Ephesus & Pamukkale 2-Day Private Tour from Istanbul
Overview
Ephesus & Pamukkale 2-Day Private Tour from Istanbul
This relaxed 2-day private package from Istanbul takes you to the highlights of Turkey's ancient cities.
Day One in Ephesus
On the first day you explore Ephesus, with its outstanding Roman buildings and its important religious history.
Day Two at Pamukkale Travertines
On the second day you visit Pamukkale, famous for its unique travertines and the ruins of Hierapolis, a perfect mix of natural beauty and history.
The package is ideal if you want to see Turkey's history and landscapes even with a tight schedule.
*For this tour, please choose your hotel in the best-located area of Kusadasi.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 - Ephesus Tour
We pick you up from your Istanbul hotel by private van and take you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Izmir (ancient Smyrna). Our representative meets you on arrival with a name sign and drives you to Ephesus.
There your local guide introduces the history of Ephesus before you explore the ancient city. With your guide's explanations you will visit:
- Great Theater
- Celsus Library
- Temple of Hadrian
- Harbor Street
- House of the Virgin Mary
- Isa Bey Mosque
You can also visit the Terrace Houses, whose well-preserved mosaics and frescoes show how the wealthy families of Ephesus lived.
After the tour your guide and driver drop you off at your hotel. Overnight in the Ephesus area.
*We recommend choosing a hotel in a central part of Kusadasi for this tour.
Day 2 - Pamukkale Tour
At 9:00 am your private guide and driver pick you up for the Pamukkale tour, home to the natural calcium pools formed by thermal water. The drive takes about 3 hours, and your local guide tells you about the sites on the way.
You will visit:
- The calcium pools
- Necropolis
- Roman Baths
- Domitian Gate
- Latrina
- Frontinus Street
- Agora
- Byzantium Gate
- Triton Fountain
- Cathedral
- Temple of Apollo
- Plutonium (explained from outside because of ongoing excavations)
- Theater
- Hierapolis
(Optional, extra cost) If time allows, you can swim in the Cleopatra Pool.
After the tour you are transferred to Denizli Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Our representative meets you at Istanbul Airport with a name sign and takes you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
This is the end of our service. Thank you for travelling with us; we look forward to welcoming you again.
Important Notes
Lunch and dinner are not included on either day. The Kusadasi and Pamukkale area is known for its rich Aegean cuisine, from farm-to-table local meals to Michelin-recommended restaurants, and your guide will happily suggest places to eat.
Both days are guided by the same guide.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Private Tour
- ✓Local Tour Guides
- ✓Domestic Flights (Economy Class)
- ✓Transportation by Private Van
- ✓Airport Transfers (Mentioned)
- ✓Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
- ✕Hotel Bookings (Available Upon Request)
- ✕Meals & Drinks
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
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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Travel guides
- Ephesus Tour from Istanbul: Day Trip or 2 Days, 2027 Prices
- Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul: 2 Days by Plane with Hotel
- Kusadasi Shore Excursions: Private Ephesus Tours with On-Time Return
- Kusadasi Cruise Port to Ephesus: Distance, Taxi, Dolmuş or Private Tour
- Things to Do in Kuşadası: Ephesus, Şirince, Beaches and the Old Town
- Kusadasi Holidays 2027 with Istanbul: Splitting a Week Between City and Coast
- Ephesus Excursion from Marmaris, Bodrum and Kusadasi 2027: Price, Time, Tickets
- Ephesus Entrance Fees 2027: Ancient City, Terrace Houses and House of Virgin Mary
- Private Ephesus Tour from Kuşadası and Selçuk Hotels: Guide and Car
- Kusadasi Hotels for Ephesus: Kusadasi, Selcuk or Sirince?
Private Ephesus and Pamukkale 2-day tour from Istanbul: what you need to know
This relaxed private package takes you from Istanbul to two of Turkey's highlights in two days: Ephesus on day one and the white travertines of Pamukkale with ancient Hierapolis on day two. Economy-class domestic flights, all airport transfers, a private van, the same local guide on both days, and museum tickets and attraction fees are included. Hotels are arranged on request, and the price depends on your dates and group size, so we quote it on request.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days |
| Price | Quoted on request for your dates and group |
| Type | Private, the same guide on both days |
| Flights | Istanbul to Izmir, Denizli to Istanbul, economy class |
| Included | Private guide and van, airport transfers, museum tickets and attraction fees |
| Not included | Hotel (available on request), meals and drinks, tips |
What does the 2-day private itinerary look like?
| Day | Programme |
|---|---|
| Day 1, Ephesus | Private van to Istanbul Airport, flight to Izmir, meet your guide; Great Theater, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Harbor Street, House of the Virgin Mary, Isa Bey Mosque; optional Terrace Houses; drop-off at your hotel in Kusadasi |
| Day 2, Pamukkale | Pick-up at 09:00, about 3 hours' drive with your guide; calcium pools, Necropolis, Roman baths, Domitian Gate, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium (explained from outside), the theatre; optional Cleopatra Pool; flight from Denizli to Istanbul |
For this tour, choose a hotel in a well-located area of Kusadasi; we can book it for you on request.
Private or group: which Ephesus and Pamukkale tour should you choose?
| Tour from Istanbul | What is different | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| This private tour | Your own guide and van, flexible pace, hotel on request | On request |
| Ephesus and Pamukkale 2-day group tour | Shared tour, 4 or 5-star hotel and lunches included | $675 |
| Biblical Ephesus and Pamukkale, 2 days | Faith focus with the Basilica of St. John | $720 per person |
| Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus, 5 days | Adds Cappadocia | $1,280 |
The group tour is the simpler, all-inclusive option. The private tour suits families, couples and small groups who want their own guide for both days, more time at each site and the freedom to choose their own restaurants.
What is the Plutonium at Hierapolis?
The Plutonium was an ancient sanctuary built over a cave that released toxic gas, believed in antiquity to be a gateway to the underworld. Because of ongoing excavations it is explained from outside rather than visited, but your guide tells its story on site.
Are meals included?
No. Lunch and dinner are not included on either day, so you can choose where to eat. The Kusadasi and Pamukkale area is known for its rich Aegean cuisine, from farm-to-table local meals to well-regarded restaurants, and your guide will happily suggest places.
Do you walk barefoot at Pamukkale?
Yes. Shoes are not allowed on the white travertine terraces, to protect them. Bring a bag for your shoes and swimwear if you plan to swim in the Cleopatra Pool, which has its own fee.
When is the best time to go?
April to June and September to November are ideal for both sites. In summer both are hot and exposed, so early starts and sun protection matter. Winter is quieter, with mild days on the coast.
What should you bring?
Your passport or ID for the flights, comfortable shoes, a bag for your shoes at Pamukkale, swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, water, and modest clothing for the House of the Virgin Mary.
How do you book?
Send us your preferred dates, the number of travellers and whether you want us to book your Kusadasi hotel, through the form on this page or on WhatsApp. We confirm the full price and plan 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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