5-Day Ephesus, Pamukkale & Antalya Tour from Istanbul

5 Days

Group Size

1

Overview

Marble glows underfoot as your guide brings ancient cities, sacred hillsides, and Mediterranean ruins vividly to life. From an early hotel pick up in Istanbul and a domestic flight to Izmir, this guided group journey draws you into Ephesus, where Roman streets, fountains, and theaters still feel alive with footsteps. The story softens at the House of the Virgin Mary and reaches back to wonder at the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, then shifts to the dreamlike white shelves of the Pamukkale Travertines and the ancient spa world of Hierapolis-Pamukkale. After the coach connection to Antalya, a restorative leisure day lets the Mediterranean set a slower rhythm before the group follows Pamphylia’s old roads to Perge, Aspendos Ancient Theater, Side’s seafront ruins, and Manavgat Waterfall. With domestic flights, shared transfers, guided sightseeing, and hotels arranged, you can simply join fellow travelers and absorb Turkey’s layers—from marble columns to mineral terraces to sunlit coast—returning to Istanbul with history, beauty, and sea air lingering long after the journey ends.

Trip Highlights

Wander Ephesus’ marble streets with your expert guide
Stand before the soaring Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre
Trace devotion at the House of the Virgin Mary
Marvel at Pamukkale’s brilliant white travertine terraces
Explore Hierapolis Theatre and ancient Roman Baths
Savour Antalya’s unhurried Mediterranean leisure day
Step into Perge’s grand Hellenistic-Roman avenues
Witness Aspendos Ancient Theater’s remarkable preserved acoustics
Stroll Side’s harbor ruins and Apollo’s seaside temple
Watch Manavgat Waterfall tumble through cool greenery

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Fly to Izmir - Guided Ephesus Tour

Early morning pick up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 AM and transfer to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Izmir, scheduled between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. Upon arrival, meet the local team and continue by vehicle to Selçuk, where your guide will lead the group on a full-day exploration of Ephesus. Walk along ancient marble streets and see major landmarks including the Temple of Hadrian, the impressive Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, and the elegant Trajan Fountain. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos. The afternoon also includes the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the beautifully proportioned Isa Bey Mosque. Around 4:00 PM, transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi for check-in and free time by the coast. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day
2

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour - Coach to Antalya

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up around 7:30 AM and transferred to the meeting point in Selçuk, where the full group gathers before departing for Pamukkale at approximately 8:30 AM. The drive takes about 3 hours, with a short restroom stop along the way. Arriving in Pamukkale around 11:45 AM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your guided visit at about 1:00 PM. Your licensed guide will introduce the white terraces of the Pamukkale Travertines, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters over thousands of years. Continue through the ancient spa city of Hierapolis-Pamukkale, including the Hierapolis Theatre and the Roman Baths of Hierapolis. After the guided portion, you will have about 1 hour of free time; swimming in the Pamukkale Antique Pools is optional and paid locally. Around 4:00 PM, transfer to Denizli bus station and board the intercity coach to Antalya, a journey of about 5 hours. On arrival, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
Day
3

Free Day in Antalya

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full day at leisure in Antalya. There are no scheduled tours today, giving you time to relax and explore the city at your own pace. You may take a walk near the seafront, visit local shops, enjoy the hotel facilities, or discover Antalya’s cafés and restaurants independently.

The rest of the day is free before tomorrow’s guided tour of the ancient Pamphylian sites. Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight in Antalya.
Day
4

Perge, Aspendos, Side & Manavgat Waterfall Tour

After breakfast, meet your guide and join fellow travelers for pick up around 8:00 AM. Begin at Perge Ancient City, one of the largest ancient settlements in the Pamphylia region, where your guide will explain its Hellenistic and Roman-era streets, gates, baths, and public spaces. Continue to the remarkable Aspendos Ancient Theater, built in the 2nd century A.D. and admired for its excellent preservation and impressive acoustics. Around midday, enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant before traveling to Side, Antalya, a classical port city on the Mediterranean coast. Here, the group will see highlights such as the Side Ancient Theater, the Ruins of the Roman Baths in Side, and the seaside Temple of Apollo Side. You will also have about 1 hour of free time to walk through the old streets or enjoy the coastal setting independently. On the return route, stop at Manavgat Waterfall for photos and a short break. By around 5:30 PM, return to your hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
Day
5

Fly from Antalya to Istanbul

After breakfast, please check out of your hotel by 12:00 PM. Depending on your domestic flight schedule to Istanbul, you may leave your luggage at the reception and enjoy some final free time in Antalya. At the designated time, our representative will transfer you to Antalya Airport for your flight. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met by our local representative and transferred directly to your hotel. End of tour services.

