways.

Pickup for me at the Kayseri Airport and transport to the hotel (1 hour).

Two days of guided group sightseeing tours of Cappadocia with lunch.

Three nights at Gamirasu Cave Hotel in Ayvali, Cappadocia.

Transport back to the airport.

Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul on Turkish Airways.

I also made a reservation through Cappadocia Tours for a hot-air balloon ride, at an extra €140.

This gave me everything I needed, particularly the transport between airport and hotel. I made the reservation.

So my time in Turkey would look like this:

Oct 6 - Ferry from the Greek island of Rhodes to Marmaris, Turkey and then by land on to the town of Olu Deniz, where I would meet the group with HF Holidays.

Three nights in Olu Deniz and four nights in Kalkan, both on the coast, walking the Lycian Way with HF Holidays.

Oct 13 - Fly from Dalaman to Istanbul and then from Istanbul to Kayseri in Cappadocia and three nights there.

Oct 16 - Fly Cappadocia to Istanbul and six nights there.

Oct 22 - Fly from Istanbul to Pittsburgh.

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