Expert: Oguz Kosebalaban - 5/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: How long is the car journey from Selcuk-Bergama?

ANSWER: Selcuk to Bergama is  172 km and takes 2hr30mn  if you take the inexpensive tollroad the turn of which is after  Selçuk about 5 - 7 km ; turkish word for this express way ( authobahn ) is otoban ; its sign shows a logo like a bridge ; the sign is in light freen color as opposed to the regular drive way in dark blue background. If you miss the otoban - expressway, you then drive through Izmir ; and waste an other 30 minutes at traffic lights.
Enjoy it - Oguz

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If you had to choose between Aphrodisias and Miletus which would you recommend?

ANSWER: In many respects Aphrodisias is even  more impressive and definetely more charming in many ways then Ephesus; Miletus can not get close to the league of these sites ; though for somebody who like philosopher Thales so much ; going to his home city  Miletus could be special. Aphrodisias is definetely the winner; plus outside the ruins ( 3 km towards Karacasu ) Anatolia restaurant as mentioned in New York times is a must; charming rustic  countryside restaurant in a lovely garden with reasonable prices ( not the major issue though )  as well.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is it possible to go from Marmaris-Hierapolis-Afrodisias to Seluk by private car in 1 day? Is Hierapolis better than Aphrodisia or vice versa? i f only 1 sit is possible which would you choose? Thank you.

Answer
It could be done in one day; but it will be long and will be like fulfilling duty, instead of enjoying it. I recommend one site ; in which case I prefer Aphrodisias, but the charm of Hierapolis is a different category with the formations.

Overnight in Pamukkale then the following day drive to Selcuk ( 3 hour ) is recommended ; or you may have to come back another year; Turkey welcomes  visitors more than once usually.