Walk Through History, Relax in Nature: Ephesus & Pamukkale
This 2-day private boutique tour is crafted for travelers who appreciate both efficiency and comfort. We take you beyond the energy of Istanbul and immerse you in Turkey’s most iconic landscapes.
On day one, stroll along the marble avenues of Ephesus, where emperors once walked. On day two, greet the shimmering white “Cotton Castle” of Pamukkale and discover the ancient spa city of Hierapolis. With your dedicated guide and smooth flight arrangements, this experience goes beyond sightseeing—it’s a thoughtfully designed exploration of the ancient world’s greatest treasures.
DAY 1 - Transfer from your hotel in Istanbul Sultanahmet or Taksim to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Flight to Izmir Airport (around 07:00am). Pick up from Izmir Airport and transfer to Ephesus Ancient Site.
The Wonders of Ephesus & The House of the Virgin Mary (L)
We will start visiting the Virgin Mary‘s House which is located on the top of the "Bulbul" Mountain. After that, we will drive to Ephesus Ancient Site to see the Odeon, Agora, Domitianus Temple, Roman Latrine, Theatre, The Fountain of Trajan, the stream baths of Scholastic, the temple of Hadrian, impressive library of Ephesus (Celsius Library) and the Grand Theatre where Saint Paul preached.
After lunch, we will continue to the Temple of Artemis (Diana) to see little remains of the temple. Return to your hotel around 16:00.
Accommodation in Kusadasi Ilayda Hotel
DAY 2 – The White Terraces of Pamukkale & The Healing City of Hierapolis (L)
Pick up from your hotel around 07:30. Then, we will drive to Pamukkale. We will visit the north gate of Hierapolis ancient city, the Necropolis (cemetery) with over 1.200 graves, Roman Bath, Domitian Gate, the Main Street, and Byzantine Gate. After that, we will continue to natural part of Pamukkale. We walk down on walking path while 35ºC Spring water flowing around your feet.
You will have free time for relaxing in the ancient Cleopatra’s pool (entrance fee is not included in the tour price), where you can swim amongst Roman ruins. Please take your towel, sunglasses and swimming suit. The tour finishes around 15:30.
Transfer to Denizli Airport. Flight to Istanbul (around 19:00pm).
Pick up from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport and transfer back to your hotel in Istanbul Sultanahmet or Taksim.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Hotel accommodations are based on bed & breakfast. Standard check-in time is 14:00 and check-out time is 11:00.
• All tours are operated as private and include English-speaking licensed guides, entrance fees, lunch (drinks excluded) and air-conditioned transportation.
• Different hotel categories are available upon request. Please contact us for details.
• Professional guiding services are provided during scheduled sightseeing tours only. Transfers between cities (flights or intercity buses) and free time outside the tour program are unguided.
• This itinerary can be customized according to your travel preferences. Please contact us for tailor-made options.
• Tour programs may be adjusted due to weather conditions or operational reasons.
• Prices are subject to availability and may vary during peak seasons, festivals or for last-minute bookings. Domestic flight fares depend on economy class availability and may change according to travel dates and seasonal demand. Please contact us to reconfirm prices.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Balloon Tour in Pamukkale
Tandem Paragliding in Pamukkale
For a more budget-friendly option, we offer the same itinerary as a small group tour. Discover our 2 Days Ephesus Pamukkale Hierapolis Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are domestic flights included in the tour price?
A: Yes, all domestic flights are included.
Q2: Is this a fully private tour?
A: Yes. This is a fully private experience, meaning you will have your own licensed guide and private vehicle throughout the tour. No shared groups, no waiting for others.
Q3: Is this tour suitable for seniors or families?
A: Yes. As a private tour, the pace is flexible and can be adjusted to your comfort level, making it ideal for couples, families, and senior travelers.
Q4: Can we customize the itinerary?
A: Yes! Since this is a private tour, we can adjust the starting times or spend more time at the sites that interest you most. If you’d like to add a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary or spend more time swimming in Cleopatra’s Antique Pool, just let your guide know.
Temple of Artemis was a Greek Temple, dedicated to Artemis who was the daughter of Zeus and was the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, and wilderness. This temple was one of the Seven Wonders of The World.
Ephesus Theatre's capacity was 25.000 spectators, used for dramas in antique-greek times and gladiator combats in Roman times.
Celsus Library was built by Celsus' son. 12.000 documents (scrolls) had served in this Library in its time.
Virgin Mary House was believed by many Christians that Virgin Mary lived in this house as well as St John.
Hierapolis is located on the top of a hill. Since the ancient time, this city was the hot spring (spa) center. The ancient city of Hierapolis consists of the theatre, Temple of Apollo, Antique Pool, The Bath, Cleopatra's Pool, Necropolis and, Hierapolis Archeology Museum.
White Travertines is formed by Calcium Carbonate. When the thermal spring water is flowing, it leaves the Calcium Carbonate on the surface of the travertine. In the beginning it is like a gel, then it gets harder and becomes cotton-shaped white travertine.