Ephesus & Pamukkale 2-Day Tour: Flights & Lunch Included
Overview
Ephesus & Pamukkale 2-Day Tour: Flights & Lunch Included
This two-day trip from Istanbul covers two of Turkey's most famous sights. On the first day you fly to Izmir and explore the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis. On the second day you walk across the white travertines of Pamukkale and through the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Domestic flights, one night in a 4 or 5-star hotel, airport transfers, transportation during the tours, a professional licensed guide, entrance fees, breakfast and lunch are included. You can also add a swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pool at extra cost.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 - Flight to Izmir and Ephesus Tour
- 04:30 - 05:30 AM: pickup from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport.
- 07:00 - 08:15 AM: flight from Istanbul to Izmir.
- 09:30 - 10:00 AM: you meet your professional guide and the Ephesus tour begins.
- 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM: the ancient city of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian and the marble streets.
- 01:00 - 02:00 PM: lunch at a local restaurant.
- 02:00 - 03:00 PM: House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis.
- 04:00 - 07:00 PM: transfer to Pamukkale.
- 08:00 PM: hotel check-in.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 2 - Pamukkale Tour and Return to Istanbul
- 08:00 - 09:00 AM: breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM: the Pamukkale travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis, with an optional swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pool.
- 01:00 - 02:00 PM: lunch at a local restaurant.
- 03:00 - 04:00 PM: transfer to Denizli Airport.
- 06:00 - 07:15 PM: flight from Denizli to Istanbul.
- 08:30 PM: arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Domestic Flights
- ✓Hotel Accommodation
- ✓Professional Tour Guide
- ✓Airport Transfers
- ✓Breakfast at the Hotel
- ✓Guided Ephesus Tour
- ✓Guided Pamukkale Tour
- ✓Transportation During Tours
- ✓Entrance Fees
- ✓Lunch
- ✕Personal Expenses
- ✕Drinks at Lunch
- ✕Cleopatra Pool Entrance Fee
- ✕Dinner
- ✕Travel Insurance
- ✕Optional Activities
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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Ephesus and Pamukkale 2-day tour from Istanbul: what you need to know
This two-day trip from Istanbul covers two of Turkey's most famous sights, from $675 per person. On day one you fly to Izmir and explore the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis; on day two you walk across the white travertines of Pamukkale and through ancient Hierapolis before flying back from Denizli. Domestic flights, one night in a 4 or 5-star hotel, airport transfers, transport during the tours, a professional licensed guide, entrance fees, breakfast and lunch are included.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night |
| Price | from $675 per person |
| Flights | Istanbul to Izmir, Denizli to Istanbul, included |
| Hotel | 1 night in a 4 or 5-star hotel in Pamukkale, breakfast included |
| Included | Licensed guide, entrance fees, lunch, transfers, transport during tours |
| Not included | Cleopatra Pool entrance, drinks at lunch, dinner, travel insurance |
Can you visit Ephesus and Pamukkale in 2 days from Istanbul?
Yes. This trip uses an early flight to Izmir on day one and an evening flight home from Denizli on day two, so both full sightseeing days happen on the ground rather than on the road between Istanbul and the Aegean. The drive between Ephesus and Pamukkale takes place in the late afternoon of day one, and you spend the night near the travertines, ready for a fresh morning visit.
What is the itinerary?
| Time | Day 1 |
|---|---|
| 04:30 to 05:30 | Pick-up from your Istanbul hotel |
| 07:00 to 08:15 | Flight from Istanbul to Izmir |
| 10:00 to 13:00 | Ephesus: Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, marble streets |
| 13:00 to 14:00 | Lunch at a local restaurant |
| 14:00 to 15:00 | House of the Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis |
| 16:00 to 19:00 | Transfer to Pamukkale, hotel check-in around 20:00 |
| Time | Day 2 |
|---|---|
| 08:00 to 09:00 | Breakfast |
| 09:30 to 12:30 | Pamukkale travertines and Hierapolis, optional swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pool |
| 13:00 to 14:00 | Lunch |
| 18:00 to 19:15 | Flight from Denizli to Istanbul, arrival around 20:30 and hotel transfer |
Is Ephesus or Pamukkale better?
They are completely different, which is why they pair so well. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, with marble streets, the two-storey facade of the Library of Celsus and a theatre that once seated tens of thousands. Pamukkale is a natural wonder: white calcium terraces filled with warm mineral water, with the ruins of the Roman spa city of Hierapolis on top. One day of history, one day of landscape.
How does it compare with other ways to see Ephesus and Pamukkale?
| Tour | What is different | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| This tour | 2 days, flights, hotel, guide, lunches | $675 |
| Biblical Ephesus and Pamukkale, 2 days | Adds the Basilica of St. John, faith focus | $720 per person |
| Pamukkale day trip from Istanbul by plane | Pamukkale only, same-day return | $499 |
| Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus, 5 days | Adds Cappadocia | $1,280 |
| Istanbul and Ephesus package, 8 days | A full week with Istanbul | $1,880 per person |
Can you swim in the Cleopatra Pool?
Yes, as an option. The Cleopatra Antique Pool is a thermal pool in Hierapolis where you swim among fallen ancient columns. The entrance fee is not included and is paid on the spot. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.
When is the best time to visit Ephesus and Pamukkale?
April to June and September to November. Both sites are very exposed, with little shade at Ephesus and strong reflected sunlight on the white terraces, so July and August are hot; the early start helps. Winter is quieter and cooler, with fewer crowds.
What should you bring?
Comfortable walking shoes for Ephesus, a bag for your shoes at Pamukkale (shoes are not allowed on the travertines), swimwear for the Cleopatra Pool, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and water. Bring your passport or ID for the domestic flights and modest clothing for the House of the Virgin Mary.
How do you book?
Choose your date on this page and send the form, or message us on WhatsApp with your Istanbul hotel. We confirm your flights, hotel and pick-up time in writing, and you pay only after confirmation. For more ideas see our Ephesus tours, Pamukkale tours and Turkey tour packages.
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