View the route
Date of the journey:- September 2019
Distance travelled:- 305 miles
After a wonderful 3 night stay in Kas, we were on the move again. This time, starting our journey north to Goreme. To achieve this meant the slow coastal route to Antalya. This is where we planned to take the first overnight break of the journey. The next leg would be from Antalya to Konya. The final stage being from Konya to Goreme.
Tickets
The coastal route to Antalya was a 4hr and 15-minute journey. We purchased our tickets from Kas bus station on the morning of our departure for 38 Turkish Lira each. Using a company called Bati Antalya. The bus was another midibus. Again a bus which had no facilities, i.e WiFi, refreshments, etc.
Leaving Kas, the bus slowly climbed up the mountain road, affording us great views over Kas and the Mediterranean sea beyond. The roads passing through the mountains were extremely good, perfect in fact for an episode of top gear! but, not on our bus.
We passed through the national park at Olympus. Absolutely stunning countryside. With lush greenery, either side of the road, certainly not what we were expecting.
Back along the coast, we could see the city of Antalya looming in the distance. The sun reflecting off the white high rise buildings and apartment blocks. We both thought we would be faced with just another concrete metropolis…How wrong we were. The city itself is just another city but, the old town of Kalesi and the marina area are well worth a visit.
Our bus arrived at the Antalya Ilceler Otogarı. Our accommodation Nensies Boutique Hotel was in the Kalesi area of the city. This meant that we had to transfer to the city.
A 10 min walk from the bus station was Otogar Tramvay Duragi. From here we were able to get the Faith-Expo tram T1A in the direction of Expo. Staying on the tram for about 15 mins and 8 stops, we got off at Ismetpasa Tramvay Durağı. 10 mins walk to Nensies from the tram stop.
Cash is not accepted on the trams, so tickets have to be purchased via the ticket offices at the tram stations. One ticket costs 3.2 Turkish Lira. As an alternative, you can use a contactless credit card for boarding the trams.
We had limited time sightseeing in Antalya, as it was just an overnight stop.
Up bright and early the next morning. After a continental breakfast, we were ready for the continuation of our journey. We had already booked the bus tickets for the next leg of our journey from Antalya to Konya. Done online through a company called Obilet.com. Using a new bus company called Kontur Turizm, the tickets cost 65 Turkish Lira each. Tickets were emailed to us and printed hard copies weren’t required to board the bus.
We had to make our way back to Antalya Ilceler Otogari to catch the 1100 hrs bus. Leaving Nensies Boutique Hotel at 0930 hrs. We followed the same route as our arrival, except in reverse. Arriving at the bus station in plenty of time.
Being back on the main bus route again, meant a bigger bus. In the journey, coffee and cake were provided. Sadly no WiFi for research. We just had to admire the mountainous scenery, play solitaire, and talk to each other for the 5hr journey.
Arrival at Konya Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali was at 1630 hrs, about 30 minutes late.
Our accommodation for the night was at the Dundar Hotel, booked through Hotels.com.
Getting into the town and our hotel was done via a dolmus. We hadn’t got a clue as to which dolmus to get. So we just walked around those at the bus station showing them our hotel address. Although the drivers don’t speak English, they were really helpful. Eventually, we were pointed to the correct vehicle.
The dolmus trip from the bus station to our accommodation, about 30 minutes, cost 3 Turkish Lira each. This was considerably cheaper than the prices charged in the tourist areas. The driver even stopped the dolmus at the end of the road that our hotel was on.
By the time we had reached the hotel and checked in, it was getting too late to go and explore the city. So some dinner on the hotel terrace and further research was the order of the day.
A large buffet breakfast set us up for the final leg of our journey to Goreme. Having already pre-booked the tickets with the online booking portal Busbud.com . This purchase cost 65 Turkish Lira each. Using the Tokat Yildizi bus company.
Getting back to Konya Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali wasn’t as straightforward as the journey in. We couldn’t find any information regarding public transport back to the bus station. The hotel staff couldn’t help either. So with no bus or dolmus information, we had no alternative other than to use a taxi. The taxi cost was 30 Turkish Lira, taking about 30 mins to get there. We left at 1000 hrs for the 1100 hrs bus.
The journey to Goreme took 4hrs. Starting with us crossing an immense flat baron plain, with nothing but the odd industrial building. The position of villages and towns only evident by the mosque minarets rising above the heat haze. Plumes of dust in the distance, blowing across the fields behind farmer’s tractors as they tended to their crops.
For miles, the perfectly straight and smooth dual carriageway cut its way across this vast plain. Passing through a couple of towns and having crossed the plain, we started to climb up the next set of very rounded hills.
As we got close to our destination the landscape changed dramatically and became jaw droppingly amazing. It is far too difficult to describe so all we can say is look at the photos in the gallery.
We chose to stay at the Charming Cave Hotel in Goreme, which we booked directly with the hotel. On arrival at the Göreme Otobüs Terminali, we messaged the hotel to collect us, as they offer a free collection and drop off service.