3-Day Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul with Flights

Q: Can you swim in Pamukkale?

Yes, you can swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools during your free time. This activity is optional and comes at an additional cost. The tour guide will provide you with the exact meeting point and time for rejoining the group afterward.

Q: What is the luggage allowance for domestic flights during the tour?

On domestic flights in Turkey, the luggage allowance is 15 kg (33 lbs) per person for checked baggage. For carry-on luggage, you are allowed one piece weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) per person. If your total luggage weight per person is within these limits, you should be fine. Please note that any excess luggage weight over 15 kg for checked baggage will incur additional charges by the airlines. These extra charges are not included in the tour price and are your responsibility to pay directly to the airline at the time of check-in. We recommend packing accordingly to avoid any unexpected fees. Your luggage is your own responsibility throughout the tour. Please ensure that you handle any issues related to overweight or excess baggage directly with the airlines.

Tour Departure Point
Hotels in Istanbul
Tour Ends At:
IST or SAW Airport
Transportation
Airplane
Language
English

This 3-day guided tour visits Pamukkale (1 night) and Kusadasi (1 night). Prices start from $648 USD per person, based on two travelers sharing. Operated by One Nation Travel, a TÜRSAB-licensed (No. A-6073) local tour operator founded in Istanbul in 2008.

Overview

White terraces and Roman ruins shape the 3-Day Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul, 3 days and 2 nights through western Turkey. You fly from Istanbul to Denizli, transfer to Pamukkale, continue by road to Kuşadası, and fly back from Izmir on the final evening. Both nights are in 4-star hotels.

Guided sightseeing covers Hierapolis and the Pamukkale Travertines, with about an hour free on the terraces, then a full day at Ephesus taking in the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis. Swimming in the Cleopatra Antique Pools is optional, at additional cost.

One Nation Travel is a licensed local tour operator in Istanbul, TÜRSAB A-6073, working since 2008, and coordinates the flights, hotels and guided visits for you. Istanbul pick-up covers centrally located hotels on the European side, and the return transfer from the airport to your hotel is not included. Touring days are long, with a check-out around 8:30 AM on the last morning, so the pace suits active travelers.

Highlights

Hierapolis Ancient City – Temple of Apollo, Roman Baths, Theater
Pamukkale Cotton Cliffs – white travertine terraces
Cleopatra Pools (optional) – thermal waters
Great Theater of Ephesus – 25,000-seat amphitheater
Temple of Hadrian – ornate Roman monument
House of the Virgin Mary – pilgrimage site
Temple of Artemis – ancient wonder
Isa Bey Mosque – Seljuk-era architecture

Your journey at a glanceTour RouteFollow the overnight stops, flights and included road connections. 2 Stops · 2 Nights

Travel between stops

Flight ~340 km · ~1 hr Istanbul Pamukkale

Road Transfer ~160 km · ~3 hrs Pamukkale Kusadasi

Flight ~380 km · ~1 hr 30 min Kusadasi Istanbul

Route: Istanbul → Pamukkale (1 night) → Kusadasi (1 night) → Istanbul · Day trips: Ephesus

Day 1 :

Flight from Istanbul to Denizli – Overnight Stay in Pamukkale

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the airport for a morning, late afternoon, or evening flight to Denizli, depending on availability. Upon arrival at Denizli Airport, a local representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Pamukkale.

After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead. Overnight in Pamukkale.

4 hours

Overnight in Pamukkale

Day 2 :

Pamukkale Tour – Transfer to Kuşadası & Overnight Stay

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. At around 10:30 AM, you will be picked up to begin your guided Pamukkale tour.

Your first stop is the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you will explore significant landmarks including the Temple of Apollo, the Theater, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths, traditionally believed to be the martyrdom site of St. Philip.

After discovering these historical highlights, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue to Karahayit, renowned for its red thermal springs and therapeutic waters.

Next, you will visit the world-famous Cotton Cliffs (Pamukkale Travertines), also known as Cotton Castle. You’ll have about 1 hour of free time to explore the white terraces and take in the panoramic views. If you wish, you can opt to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools, an optional activity available at an additional cost.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası, arriving by approximately 7:30 PM. Overnight in Kuşadası.

9 hours

Overnight in Kusadasi

Breakfast + Lunch

Day 3 :

Ephesus Tour – Evening Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast, check out from your hotel around 8:30 AM. You will be picked up for a full-day guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world and a former cultural and commercial hub of the ancient Greek and Roman eras.

