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Discover Turkey’s standout ancient sites and thermal landscapes on this 3-Day Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul. Travel from Istanbul to Denizli, then explore Hierapolis, including the Temple of Apollo, Theater, Necropolis, and Roman Baths. Continue to Karahayit for its red thermal water and visit Pamukkale’s Cotton Cliffs, with free time on the terraces and an optional swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools for an extra fee. The journey continues with a full-day Ephesus tour, walking Curetes Street to the Temple of Hadrian, Great Theater, and Trajan Fountain before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, and Isa Bey Mosque. Return to Istanbul by late evening flight from Izmir.
We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for a late afternoon or evening flight from Istanbul to Denizli, subject to availability. Upon arrival in Denizli, you will be met by a representative who will arrange your transfer to your hotel in Pamukkale.
After you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. You will be picked up around 10:30 am to begin your tour. The first stop is the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you’ll explore key landmarks such as the Temple of Apollo, the Theater, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths, where St. Philip was martyred.
After exploring these historical sites, you will enjoy a lunch break. In the afternoon, travel to Karahayit, known for its red water and healing thermal springs.
Next, you’ll visit the famous Cotton Cliffs, also known as Cotton Castle, in Pamukkale. You will have 1 hour of free time to explore the terraces and enjoy the breathtaking views. Additionally, you will have the option to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools for an extra fee.
At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi, arriving at approximately 7:30 pm.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel around 8:30 am. You’ll be picked up for an enriching full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities and once a major Greek port and cultural center.
Your tour begins with a walk along the Curetes Street, the main avenue of Ephesus, leading you to some of its most remarkable sites. One of the first stops is the Temple of Hadrian, a beautifully preserved structure with intricate reliefs depicting the city’s founding myths. Continuing on, you’ll reach the impressive Great Theater, which could seat up to 25,000 people and is still known for its acoustics. Here, your guide will share stories about the theater’s role in hosting gatherings, dramas, and even gladiatorial contests.
Next, you’ll see the Trajan Fountain, where you can admire its detailed carvings and learn about its significance in the city’s water supply system.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site nestled on a hillside. This modest stone house is believed to be the place where Mary, mother of Jesus, spent her final years. It remains a pilgrimage site and a place for quiet reflection.
The journey then takes you to the Temple of Artemis. Although only a few columns remain, this once-grand temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a powerful symbol of the city’s importance in ancient times.
Your final stop will be the Isa Bey Mosque, a stunning example of Seljuk architecture from the 14th century, with beautiful courtyards and intricate tile work that reflect the blend of cultures in the region.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred to Izmir Airport for your late evening flight to Istanbul, departing between 7:00 – 10:00 pm. The flight to Istanbul takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. END OF OUR SERVICE AND TOURS.
Please note that transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price.
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If you need to cancel your tour or change your travel dates, please notify us at least 5 days before the tour start date. As this tour includes domestic flights and bus tickets, which are non-refundable, the cost of these tickets will be deducted from your payment and the remaining balance refunded to you. For cancellations or date changes made less than 5 days before the start date, no refund will be issued and the booking will be treated under our no-show policy.
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We took a wonderful tour of Pamukkale and Ephesus, starting from Istanbul. Our stay at the Adempira Thermal & Spa Hotel in Pamukkale was delightful, with clean rooms and a great breakfast. Our Pamukkale guide was very experienced and knowledgeable. After spending a night in Kusadasi, we enjoyed a fantastic exploration of Ephesus the next day. We highly recommend this tour to everyone looking for an unforgettable experience.