Inclusions:

4 nights hotel accommodation: 1 night in Kusadasi and 3 nights in Antalya
4 breakfasts at the hotels
3 lunches at local restaurants during guided touring days
Domestic flight: Istanbul to Izmir
Domestic flight: Antalya to Istanbul
Airport transfers in Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, and Istanbul on return
Transfer from Izmir Airport to Selçuk/Kusadasi area
Intercity coach ticket from Denizli to Antalya
Guided group Ephesus tour with professional licensed guide
Guided group Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour with professional licensed guide
Guided group Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Manavgat Waterfall tour
Air-conditioned transportation during included local tours and transfers
Entrance fees for sites mentioned in the included guided itinerary
Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

Travel insurance
Dinners and any meals not listed in the inclusions
Drinks during meals
Optional swim at Pamukkale Antique Pools
Personal expenses, laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs
Hotel early check-in or late check-out fees
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions

Important Information

Domestic flight times may vary depending on availability and seasonal schedules. Final pick-up and flight details will be confirmed after booking.
Domestic flights in Turkey typically allow 15 kg checked luggage and 8 kg cabin baggage per person. Excess luggage fees are paid directly to the airline.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as Ephesus, Hierapolis, Perge, and Side include marble paths, uneven stones, steps, and open archaeological areas.
Pamukkale travertines must be walked on barefoot in designated areas to protect the natural formations. Bring a small towel and a bag for your shoes.
Swimming in Pamukkale Antique Pools is optional and not included. If you plan to swim, bring swimwear and pay the local entrance fee on site.
Summer temperatures in Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Antalya can be very hot. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and refillable water bottle are strongly recommended.
A modest dress code is recommended for visits to religious sites such as Isa Bey Mosque. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
The Denizli to Antalya coach journey takes approximately 5 hours. Keep snacks, water, and any medication with you in your hand luggage.
This is a guided group tour, so punctuality at meeting points is important. Late arrivals may reduce sightseeing time or affect transfers.

FAQs

How do I book the 5-Day Ephesus, Pamukkale & Antalya Tour from Istanbul?

The deposit or full-payment requirement, currency, balance due date and any disclosed payment-processing charge vary by booking and are stated on the current booking page and in the written confirmation before payment. Flight and bus tickets are issued only under the confirmed booking terms and, once issued, are non-refundable. 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.

Is a deposit required to confirm the tour?

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.

Are domestic flights included in this tour?

Yes. The itinerary includes the domestic flight from Istanbul to Izmir on Day 1 and the domestic flight from Antalya to Istanbul on Day 5. Flight times are confirmed according to availability.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts with pick up from your hotel or address in Istanbul and transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir. It ends with a transfer from Istanbul Airport back to your Istanbul hotel after the Antalya to Istanbul flight.

Is this a private tour or a group tour?

This package is arranged as a regular small-group tour. You will join other travelers on the main sightseeing days, with professional licensed guides leading the visits to Ephesus, Pamukkale, and the Antalya-region sites.

Is Pamukkale Antique Pools included in the price?

No. Swimming in Pamukkale Antique Pools is optional and paid locally. You will still have free time in the Pamukkale area if you prefer not to swim.

How long is the coach journey from Denizli to Antalya?

The intercity coach journey from Denizli to Antalya takes approximately 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. A representative will meet you at the Antalya bus terminal and transfer you to your hotel.

What should I wear for the archaeological sites?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, light seasonal clothing, and sun protection. Archaeological sites such as Ephesus, Hierapolis, Perge, and Side have uneven surfaces and limited shade in some areas.

Can this itinerary be customized?

This version is designed as a guided group tour with set logistics. If you prefer private guides, upgraded hotels, additional nights, or a different route, One Nation Travel can prepare a customized quotation.

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.