2-Day Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul by Plane
Overview
Travel from Istanbul by plane on this efficient 2-Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour, combining two of Turkey’s most important ancient and natural sites with guided sightseeing. After an early hotel pickup, fly to Izmir and explore Ephesus, including the Temple of Hadrian, Great Theater, Trajan Fountain, the House of the Virgin Mary, the site of the Temple of Artemis, and Isa Bey Mosque. After a night in Kusadasi, continue to Pamukkale for a guided visit to the white Pamukkale Cotton Cliffs and the ancient city of Hierapolis, including its theater and Roman Baths, before your evening flight back to Istanbul.
Highlights
- Fly from Istanbul to Izmir
- Explore the ancient city of Ephesus
- Visit the House of the Virgin Mary
- See the Temple of Artemis site
- Walk along Pamukkale Cotton Cliffs
- Discover Hierapolis theater and Roman Baths
Itinerary
Day 1Fly from Istanbul to Izmir & Explore Ephesus
After an early breakfast at your own expense, you'll be picked up from your Istanbul hotel at around 4:00 AM. We'll drive you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Izmir, departing between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. The flight takes about 75 minutes, followed by roughly an hour's drive to Selçuk. There, you'll meet your guide and fellow travelers for your Ephesus tour.
During your morning walk through Ephesus Ancient City Ruins, you'll follow marble streets through the former Roman city. Your route passes the Temple of Hadrian at Ephesus and Trajan Fountain. You'll also see Great Theatre Ephesus, which could seat about 25,000 people. Expect substantial walking on uneven, sometimes slippery stone, with little shade; wear sturdy shoes and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
At lunchtime, you'll stop at a local restaurant for your included lunch; drinks cost extra. Afterward, you'll drive uphill to the House of the Virgin Mary, a stone chapel associated with Mary's final years. You'll also visit the Temple of Artemis, where a reconstructed column marks the remains of an ancient wonder. At the 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque, cover your shoulders and knees; women should bring a scarf.
At around 4:00 PM, sightseeing finishes, followed by an approximately 20-minute drive to your hotel in Kusadasi. After check-in, your evening is free to rest or walk along the harbor. You can choose a local restaurant for dinner at your own expense.
- Overnight in Kusadasi.
- Included Meal(s): Lunch
Day 2Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour, Then Fly Back to Istanbul
After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel at around 7:30 AM and taken to the meeting point in Selçuk. You'll meet your fellow travelers there before the scheduled departure at around 8:30 AM. The drive to Pamukkale takes about three hours, with a short restroom stop after roughly 90 minutes.
At around 11:45 AM, you'll arrive and have your included lunch before sightseeing; drinks cost extra. At around 1:00 PM, you'll set out with your licensed guide to explore Pamukkale's Cotton Cliffs, formed by calcium-rich thermal water. You'll also walk through the City of Hierapolis, including its Pamukkale Theatre and Pamukkale Roman Baths.
During the afternoon, expect substantial walking over uneven ruins and barefoot walking on designated travertine sections. Shoes aren't allowed on the white surface, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes, flip-flops for afterward, sunscreen, a hat, and water. After the guided visit, you'll have free time, with an optional swim among submerged columns at Cleopatra Antique Pools, subject to opening and access; bring your own swimsuit and towel and pay admission on-site.
At around 4:00 PM, the tour ends and you'll transfer to Denizli or Izmir Airport. Your return flight to Istanbul departs between 7:00 and 10:00 PM; we'll confirm the airport and exact flight time after payment and ticketing. Dinner is at your own expense, and your transfer from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport to your hotel isn't included. END OF OUR SERVICE AND TOURS.
- Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Featured Hotels
Hand-picked hotels for your stay — view our featured options for each city.
Featured Hotels
Kusadasi
Derici Hotel
4 Star
Efe Boutique Hotel
Boutique
Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel
4 Star
Marina Hotel
4 Star
Neopol Hotel Deluxe
4 Star
Hotels are subject to availability; alternatives of an equal standard may be provided.
What's included
- Departure-day pickup from your European-side Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport.
- Two domestic flights: Istanbul to Izmir, and Denizli or Izmir to Istanbul.
