IMHO, the only thing you will be doing in that amount of time is traveling from place to place. Your plan is to visit six destinations in Turkey and spend 10 days doing so. That only gives you just over a day in each place, and that's not including the time it will take to get to each location. And…your proposed destinations are not around the corner from each other.

Also, how were you planning to get from Turkey to Greece?

Those were my immediate observations. Here is my recommendation. I would drop Greece and visit that country another time. That will then give you a total of 14 days to explore Turkey. I can’t speak for Troy, Hierapoli, and Pamukkale, as I’ve not been there, but I would spend 4-5 days in Istanbul (there is a lot to see there), 2 days in Ephesus, and 2 days in Cappadoccia. That’s 8-9 days. Then, I would build in some time for rest. I say this in the nicest way possible – you’re going to be on holiday, not running a marathon. Take some time and slow down to savor and enjoy! If you feel you must, I would then say choose one other destination (either Troy, Hierapoli, or Pamukkale), but definitely not all three!).

For travel within Turkey you can either fly, take a bus, or drive. For me, flying was the best option, as it took the least amount of time. In addition to Turkish Air, there are low cost airlines (Pegasus, AtlasJet, Sun Express, to name a few). There is a long distance train service, but I thought I read somewhere where the service had been temporarily suspended due to upgrades (don’t quote me on this, however, and I would double check to verify).

I can highly recommend the Hotel Erboy as a place to stay. Lovely place in old town Sultanhamet, just down the block from the tram, and very close to most of the major attractions. Their website is www.erboyhotel.com, and here is my TripAdvisor review on the hotel: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293974-d296569-r145537151-Erboy_Hotel-Istanbul.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

Also, check out this website: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/itin/index.html, for suggested itineraries. I found the site to be very useful when planning my trip to Turkey this past November. Click on the various links and you’ll find information on distances between certain places, what to see, etc.

You will find Turkey to be a delightful place. I know I did. In fact, I loved it so much, I’ve booked a return trip for this coming April (there just wasn’t enough time for me to really explore...(hint…hint…) ;o)

Whatever you decide upon, happy travels to you and your family!

Thanks Mscleo!
I think you are right about the Greece part. The only thing is going so near and not going is like a real tough descion. Initialy we thought that we would take a ferry to Kos or Rhodes from the Turkey side. But again, if needed we will skip it. Another question! Do you have any hotel suggestion for other places outside Istanbul? What about staying in Sultanhamet or Taksim (more vibrant part). Sorry just came across lot of writings mentioning about it.

If you're going to visit Ephesus, then I think Hotel Bella in Selcuk would be a nice choice (Selcuk is not far from Ephesus). http://www.hotelbella.com/ephesus_bellahotel/index.html

Cappadocia? You could try one of the cave hotels, like the Hezen...lovely place...http://www.hezenhotel.com/

Alternately, you could arrange for a tour that would include hotel pickup, your hotel stay and transportation, touring and a guide. OnlineEphesus is one company, and Jasminne Tours is another. If you were to do that, you wouldn't have to worry about arranging the logistics yourself. I've used Jasminne Tours for Ephesus; they were great and I loved the guide - seemed like he knew everything...

Loved the Kelebek Hotel In Goreme (Cappadocia).

The distances are kind of long, but we did things as a self-drive. The road system is very good but driving in the cities (especially Ankara) is a bit of an adventure.

That said, we did a more nothern route in 10 days and didn't hit many of the southern sites. Our route was basically Istanbul - Bolu - Goreme - Bogazkale (Hattusa and other Hittite sites) - Ankara - Istanbul.

We loved the freedom of having a car (especially in Cappadocia) and would highly recommend renting one even if it's just for that area.

Stay at least three nights (two full days) in Cappadocia. Easy, short, inexpensive flight from Istanbul. We loved Hotel Esbelli Evi in Urgup. They will arrange shuttle pick up from airport. You can rent a car or have hotel arrange a car and driver. Hot air Balloon flight in Cappadocia - amazing!

Sultanhamet area of Istanbul is great. Five to ten minute walk to AyaSofya, Topkai Palace, Blue Mosque and tram. Lots of good restaurants there.

You might be interested in my trip report, in which we drove from Izmir to Cappadocia via Pamukkale; click on my name to find it.

Are you fully committed to all of these destinations? Your trip sounds ambitious to me, particularly with a 5-year-old. But it depends on what you want to see and experience.

FWIW, I (solo traveler) spent nearly 4 full days/4 nights in Cappadocia, 5 full days/6 nights in Istanbul, 1 day/1 night in Pamukkale/Hierapolis, and 1 day/2 nights in Ephesus/Selcuk. (I skipped Troy.) That doesn't count any of the time I spent in transit.

You'll see some wonderful things, whatever you choose!

Thank! to all, for your Suggestion. Trying to balance it out. Shall let you all know once its all set.