2-Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul by Plane

Day 1: Fly to Izmir from Istanbul – Ephesus Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 AM and transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir, departing between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. Upon arrival in Izmir, you’ll be transferred to Selçuk, where you’ll meet your guide to begin your full-day Ephesus tour.

Your first stop will be the ancient city of Ephesus, where you’ll explore its fascinating ruins, including highlights like the Temple of Hadrian, the impressive Great Theater, and the beautiful Trajan Fountain. After lunch, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final years. You’ll also visit the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the stunning Isa Bey Mosque, a remarkable example of Seljuk architecture.

After the tour ends at around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the area at your leisure.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Pamukkale and Hierapolis ancient city Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

After breakfast around 8:00 am, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kusadasi and transferred to the meeting point in Selçuk, where the full group will gather before starting the journey. At 8:30 am, you will begin the drive to Pamukkale, approximately a 3-hour ride with a short restroom break after about 1.5 hours.

Upon arrival in Pamukkale at around 11:45 am, the group will enjoy lunch. Around 1:00 pm, your guided tour of the Pamukkale and Hierapolis area will begin with a professional, licensed guide. Highlights include the breathtaking Cotton Cliffs, a stunning natural wonder formed by calcareous salt deposits, and the fascinating ruins of the City of Hierapolis, where you’ll see its ancient theater and Roman Baths.

After the guided portion, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. For an extra fee, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools, known for their historical significance and thermal waters. Your guide will provide details on the meeting point and time for rejoining the group.

The tour ends around 4:00 pm, after which you’ll be transferred to Denizli or Izmir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul, departing between 7:00 and 10:00 pm. END OF OUR SERVICE and TOURS.

Please note that transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: No accommodation is included on this day

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• Pick up from Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport (on the European side of Istanbul only).
• Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Izmir and from Denizli or Izmir to Istanbul only.
• 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary: (B) breakfast, (L) lunch.
• Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the program.
• Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

• Drop off transportation service from Istanbul New Airport OR Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul Hotel upon returning to Istanbul.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Drinks with meals.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• Your return to Istanbul can be in the late evening and can be estimated between 7 – 10 pm. We will confirm this time based on the tickets bought after payment has been received.
• You can swim in the Antique pool in Pamukkale. However, please note that there is an extra charge that you will have to pay directly at your own expense before entry to the pools. This entrance fee to the pools is not covered as part of your tour. Please note that you must bring your own towel, swimsuit etc. if you need to use the pools.

WHEN TO BOOK?

• Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
• You can book up to 2 days before (Istanbul local time) if there are still places available. If less than 2 days before the start of your requested tour date, please contact us by email or phone as it would be a last-minute booking that will need to be checked for availability before your tour reservation is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I visit Ephesus and Pamukkale on the same day?
Due to the considerable distance between Ephesus and Pamukkale, it is generally not feasible to visit both sites in a single day using standard travel options. However, if you’re interested in a more flexible schedule, you might consider arranging a private tour, though this would likely involve additional fees.

2. Is Ephesus close to Pamukkale?
Ephesus and Pamukkale are not in close proximity to each other. Ephesus, located near the town of Selçuk in Izmir Province, is about 200 kilometers away from Pamukkale, a distance that typically requires a drive of approximately 3 hours. This separation means that planning visits to both sites usually involves staying overnight in the region or arranging separate day trips.

3. Can you visit Ephesus from Istanbul?
Yes, it’s possible to visit Ephesus from Istanbul. There are organized day trips available that include round-trip flights to Izmir and a guided tour of Ephesus. This makes for a long but feasible day trip, offering a convenient way to explore this ancient site without the need for an overnight stay in the region.

4. Is one day enough for Pamukkale?
A single day is usually sufficient to experience the highlights of Pamukkale, including its famous travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Pamukkale day trips from Istanbul are available, which typically include a flight to Denizli and a guided tour of the area, making it a practical option for those with limited time.

5. When is the best time to visit Pamukkale?
The best time to visit Pamukkale is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) months. During these periods, the weather is mild, and the site is less crowded compared to the peak summer season. These months offer a more comfortable experience for exploring the outdoor attractions and enjoying the thermal waters.