- Arrival transfer from Izmir Airport to Selçuk for the Ephesus tour.
- Scheduled group sightseeing transportation and transfer to your Kusadasi hotel after the Ephesus tour.
- Day 2 hotel pickup, transfer to the Selçuk meeting point, and onward transportation to Pamukkale.
- Transfer from Pamukkale to Denizli or Izmir Airport for your return flight.
- One night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel or similar.
- One breakfast and two lunches.
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide during both sightseeing tours.
- Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing sites, excluding optional Cleopatra Antique Pools admission.
- Local taxes and service charges.
What's not included
- Return transfer from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport to your hotel.
- Breakfast on Day 1 and dinners on both days.
- Drinks with meals.
- Optional Cleopatra Antique Pools admission, payable on-site.
- Travel insurance.
- Optional tours, personal expenses, and services not listed as included.
Good to know
- This is a scheduled group tour, and participant numbers can vary. The itinerary includes shopping stops. A private version is available on request at extra cost.
- Visit order may change while retaining the scheduled sights. Access restrictions at religious or archaeological sites may affect individual visits.
- Your outbound flight departs between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. Your return flight departs between 7:00 and 10:00 PM; exact details are confirmed after payment and ticketing.
- Departure pickup covers European-side Istanbul hotels only. The return airport-to-hotel transfer is not included.
- Domestic checked-baggage allowances are usually about 15–20 kg, but your ticket's allowance applies. Check cabin-baggage limits separately.
- Both days involve considerable walking on uneven stone, steps, and exposed paths. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can discuss suitability.
- At Isa Bey Mosque, cover shoulders and knees; women should bring a headscarf. Tourist access may be restricted during prayers, especially Friday midday prayers.
- Travertine access follows site rules, and only designated sections may be walked on barefoot. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to use Cleopatra Antique Pools, subject to opening and a separate fee.
- Summer heat can be intense, with little shade at the ruins. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes with good grip.
- Check Turkey's current visa and passport requirements for your nationality before traveling. Arrange any required e-Visa through the official government service.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the 2-Day Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul by Plane?
Send us your preferred travel date, traveler details, and Istanbul hotel information. We'll check flight and hotel availability and provide the price and booking terms before you commit.
When do I pay, and when are flights confirmed?
We'll provide the payment schedule and available payment methods with your booking offer. Flights are ticketed after payment, and we'll then confirm the exact flight times and return airports.
Is this a group tour or a private tour?
This package uses scheduled group tours with fellow travelers, and participant numbers can vary. Shopping stops are included. You can request a private version at an additional cost.
Which meals and accommodation are included?
You'll have one night in a Kusadasi 4-star hotel or similar, breakfast on Day 2, and lunch on both days. Day 1 breakfast, both dinners, and drinks are at your own expense. Lunch menus vary.
Are Istanbul airport transfers included both ways?
No. Pickup from your European-side Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport are included at the start. After your return flight, you'll need to arrange and pay for your own hotel transfer.
How much walking is involved at Ephesus and Pamukkale?
Both tours involve substantial walking, including uneven marble, steps, and exposed archaeological paths. Pamukkale also requires barefoot walking on permitted travertine sections. Wear sturdy shoes and contact us before booking if you have mobility concerns.
Can I swim in Cleopatra Antique Pools during the Pamukkale tour?
An optional swim may be possible during free time if the pools are open and access permits. Admission isn't included and is paid on-site. Bring your own swimsuit and towel.
Which airport will I use for the flight back to Istanbul?
You'll depart from Denizli or Izmir Airport between 7:00 and 10:00 PM. Your flight may arrive at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport. We'll confirm the details after ticketing, so don't assume an early arrival or a tight onward connection.
How much luggage can I bring on the domestic flights?
Checked baggage is usually limited to about 15–20 kg, depending on the airline and fare. Your issued ticket determines the allowance. Check cabin-baggage rules too, and pack light for the overnight stay.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, you must notify All Istanbul Tours at least 5 days before the tour starts. For a cancellation or date-change request received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from the paid balance. For a cancellation or date-change request received less than 5 days before the tour starts, the full amount paid is non-refundable. If a traveler does not appear for the booked service, the reservation is treated as a no-show and the full amount paid is non-refundable.
