8-10 Days in Turkey in February

Well....this all looks okay except the first bit in Izmir IMHO.No visit to Ephesus?Really?Buca Gölet will be as miserable as sin at that time of year and isn't a wildly exciting spot at any time.If you insist on staying in Izmir then visit the huge Mevlana statue in Buca instead.It is one of the largest statues in the world and stands on top of the highest hill in Izmir,so great views.There is a nice cafe underneath and the gardens are lovely-maybe not so lovely in February :)
Konak Clock tower is right on the sea front so that's a nice place to stroll if the weather is kind to you.Nearby there is Kızlarağası Han,a restored Ottoman trading han which has some lovely craft shops to browse.Much of your time you can walk okay but to go out to Buca you need to take the bus from nearby Konak tower.

2 days and nights in Cappadocia is a good idea to give you 2 chances at the balloon ride.Ask your hotel for a quote for this but then also contact a few companies direct so you can compare prices.What will be comofrtably accessible depends so much on how good or bad winter we have.100% for sure there will be snow there but as to how much.....crystal ball needed :) But you should be able to visit Göreme Open Air Museum ,probably Zelve Open Air Museum or at least part of it,one of the underground cities,probably Kaymaklı would be okay and the road there open as it is quite a main connector road.Pigeon Valley 'may/should'be open so you can walk to Uçhisar but if not then the bus or even a taxi would do.And you should be able to reach Urgup and Avanos okay too as both of these are on main connector roads which tend to be kept open as much as possible.Draw up a wish list and you'll have to wait until you are there to learn which will be possible.Some place syou can walk to(hopefully)provided you are dressed correctly but others you'll need to use the local bus service.Your hotel should know the winter timetable for it.

In Istanbul you'll probably walk a fair amount ,especially your time spent in Sultanahmet area.But then to commute between the historic peninsula and the more modern north of the city then the tram is the best bet.It will be too cold to make a full Bosphorus cruise pleasant but do try at least to jump on a couple of ferries just for the pleasure of seeing the city skyline from the water-it's amazing.One of the best ferry routes for this is Eminönü to Kadıköy on the Asian side.4TL for a 20 minute sail offering stunning views!Go there have a cup of coffee and then return.

Thank you again all of you for your such valuable feedbacks. I really appreciate it. I have a few questions regarding hotel reservations in Istanbul and other places where I am planning to visit.

I will definitely make advance reservation for first night in Istanbul but since it is going to be an off season in February, I have a some questions as below,

1. Is it possible to get a better deal(bargain) for hotel stay if we don't make reservation in advance but we reach the hotel in person and make reservation?

2. Is it true that some hotel would give a better discount if payment is made in cash ? (I read something like this somewhere so just want to confirm if anyone happens to know or had any such experience)

I know @swampeastmike advised to make advance reservation for accommodation in Istanbul but does it hold true as well for Cappadocia and Izmir as well ?(again all this just because of off season )

Thank you all again in advance.

It is a bit swings and roundabouts.In February you could just rock up in any city,including Istanbul,and find clean comfortable beds.However Istanbul is HUGE,you'll arrive tired,possibly snowing,cold wet weather...do you really want to schlep the streets of a massive unknown city with your luggage?Going from one to another and back again comparing prices?Much nicer to have a place waiting for you and go there direct.
And I would say that this is pretty good advice for everywhere you'll go.Contact hotels in advance,let them know you'll be paying cash(as yes,that often improves the discount given)and see what their best price is.If you don't like it then e mail them and say it is too much but you are prepared to pay XYZ T.L. they can only say no.Provided your price isn't stupid they are unlikely to say no in mid winter.

Sarikinarya said it--even though you're unlikely to have much problem finding some accommodation at that time of the year, Istanbul just showing up in that mega city for your first time with no planned accommodation is almost certain to be a terrible experience!

There is only one hotel at Atatürk Airport. (Well actually two but they are sort of the same--it's just that it has a separate air side--within security and accessed only from the international terminal--and unsecured tarmac side.) Anyhow it is rather expensive but certainly comfortable and convenient when you are essentially transiting. At least the food is reasonably priced and excellent with a particularly good (included) breakfast. Check the internet for pricing and if you feel the cost is justified I suggest NOT making a reservation. Both times that I've stayed there we've been able to negotiate a price somewhat below what is published.

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