I arrived around midnight and was greated by a very nice lady speaking excellent English, who gave me all the information about hotel amenities. The room was big and super confortable. All the toiletries you might think of, a big bathtub, complimentary internet access in room, and a fruit selection waiting for you. I was sad to spend there just one night...Too good! The next day I went to the pool, scrupolously cleaned, towels are white and thick, water was delicious and the pool was empty just after breakfast. In September, still hot temperatures made me leave the pool at about 10am. After a visit to the town, I came back, went to the SPA which is also a dream place. Had a massage with stretching, felt so relieved after it...The personnel is all very professional and the treatments really good. A big menu of massages and treatments at this SPA. After that I had lunch at the buffet restaurant. Also a great selection of food and a great service. Really do recommend.
Unique Quality: Room SPA
Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Related to: Singles, Women's Travel, Spa and Resort
We're in the tentative stages of planning a trip to Turkey for September, 2011. We plan to fly to Izmir and from there spend two or three nights in Selcuk to visit Ephesus and a few other sites. From Selcuk to Marmaris for the ferry to Rohdes and from Rhodes to Fetheyi.
Question is: Is it better to rent a car at Izmir airport (if so, any company better) and turn it in at Marmaris or would it be better to take the bus or hotel shuttle to Selcuk and bus to Marmaris?
Any suggestions or insights would be appreciated.
Re: Bus or Car Rental
by balhannah
I haven't done the hire car, but did local buses all the way. It was easy and cheap. You book when you are there at the Otogar.Buses are the way of travel in Turkey, and lots are like travelling on an airline with the service they give. The one between Izmir & Selcuk is a Dolmus -mini bus. They run very frequently, but wait until they have quite a few passengers before leaving.
I enjoyed sitting back and taking in the scenery. It was not expensive.
Check out this page for some details
Thanks for the info. Have checked out your link. We're pretty sure we'll use the bus. Does anyone know if they run on Sunday? From the little info online it appears they do not. Thanks again.
Travel Tips for Izmir
Izmir general background
by Kuznetsov_Sergey
Izmir also has its Greek name Smyrna. Izmir is almost 3,500 years old. It has more than 3 million people and is Turkey's third most populous city. Izmir was nearly destroyed by fire in September 1922. Izmir was badly damaged by earthquakes in 1928 and again in 1939.
So it has quite a modern view now without many ancient or medieval sights. May be that’s why tourist groups (like ours) usually make a short stop there before visiting other sites at the Aegean coast of Turkey.
You can watch my 4 min 07 sec Video clip Izmir Konak with Turkish pop music by Kenan Dogulu – Demedi Deme. You may watch my high resolution photo of Izmir on the Google Earth according to the following coordinates 38° 25' 0.10" N 27° 7' 31.96" E or on my Google Earth Panoramio Izmir .
Shopping in Bodrum The oldest...
by ankx
Shopping in Bodrum The oldest and main shopping center in Bodrum is located near the castle. The more modern Oasis shopping center has over 200 shops and plenty of places to eat. Also located in the Oasis complex are 3 movie theaters, a concert stage, bowling, billiards, and much more. Karada Marine also has a very nice shopping center with foreign news stands, restaurants, and high quality designer shops.
Festivals, Olimpiads etc.
by jonturk
6th Liberty Celebrations 1 -10 September / ÝZMÝR
Triatloon 1 -30 September / ÝZMÝR
September 4 Liberty Celebrations 4 September / ÝZMÝR
Liberty Celebrations and Fig Festival 7 September / ÝZMÝR
September 9 Culture, Art and Liberty Celebrations 7 -9 September / ÝZMÝR
September 9 Ýzmir-Bornova Liberty Feast 9 September / ÝZMÝR
Liberty 11 September / ÝZMÝR
Foça's Liberty Day 11 September / ÝZMÝR
Assembled Marriage Ceremony 12 September / ÝZMÝR
Bergama's Liberty Day 14 September / ÝZMÝR
Karþýyaka Festival 15-30 September / ÝZMÝR
Mordoðan Liberty Celebrations 16 September / ÝZMÝR
Liberty Celebrations 17 September / ÝZMÝR
Medical Dental Optics and Laboratory Equipments Fair 20-23 September / ÝZMÝR
Verona Marble Fair 27-30 September / ÝZMÝR
Çaylý Rahvan Horse Races 1 -31 October / ÝZMÝR
Pet § Flora (Evcil Hayvan and Bahçe Bitkileri Fair 4 -7 October / ÝZMÝR
Ýzmir Tourism Fair 11-14 October / ÝZMÝR
Hotel Equipment Fair 11-14 October / ÝZMÝR
Þirince Grape Harvest and Wine Festival 14 October / ÝZMÝR
Construction Fair 1 -4 November / ÝZMÝR
3 T (Machinery and Automation Fair) 22-25 November / ÝZMÝR
Human Rights Award Ceremony 1 -31 December / ÝZMÝR
Souvenir (Souvenir and Hobby) Fair 14-30 December / ÝZMÝR
Loyalty to Atatürk Road Run 24-30 December / ÝZMÝR
The fruits are everywhere and...
by catdockev
The fruits are everywhere and so fresh. Great Olives! The tangerines in the hills taste like a dream. Walk thru the old section of the city and see life as it has been for centuries. People stare but I think they are just interested in seeing how others dress!
Sini Ocakbasi on Cevik Bir...
by vonmilla
Sini Ocakbasi on Cevik Bir Meydani in the Buca district of Izmir. Sidewalk cafe seating, very low prices (Dinner for two about $8.00 US), wonderful dessert called firinda sutlac. Adana Kebap (spicy grilled ground lamb) and kuzu sis (grilled lamb)
Q:What to do with one day in Izmir - already been to Ephesus and Pergamon "Hi!
We are in Izmir for one day in April. As mentioned, we have been to Ephesus and Pergamon before. We have also visited..."
A: "Hi - we rented a car and drove to Priene, Didyma, and Miletus (3 fascinating archeological sites). It was an excellent day. We were staying in Selcuk at the time but..."
Read 4 Replies»
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Izjmir sunset
Ancient gymnasion
Gulf of Izmir and Lighthouse
where they make the evil eyes