Reviews
Ask a question
Interested in This Tour?
Fill out the form below and our travel experts will get back to you within 2 hours with a personalized response.
Similar Tours You May Like
Explore more adventures in the same region
We had a great two day program with One Nation Tour, and our tour guide Nizam may it very special! Would definitely use them again. Thank you!
The highlight of the trip was the seamless coordination with Can Berber. I was met at the airport by the designated people, though there was some amount of waiting involved before being transferred. I guess that is expected in a group tour.
The best travel agency in Turkey I ever had the pleasure to do business with. I highly recommend this agency.
1)I took the 2 day Ephesus and Pamukkale tour by Flight from Istanbul. It went on perfectly as planned. There was a representative waiting for me at Izmir airport on my arrival who promptly transferred me via a bus to a location where I met our guide for the day. There were 6 of us for that tour including me. The guide explained intricate details about the various place all throughout the tour adding a bit of humor in between which was fun. There was not much crowd to the places we went, also the weather was bright and sunny with clear skies which was apt for taking ideal Photos which may end up being facebook profile pics , ha ha .There was an advertising shop which we went during the tour which was regarding Cosmetics (Olive oil etc ) and Sweets which I believe its upto us if we need to buy stuff or not.
2)For the second day, I was picked up from the Hotel in Kusadesi (Derici hotel) and we headed towards Pamukkale after picking up everyone from their individual hotels (It did not take much time ). There were 9 of us. Once we reached Pamukkale we explored the places like Hierapolis and the Travertines which again was explained in detail by the guide. the amphitheatre at Hierapolis is far more nice than the one at Ephesus even thought its 1/3rd its size. There was an advertising promotion shop which we visited about exotic stones and a leather jacket store, which I feel again its upto us if we need to buy anything. Its just cool to watch and stroll by if you are not buying anything.
3) The good thing about this tour which I took was that I did not have to worry about anything. The communication with regards to the tour is constant through email and whats app. Also there were less crowds everywhere since I believe I went during the offseason in November, the tour group was small too (below 10 people) on both the Ephesus and the Pamukkale tour. And the most important thing was that it was reasonably priced and value for money as compared to the others tour operators which I noticed while checking the prices on tripadvisor and the websites before booking the tour.For me being a solo traveler, I will definitely recommend this tour whether its for family or for anyone who was travelling alone like me. Kudos to the One Nation Team !
I really really recommend this trip to everyone! We had such a lovely time visiting both Ephesus and Pamukkale. Beautiful sites! The Derici hotel in Kusadasi is spectacular I wish we could have stayed another day! Both our guides were very knowledgable about these two places and they made sure we stopped to take pictures of the beautiful landscapes. Very good experience will always try to book through allistanbultours.com in future….
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Ephesus was impressive, but Pamukkale, especially was amazing, even more extraordinary than we had hoped. The hotel for the overnight was very nice! Would definitely recommend this tour.
We had a tour of Ephesus and Pamukkale with our children from US. All Istanbul Tours arranged things very nicely And took good care of us. The Guide Nizam was very helpful and took good care of us.
Ephesus and Pamukkale are amazing places to visit. The tour run smoothly and close to schedule. The tour guides were friendly, nice and very informative.
Wonderful tour of Ephesus and Pamukkale! Tour tour guides (Nizam and Ayse) gave us a lot of useful information about the history and culture of those two places, and we got a lot of time to explore them on our own.
Thank you very much for the trip.. everything was perfect.. really really worth it.. A very beutifull culture enriched with friendly and kind people.. We are very happy to choose one nation tour to be our guide!
Best regards for Nizam a hilarious, friendly and funny that make the trip even better saying every single detail of the history in a simple and compact way.. … And Gabriel for the friendly and good knowledge..
thank you very much!
we will recomend to our friends ( we already submited a 5 stars review on the site)
I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the excellent tours I recently enjoyed in Ephesus and Pamukkale. They were fun, well paced, informative and my guides where thoroughly professional. Recommend to anyone.