4 nights between Cappadocia and Isantbul: ideas for destinations that are off the beaten path?

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loulilah
loulilah

Hello, we are looking for some ideas for the 4 nights we have to spend between Cappadocia and Istanbul. We’d ideally like to land somewhere small and charming and stay put for a few days.

We’d originally planned to go to Pamukkale and Ephesus and may well end up doing that but would much prefer ideas for something a little less off the beaten tourist track. We adored Cappadocia, but even though this year is apparently very slow, we found it to be overwhelmingly touristy.

Thanks for your suggestions!

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ahmd
ahmd

You can easily spend 4 days in Bursa which is very charming but NOT small, you can visit Iznic and uludah while in Bursa.

Your other option will be Ankara & Eskisahir 2 days each or Safronbolu and Eskisahir

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sarikanarya
sarikanarya

Taraklı in southern Sakarya Province and whilst there take the local bus one day to Göynuk and Mudurnu.All probably new mames to you so do some research on them.I think you'll like what you read and see :) Even many Turks don't know about them......

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perryale
perryale

I also recommend Iznik for a couple of days.

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willemspie
willemspie

Egirdir ? There are some major and untouristy archeological sites nearby.

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NatalieSayin
NatalieSayin
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I enjoyed Beypazari - A quaint little town steeped in Ottoman traditions. A 2-night or overnight trip is ample time for that.

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chrisj
chrisj

Gordion west of Ankara (King Midas tumulus), and Hattusa, (Hittites) east of Ankara? Both are interesting archeological sites. The latter has decent tourist accommodation and some good day hikes along trails through the upper and lower city. Or if Safranbolu is too touristy, try nearby Yoruk Village 13 km from Safranbolu.

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Buratino
Buratino

Afyonkarahisar and Kütahya with a trip to the Zeus Temple of Aizanoi.

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swampeastmike
swampeastmike

If you want to spend four nights in one place, I'd suggest Safranbolu--especially if the time is NOT over a weekend. Both the old and new towns are interesting to explore and there are a number of the things in the immediate area to visit. Tourism in Safranbolu is fairly low-key but it tends to be quite busy on weekends (mainly Turkish visitors). The old hamam in Safranbolu is excellent.

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