I've got a trip coming up to Turkey in November and there is (of course) far more that I'd like to do than time to do it in.

Here's what I'm thinking and here are a few questions:

1) Monday - arrive IST early afternoon

2) Tuesday - highlights of Istanbul - Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace

3) Wednesday - more touring in Istanbul. Jewish sites? Museums? Whirling dervish show at Hojapasha.

4) Thursday - Fly to Cappadocia (probably Kayseri as there seem to be more flights), tour underground city stuff

5) Friday - hot air balloon flight, more Cappadocia touring

6) Saturday - fly to Izmir, go to Pannukale and Hieropolis

7) Sunday - Ephesus

8) Monday - Return to Istanbul, travel to Gallipoli by bus

9) Tuesday - Troy, return to Istanbul

10) Wednesday - day in Istanbul for more sightseeing, maybe a little shopping

11) Thursday - fly home


So here are the questions:

- I know this is a lot. But is it way too much?

- Gallipoili and Troy seems the most expendable part. There are day trips to Troy from Istanbul, but that sounds pretty exhausting. Or should I just save that for some future trip?

- I'd also like to see Helicarnasus, even though I understand there isn't really much to see. Is there any way to make that work?

- Is it really worth staying in a cave hotel (probably in Goreme)? I've heard mixed reports. But I've also been fascinated by Cappadocia ever since I saw photos some years ago and I'm always attracted to unique accomodations.

- Any particular cautions for a middle-aged woman traveling alone?