Your exploration begins with a stroll along Curetes Street, the main thoroughfare of ancient Ephesus. Along the way, visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Hadrian and admire the detailed reliefs depicting the city’s legends. Continue to the grand Great Theater, which once seated 25,000 spectators and was famed for its acoustics and performances, including gladiator contests.

Next, stop at the Trajan Fountain, a significant monument that once played a key role in the city’s water supply.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus. This serene, sacred site remains a pilgrimage destination and offers a peaceful place for reflection.

Then continue to the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only a few columns remain today, it speaks to the grandeur of ancient Ephesus.

Your final visit is to the historic Isa Bey Mosque, an exquisite 14th-century Seljuk monument known for its elegant design and cultural significance.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your late evening flight to Istanbul, typically departing between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. End of Our Services and Tours.

Please note: Transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price. However, you may add a return airport transfer to your hotel during the online booking process for an additional cost.

12 hours

Breakfast + Lunch

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expand all

When will I receive confirmation after making a reservation?

Once your online reservation is received and the specified 30% deposit is charged to your credit card, your domestic flight tickets will be confirmed. You will receive an email confirmation, including all the details, within 2-3 days.

Is airport transfer included in the tour price?

Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. This covers pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport, as well as all airport-hotel transfers throughout the tour. However, please note that when you return to Istanbul at the end of the tour, the service will conclude at either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Transfer to your hotel or chosen address from the airport will not be provided, so you will need to arrange this on your own.

Can I customize the tour itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. Please contact us in advance if you have specific requests or changes you’d like to make to the itinerary. Some changes may be subject to an additional fee.

Can you swim in Pamukkale?

Yes, you can swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools during your free time. This activity is optional and comes at an additional cost. The tour guide will provide you with the exact meeting point and time for rejoining the group afterward.

What is the luggage allowance for domestic flights during the tour?

On domestic flights in Turkey, the luggage allowance is 15 kg (33 lbs) per person for checked baggage. For carry-on luggage, you are allowed one piece weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) per person. If your total luggage weight per person is within these limits, you should be fine.

Please note that any excess luggage weight over 15 kg for checked baggage will incur additional charges by the airlines. These extra charges are not included in the tour price and are your responsibility to pay directly to the airline at the time of check-in. We recommend packing accordingly to avoid any unexpected fees.

Your luggage is your own responsibility throughout the tour. Please ensure that you handle any issues related to overweight or excess baggage directly with the airlines.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.

Will I travel with the same group and guide throughout the tour?

Our multi-day Turkey packages are regular group/shared tour arrangements, not fully escorted tours with one tour leader and the same guests from arrival to departure. Sightseeing tours are shared and usually operate with about 15-20 guests, but group size and participants may change by city or day as travelers join or leave different scheduled tours. Licensed English-speaking guides lead scheduled sightseeing visits only. Guides do not travel with guests on domestic flights, intercity buses, airport transfers, hotel transfers, or free-time periods unless this is specifically stated in the itinerary. For flights, buses, and transfers, guests are met by our driver or local representative at airports, bus terminals, or hotels and assisted with the planned transfer. One Nation Travel coordinates the full itinerary, hotels, domestic tickets, transfers, local guides, and support throughout the trip.

Featured Hotels

Hotel options associated with this itinerary; the selected tour page and written confirmation control the included hotel and category.

View Featured Hotels (8)

Duration	3 Days / 2 Nights
Destination	Pamukkale, Ephesus
Tour Type	Shared Group Tour with Local Guides
Price	From $648 USD /person; request a dated written quote for final price and availability
Guide	Local guide service applies only where listed for this package; assignments may vary by day or segment
Add-ons	Istanbul Airport to Hotel Transfer+$40 USD
Best Time	📅 Istanbul • 📅 Pamukkale • 📅 Ephesus • 📅 Izmir

3-Day Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul with Flights

Overview

Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

NOT INCLUDED:

Important Notes

Tour Notes

Room Allocation

Flights & Transfers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Overall Trip Rating:

Write a Review Cancel reply

Featured Hotels

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Tour Collections

Quick Links

Contact Us

Overview

Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

NOT INCLUDED:

Important Notes

Tour Notes

Room Allocation

Flights & Transfers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Overall Trip Rating:

Write a Review Cancel reply

Featured Hotels

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

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