Yes, the inter-city buses are smart and comfortable, and are a good way to travel. There will usually even be someone to serve you tea or icecream during the journey. However, to get to smaller, out-of-the -way places you will need to change to a dolmus (minibus-sized local bus) which can be rather less comfortable!

The train network is limited but it's a good option if there's a line going where you want it to. Sleeper trains are a particularly good option for long journeys.

Hi Samuela,

The intercity buses are really good but you can also get some budget airlines to cover longer distances. The distances are considerably longer than here in Geneva and seeing that you only have 16 days you might not want to spend every night on a bus. Of course I dont know how ambitious your travel schedule is and whether you want to go to a lot of places.

One location I can recommend is Antakya in far south. Two years ago I stayed there at the traditional mudhouse of a local family and it was fantastic. I am Turkish myself but even for me it was a very pleasant experience. I can dig up the address, etc. if you want. The owner is an English teacher so language should not be a problem and what they lack in language they more than make up in their warmth and care. Just a suggestion. 

You say you want to avoid tourist places but make sure you find your way to Cappadocia as taht is a real marvel.

Have fun!

Ela.

I had 14 days in Turkey

this is the route which I took: Istanbul; Gallipoli (which is a significant Australia/New Zealand/Turkish battle site) and a place of pilgrimage for NZers; Assos (tiny fishing village); Selcuk - from where I visited the ruined city of Ephesus; Pamukkale; Oludeniz (on the Mediterrian Coast); Goreme  (central turkey - fairy chimneys etc); return to Istanbul

We travelled by local bus - that in itself was a great cultural experience

Most of the trips were OK, but we were planning to travel from Oludeniz and stay at Kaz - when we got there, we decided not to stay - and so, stayed on the bus and went to Goreme - so had two 10 hour bus trips back to back. And of course, another 12 hour trip back to Istanbul...

I can't wait to go back.

Thanks a lot to all of you for your tips!!!!!

Ela, I don't know if I can reach Antakya unfortunately...it is so far away, but haven't check domestic flights yet.

it seems to me that the time I have does not match with the places i 'd like to visit! eh eh

K W, kaz and Oludeiniz where too touristic or yoo attended something else?

Samuela

Olu deniz is a bit touristy but the beach and the water are beautiful and you can do paragliding from there, it's one of the best places in the world to do it. . . I'd do it again and again. and again.

charlotte

hi,

intercity buses are very modern&luxury. you get even free drinks:)

but if the distance is too long, you can check below budget airlines.they have sometimes tickets which are cheaper than bus tickets but anyway, both will be cheaper comparing to Switzerland.

www.flypgs.com

www.anadolujet.com

www.sunexpress.com

http://www.onurair.com.tr/default_eng.aspx

enjoy!