3-Day Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul by Plane

Day 1: Depart from Istanbul to Denizli and enjoy an overnight stay in Pamukkale

We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for a late afternoon or evening flight from Istanbul to Denizli, subject to availability. Upon arrival in Denizli, you will be met by a representative who will arrange your transfer to your hotel in Pamukkale. After you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax.

• Overnight in Pamukkale.
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day.
• Accommodation: Adempira Thermal & Spa Hotel OR Colossae Thermal Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 2: Pamukkale Tour – Transfer to Kuşadası, and Overnight Stay in Kuşadası

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. You will be picked up around 10:30 am to begin your tour. The first stop is the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you’ll explore key landmarks such as the Temple of Apollo, the Theater, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths, where St. Philip was martyred.

After exploring these historical sites, you will enjoy a lunch break. In the afternoon, travel to Karahayit, known for its red water and healing thermal springs.

Next, you’ll visit the famous Cotton Cliffs, also known as Cotton Castle, in Pamukkale. You will have 1 hour of free time to explore the terraces and enjoy the breathtaking views. Additionally, you will have the option to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools for an extra fee.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi, arriving at approximately 7:30 pm.

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

Day 3: Ephesus Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

After breakfast, check out of your hotel around 8:30 am. You’ll be picked up for an enriching full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities and once a major Greek port and cultural center.

Your tour begins with a walk along the Curetes Street, the main avenue of Ephesus, leading you to some of its most remarkable sites. One of the first stops is the Temple of Hadrian, a beautifully preserved structure with intricate reliefs depicting the city’s founding myths. Continuing on, you’ll reach the impressive Great Theater, which could seat up to 25,000 people and is still known for its acoustics. Here, your guide will share stories about the theater’s role in hosting gatherings, dramas, and even gladiatorial contests.

Next, you’ll see the Trajan Fountain, where you can admire its detailed carvings and learn about its significance in the city’s water supply system.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site nestled on a hillside. This modest stone house is believed to be the place where Mary, mother of Jesus, spent her final years. It remains a pilgrimage site and a place for quiet reflection.

The journey then takes you to the Temple of Artemis. Although only a few columns remain, this once-grand temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a powerful symbol of the city’s importance in ancient times.

Your final stop will be the Isa Bey Mosque, a stunning example of Seljuk architecture from the 14th century, with beautiful courtyards and intricate tile work that reflect the blend of cultures in the region.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred to Izmir Airport for your late evening flight to Istanbul, departing between 7:00 – 10:00 pm. The flight to Istanbul takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. 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 centrally located hotels in Istanbul and transfer to Istanbul Airport (available only on the European side of Istanbul).
• Domestic flight tickets (from Istanbul to Denizli and from Izmir to Istanbul) as specified in the itinerary.
• 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel with breakfast included.
• 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel with breakfast included.
• Professional English-speaking guide during tours.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch).
• All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• On Day 3: Drop off transportation service from Istanbul Airport (IST) OR Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul Hotel upon returning to Istanbul.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• 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.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
• For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.