5 Days Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul
Step into the timeless beauty of Western Turkey with this all-in-one 5-day escape from Istanbul. Wander the ancient marble streets of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent Roman cities ever built. Gaze up at the Library of Celsus, sit in the Great Theatre, and reflect at the House of the Virgin Mary. Then relax and recharge at Pamukkale, where white travertine pools spill over hillsides and the sacred city of Hierapolis whispers secrets from thousands of years ago.
With direct flights, expert-guided tours, quality accommodation in Kusadasi, and all transfers included, this tour offers not just convenience, but an unforgettable journey through Turkey’s ancient heart.
- Combines two of Turkey’s most iconic UNESCO sites in one efficient itinerary
- Flights, hotel stays, transfers, and tours arranged for a stress-free experience
- Perfect balance of historical sightseeing and coastal relaxation
- Led by licensed local guides with deep historical insight
- Suitable for solo travelers, couples, or families seeking a rich cultural escape
What's Included
- Domestic flights: Istanbul → Izmir and Izmir → Istanbul
- 4 nights’ hotel accommodation in Kusadasi with daily breakfast
- All airport-hotel transfers in Istanbul, Izmir, Kusadasi, and Pamukkale
- Full-day guided Ephesus Tour with professional English-speaking guide
- Full-day guided Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour
- All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
- 2 lunches during full-day tours
What's Not Included
- Dinners
- Lunch on Day 3 (free day)
- Drinks during meals
- Swimming at Cleopatra’s Pool (optional)
- Personal expenses
5 Days Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul
Day 1 – Flight from Istanbul to Izmir & Hotel Transfer
Tour Highlights: Seamless Start to Your Aegean Adventure
- Hotel Pick-Up: You will be picked up from your Istanbul hotel based on your flight time and transferred to the airport.
- Flight: Take a direct flight from Istanbul to Izmir (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).
- Arrival: Upon landing at Izmir Airport, our local team will greet you at the exit and transfer you comfortably to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 2 – Full-Day Ephesus Ancient City Tour
Tour Highlights: Walk Through One of the Best-Preserved Roman Cities in the World
- Hotel Pick-Up (08:30): Your guide will collect you from your Kusadasi hotel to begin the tour.
- House of Virgin Mary: A sacred pilgrimage site where it’s believed the Virgin Mary spent her final years. Surrounded by peaceful pine forests, it offers spiritual and historical significance.
- Ephesus Ancient City: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic Greco-Roman cities ever unearthed. You’ll explore:
- Library of Celsus: A marvel of Roman architecture that once housed over 12,000 scrolls.
- Grand Theatre: This massive amphitheater seated 25,000 spectators and hosted plays, concerts, and even gladiator fights.
- Temple of Hadrian: Dedicated to the Roman Emperor and adorned with intricate reliefs.
- Marble Street, Curetes Street: Walk the same marble pathways once traversed by Roman citizens.
- Odeon, Fountain of Trajan, Public Latrines, Agora: Discover the layout of daily life in antiquity.
- Temple of Artemis: Visit the remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only one column remains, its historical weight is immense.
Hotel Drop-Off (17:00–17:30): After the tour, you will be dropped off at your Kusadasi hotel.
Day 3 – Free Day in Kusadasi
Tour Highlights: Relax by the Aegean or Customize Your Adventure
- Leisure Time: Spend your day as you please—whether it’s enjoying the beach, exploring local cafes, or visiting nearby villages like Sirince.
- Optional Activities: Consider booking a boat trip, Turkish bath experience, or a wine-tasting tour in the countryside.
Day 4 – Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour
Tour Highlights: Thermal Wonders & Timeless Ruins
- Hotel Pick-Up (07:15): You will be transferred from your Kusadasi hotel to Pamukkale (approx. 3 hours with scenic breaks).
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Founded in the 2nd century BC, this Greco-Roman city was known for its thermal springs and healing sanctuaries. You’ll visit:
- Necropolis: One of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia with over 1,200 tombs.
- Roman Theatre: Beautifully preserved with seating for 15,000, offering expansive views of the valley.
- Baths & Basilica: Learn how Romans combined public bathing with religious devotion.
- Temple of Apollo & Plutonium: Sacred spots linked with underground gases once believed to be the gateway to the underworld.
- Pamukkale Travertines: Walk along the striking white terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal waters cascading for centuries. The landscape looks like frozen waterfalls.
- Cleopatra’s Pool (optional): Swim among ancient columns submerged in warm mineral-rich waters. Entry not included but highly recommended.
Hotel Drop-Off (18:00-19:00): After the tour, return to your Kusadasi hotel.
Day 5 – Transfer to Izmir Airport & Flight to Istanbul
Tour Highlights: Comfortable Return to Istanbul
- Hotel Pick-Up: At the scheduled time based on your flight, our driver will transfer you from Kusadasi to Izmir Airport.
- Flight: Fly back to Istanbul. Duration: approx. 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Arrival in Istanbul: You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred directly to your hotel in central Istanbul.
- Domestic flights include 15 kg checked baggage and 8 kg cabin allowance
- Cleopatra Pool entry is optional and can be paid on-site
- Free day in Kusadasi is customizable; optional tours available upon request
Hotel Options
If you have a preferred hotel, please let us know during the reservation process. On the checkout page, you will see an "Additional Request" section where you can specify your preference.
However, please note that we will make the reservation at one of the hotels listed below or similar quality hotels based on availability.
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I still can't believe how well preserved Ephesus is. Walking through the ancient streets felt surreal. Pamukkale was so beautiful and peaceful – I didn't want to leave!
The tour was well organized from start to finish. We had great guides who explained everything clearly. Pamukkale was even more impressive in real life.
Loved both places but Ephesus really blew my mind. I had seen photos before but being there in person was another level. Everything ran smooth and stress-free.
We stayed 5 days in Istanbul in old city. We booked our day tours through Travel Bazaar web site. We enjoyed very much. We were going to stay 6 days more in Istanbul. Their office in Old City and was very close to our hotel. We went there and Mr. Fidan recommend us to go to Ephesus Area. He showed some packe to Ephesus and Pamukkale and we choosed 5 days packe. It was well organised and all the pick ups were on time. Everytihng went smooth. We enjoyed in Sirince Village and our guides were excellent. Do not hesitate to contact with them. They know this job and they are trustable.
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