3-Day Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul with Flights

3 Days

Pickup from

Hotels in Istanbul
Tour Ends At:

IST or SAW Airport
Transportation

Airplane
Language

English

Itinerary Overview

Discover two of Turkey’s most remarkable destinations on this 3-Day Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul with Flights, complete with hotels, transfers, guiding, and most meals. Begin in Pamukkale, where you’ll visit Hierapolis Ancient City, the Temple of Apollo, Roman Baths, and the striking Cotton Cliffs, with the option to swim in the Cleopatra Pools. Stay overnight in Kuşadası before exploring the ancient city of Ephesus, including the Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, and the sacred House of the Virgin Mary. Conclude with visits to the Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque before flying back to Istanbul. Book today to secure your journey.

Trip 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

Day-by-Day Itinerary

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.
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.
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.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

Pick-up from centrally located hotels in Istanbul and transfer to Istanbul Airport (available only for hotels on the European side)
Domestic flight tickets: Istanbul → Denizli | Izmir → Istanbul (as per itinerary)
1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel with breakfast
1 night in Kuşadası at a 4-star hotel with breakfast
Professional English-speaking guide during tours
Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary
Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

Day 3: Drop-off transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul (available at additional cost during booking)
Optional tours mentioned in the itinerary (available at an additional cost)
Services not specified in the program
Dinners and drinks
Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Important Information:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.