Biblical Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul with Flights and Hotel: 2 Days, 1 Night
Overview
Biblical Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul with Flights and Hotel: 2 Days, 1 Night
This two-day trip from Istanbul takes you to the biblical and historical highlights of western Turkey. You explore the ancient city of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul preached, and visit the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John.
On the second day you continue to Pamukkale to walk on its white travertine terraces and see the ancient city of Hierapolis, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Flights, Hotel and Guide Included
Round-trip domestic flights, one night in a hotel, private transfers, a professional English-speaking licensed guide, entrance tickets, breakfast and lunch are all included.
Tour Info
Choose your hotels
A middle-class hotel is included in this package. If you wish another hotel, we can change it: choose it below and only the price difference is added. Availability is confirmed with you.
Choose your check-in date to see the exact prices for your dates.
Middle Class
Middle Class
Middle Class
Middle Class
Middle Class
Middle Class
Middle ClassHotel prices shown are estimated. Our team will contact you to confirm the final price and availability before your booking.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Flight to Izmir, Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary
Early in the morning you are transferred to Istanbul Airport for your included flight to Izmir. On arrival you meet your professional guide and travel to the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world and an important centre of early Christianity where the Apostle Paul preached.
You continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the last home of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and then the Basilica of St. John, built over the traditional burial site of the Apostle John. After the tour you are taken to your hotel in Kusadasi.
- Breakfast at the hotel or a breakfast box
- Transfer to Istanbul Airport
- Domestic flight to Izmir
- Ancient Ephesus
- House of the Virgin Mary
- Basilica of St. John
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Hotel check-in
Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 2 - Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Return to Istanbul
After breakfast you drive to Pamukkale, one of Turkey's great natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You explore Hierapolis, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and early Christian history, and walk across the white Pamukkale travertines.
After lunch at a local restaurant you are transferred to Denizli Airport for your included flight to Istanbul. On arrival our representative meets you for your private transfer.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer to Pamukkale
- Hierapolis Ancient City
- Walk on the Pamukkale travertines
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Transfer to Denizli Airport
- Domestic flight to Istanbul
- Private airport transfer
This is the end of the tour.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓1 Night Hotel Accommodation with Breakfast – a Middle-Class Hotel from Our Selection, Confirmed by Availability and with Your Approval
- ✓Round-Trip Domestic Flights
- ✓Private Airport Transfers
- ✓Private Airport Meet and Greet
- ✓Transportation in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- ✓Professional English-Speaking Licensed Guide
- ✓Lunch on Guided Tour Days
- ✓Guided Tour of Ancient Ephesus
- ✓House of the Virgin Mary
- ✓Basilica of St. John
- ✓Hierapolis Ancient City Tour
- ✓Pamukkale Travertines
- ✓All Museum and Attraction Entrance Tickets
- ✓Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
- ✓All Taxes and Service Charges
- ✕International Flights
- ✕Personal Expenses
- ✕Drinks During Meals
- ✕Dinner
- ✕Travel Insurance
- ✕Optional Activities
- ✕Tips for Guide and Driver
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are not refundable. All times are local time.
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Biblical Ephesus and Pamukkale tour from Istanbul: what you need to know
This private two-day trip from Istanbul takes you to the biblical and historical highlights of western Turkey, from $720 per person. On day one you explore Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul preached, and visit the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John; on day two you walk the white travertines of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Round-trip domestic flights, one hotel night with breakfast, private airport transfers with meet-and-greet, a professional English-speaking licensed guide and lunch on tour days are included.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night |
| Price | from $720 per person |
| Type | Private, with a licensed guide |
| Flights | Round-trip domestic flights from Istanbul, included |
| Included | Hotel night with breakfast, private transfers, guide, lunch on tour days, Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, Hierapolis, Pamukkale |
| Not included | International flights, dinner, drinks with meals, travel insurance, tips |
Why is Ephesus important in the Bible?
Ephesus was one of the great cities of the Roman world and a centre of early Christianity. The Apostle Paul lived and preached here, and the New Testament includes his Letter to the Ephesians. Ephesus is also one of the Seven Churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. According to Christian tradition, the Apostle John came to the area with the Virgin Mary, and the Basilica of St. John in Selcuk was built over the site traditionally held to be his tomb.
What do you see on the biblical tour?
| Site | Significance |
|---|---|
| Ancient Ephesus | The Roman city where Paul preached; the Great Theatre and the marble streets |
| House of the Virgin Mary | Where tradition says Mary spent her last years; a place of pilgrimage |
| Basilica of St. John | Built over the traditional tomb of the Apostle John |
| Hierapolis | The ancient spa city above Pamukkale, with an early Christian heritage |
| Pamukkale travertines | White terraces of warm mineral water, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Hierapolis |
Laodicea, another of the Seven Churches of Revelation, lies close to Pamukkale; it is visited on our longer Seven Churches tours.
Which biblical tour of Turkey should you choose?
| Faith tour | Length | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| This tour | 2 days | $720 per person |
| Seven Churches of Revelation | 5 days | $1,800 per person |
| Seven Churches of Revelation with Istanbul | 7 days | $2,050 per person |
| Istanbul, Cappadocia, Saint Paul and Seven Churches | 10 days | $2,750 per person |
| Istanbul churches private tour | 1 day | $180 |
If you prefer a general rather than a faith-focused guide, compare the Ephesus and Pamukkale 2-day tour from $675.
Is this tour suitable for church groups?
Yes. It is private, so a church group, family or pilgrimage party travels together with its own guide, and the pace can include time for prayer or reflection at the House of the Virgin Mary. Tell us your group size when you book.
When is the best time to go?
April to June and September to November are ideal. Summer is hot at Ephesus and on the white terraces of Pamukkale; winter is mild and quiet.
What should you bring?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for the House of the Virgin Mary, comfortable shoes, a bag for your shoes at Pamukkale (shoes are not allowed on the travertines), a hat, sunscreen and your passport or ID for the domestic flights.
How do you book?
Choose your date on this page and send the form, or message us on WhatsApp with your Istanbul hotel and group size. We confirm in writing and you pay only after confirmation. For more ideas see our Ephesus tours and our Turkey tour packages.
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