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It's been decided, we're going to Turkey! I've just gone and bought a book to start up research, but any other advice would be great. The current plan is to fly over to Istanbul and spend a few days there, go to Cappadocia, and then somewhere on the coast. The only time we have available will be in July/August, so we know it'll be hot, expensive, and crowded. Unfortunate, but that's the way it goes.
1) How many days should we spend in Istanbul? Any suggestions in general?
2) Where's a good place to stay in Cappadocia? I've heard about Goreme, but any others?
3) This is the big question, where to go on the coast?? We're looking into the Aegean/Mediterranean side, but don't know whether to go north or south.
Is it a dry heat or more humid? I'm mainly asking because when I studied in Spain during the summer it got to 42-45 degrees Celsius a few days and I hardly noticed (unlike DC, where if it punches 85 Farenheit you feel like you're in a sauna).
We spent 2 nights in Turkey and given the whole duration of our trip, it was just enough to do what all we wanted to do. Visit the Blue Mosque and all that stuff and make sure you also make it up to the "newer district" that is located northbound. I don't remember the name of the area and it's very cosmopolitan but it's like a whole new world up there.
We also went to Ephesus, which was pretty cool and I recall the beaches near Izmir looking pretty nice.
I support the Ephesus suggestion entirely, and recommend Antalya, as well. You can do a loop to include Cappadocia and hit all bases.
How much time you spend in Istanbul depends on how much time you have. Definitely stay in Sultanahamet (lots of B&Bs with views over the Marmara from the rooftops, often where breakfast is served.) I also recommend a trip out to Princes Island (day trip). I'd say at least 2 days in Istanbul, including recovery time for jet lag, and a few days more if you can spare it. You'll want some leisurely shopping time at the Grand Bazar!
Thanks everyone! I'm definitely going to look into all of your suggestions
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