Trip to Turkey in 2008
 

Hi All,

I'm planning to travel from the UK to Turkey via Italy and Greece arriving in June.

Are there any suggested best travel routes around Turkey lasting 3 weeks? (The main criteria is to visit Istanbul and Gallipoli with plenty of good mountain roads in other parts of Turkey.)

Is anyone else heading in that direction then?

Cheers, Jon.

If you can fit it into your itinerary I'd say Cappadocia is one of the best places to visit in Turkey. (Gallipoli is a great choice too.)
Stephan

You may visit Black Sea Region and/or Aegean region. Black Sea Region is more scenic. Aegean region has more history. Both have paved roads and dirt roads and national parks. Aegean region has more camping areas, hostels, hotels and more touristic. How much you could see depends on your pace.

Cappadoica is in the central Anatolia but I agree with Stephan, Cappadocia is one the best places.

Mediterranean has really nice scenery and historical places too but from Istanbul it takes 1-2 days to reach Mediterranean region.

Ozgur

Hi Stephano / kobold,

Thanks for the tip on Cappadocia and yes kobold, I'll be in touch by email.

Cheers, Jon.

another advice,

the south coast is also good for riding, places to see like ancient historical places, small villages, etc.

drop me a line if you need detailed info and place to stay in Ankara.

Suggestions
 

Either start with Istanbul via Greece border and TEM highway or first take a ferry to Cesme-Izmir from Italy (Brindisi) or from Aegean Islands and start from Western Anatolia.

A few suggestions:

1- Istanbul

2- All the way down from Istanbul down to Antalya either via Troy, Assos, Pergamon to Izmir or via Bursa, Bandirma, Gonen, Balya, Ivrindi, Allianoi, Pergamon, to Izmir and regions.

3- Two options from Izmir:
Ephesus - Priene - Denizli (Hierapolis) - Konya - Cappadocia

or

4- Ephesus - Priene - Heracleia (Bafa lake) - Bodrum (via ferry) Datca - Marmaris - Elmali - Antalya

5- Antalya - Mersin by the seashore (for motorcycling fun with curves and curves)

6- Mount Nemrut - Adapazari

7- Antakya (Antioch) - and even a daily trip to Halep (Aleppo) in Syria

8- Van lake and regions

9- Dogubeyazit / Ishakpasa palace

10- Black sea and inland Turkey: see Ride to Blacksea Coast of Turkey - Report - ADVrider for a detailed report

11- Safranbolu (near Kastamonu)

12- Places like Goynuk (near Bilecik city for being far from the madding touristic crowd and hot weather in june/july.)

... and cold beer in Izmir if you happen to pass by. Send PM for possible routes and details.