Driving down to the Aegean coast from Istanbul

There are no ferries if you intend to somehow hop ferries. Local ferries go to/from Greek Islands. There are no local ferries plying along Aegean sea. Kusadasi is close to Ephesus. Cesme is not close to Ephesus. If you are asking about ferry schedules to/from turkey to greek islands, you can find that info when you get your feet on ground in Turkey.

Actually, I was thinking about taking a ferry from Istanbul down South maybe halfway and drive the rest. I am thinking this because we have a 2-year old traveling with us and I want to shorten his time strapped in the car.

I would also appreciate any suggestions on which town to stay in. I guess we might scrap Cesme if is too far from the sites...

Please let us know what you think!

There are ferries you can use.

Two options:
1. You can take the fastferry from Yenikapi (Istanbul) to Bandirma and drive to Izmir from there. Fastferry takes two hours instead of driving more than 3,5 hours. Highly recommended.

. Timetable
. Fares

2. You can take an overnight ferry directly to Izmir from Sarayburnu (Istanbul).
I couldn't manage to find English pages for you but here are the pages in Turkish.
. Timetable
. Fares

Basicly, this ferry is every Wednesday till Sept 07th, 2007 departing from Sarayburnu (Istanbul) at 16:00 and arriving to Alsancak (Izmir) at 9:00 nextday.
Only exception to this: on July 18th, 2007, ferry will depart Sarayburnu at 15:00 and arrive to Cesme instead of Alsancak (Izmir) at 08:00 nextday.

One-way fares:
Fare for the automobile is 129 YTL
Pullman seats are 59 YTL for downstairs gallery and 69 YTL for upstairs. (per person)
Standart inside Cabin for 2 is 199 YTL
Standart outside Cabin for 2 is 239 YTL
Kids under 12 are free of charge.

The three choices are all good for bases however Kusadasi is probably more central. Its downfall is that at times it can be overrun by package tour customers - often young and with a capacity for large quantities of beer, however the up side is that they are usually out and about at hours that a 2 year old will not keep!!!!. With access to a car it will be possible to visit Ephesus early before the bus travellers arrive, and the heat gets too much. There are beautiful safe peaceful beaches at Milli Park (the national park), and on the way to the park, and Pamuck (turn left instead of right going to Selcuk), and the smaller beaches close to town are not quite so crowded. There are also a number of small theme and aquatic parks (one with dolphins) available in Kusadasi which may interest your little one.

Turks in general love little ones so don't be surprised at the amount of attention your son will get.

Enjoy.

Wow, you guys are amazing! Really good pieces of advice, thank you! Kusadasi sounds like it has some serious pro's (central location) but also some con's (drunk groups).....not sure how to decide just yet.

Other opinions on where we should make our HQ for the week? Maybe centrally located small towns (close to a beach and places like Efes and Dydima for example)

Thanks!

Once Altinkum - Didim (Didyma) was one of the nicest towns of the area. I spent my childhood holidays there (1980 - 1993). Then in the middle of 1990s, this small town turned into a British/Irish holiday town. Now many British people have their own houses there and bars have SKY TV. But still it has its charms. Most of the tourists choosing this town are families. Beach in Altinkum (literal translation "golden sand") is one of the best for the kids. It is sandy. The water is not too deep close to the sea shore. But crowded. Especially on the weekends with local people driving from Aydin, Söke.

All Didyma, Miletos and Priene Antique Cities are within short driving distance. Efes is a little bit far-away but still managable. You can take daily boat tours for other nice beaches.

http://www.didimguide.com/en/index.html