Just a few thoughts-
Your plan to fly down there and drive around is fine.
I've rented cars down there. Turkish drivers are indeed among the worlds more misbehaved, but down there is going to be MUCH better than the cities.
Be careful, be defensive and keep your eyes open and you'll be fine.
I will say that the most common problem I've seen is from foreigners who insist on say, full stops at stop signs when no one is coming, and having a driver behind them slam on the brakes because "why would you stop??"
I would also be hesitant to book a full tour from a TA in Istanbul as I actually have a friend who is a TA who likes to tell me about the price spread between what he pays for a tour down there and what he charges the clients.
The spread is HUGE.
The idea of negotiating with a local taxi is fine and will probably be much better. In fact, you might want to find the smaller local rental agencies and see if they will set up a car and driver package.
Do keep in mind that whatever you do, Turkey is one of, if not THE most expensive country in the world for gasoline (3.27ytl/L last I looked). That will have an impact no matter who is driving.
Last edited by remyontheroad; Mar 25, 2008 at 3:34 pm