3 Days Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour including Hot Air Balloon
3 Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour by Plane Included Balloon
You will have an opportunity to explore Ephesus and explore Pamukkale through the balloon. Book 3 Days Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul online.
Tour Overview
- Visit the majestic Ephesus Ancient City with a professional guide and learn the secrets of Roman architecture and mythology.
- Stand before the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Experience the spiritual atmosphere of the House of Virgin Mary, considered sacred in Christianity.
- Relax in Pamukkale’s legendary Calcium Travertines and enjoy the therapeutic waters of the Cleopatra Thermal Pool.
- Take part in an unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Flight over Pamukkale and witness the cotton-white landscapes from the sky.
- Enjoy comfortable airport transfers, flights, and 2 nights of accommodation all pre-arranged for a stress-free experience.
- Perfect for culture seekers, history lovers, and travelers who want to blend adventure with ancient heritage in just 3 days.
Tour Itinerary
Flying to Izmir ➝ Full Day Ephesus Tour
Meal: Lunch
03:45 am ─ In the early morning, we will come to your hotel to pick you up and transfer you to the airport in Istanbul.
(The departure time and airport may change depending on flight availability.)
07:00 am ─ Flight from Istanbul to Izmir.
(Exact flight times are subject to change.)
08:10 am ─ Arrival at Izmir Airport.
You will be welcomed by our team at the airport with your name sign.
Transfer to Selçuk for the start of the Ephesus Tour.
- Your guided tour begins with a visit to the stunning Ephesus Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Trajan Fountain, Temple of Hadrian, and ancient marble streets that once echoed the footsteps of Romans and early Christians.
- Continue to the sacred site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few columns remain today, its significance in antiquity remains unparalleled.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste authentic Aegean cuisine.
- Next, visit the peaceful House of Virgin Mary, located on Mount Bülbül. It is believed that Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years here. It’s a place of pilgrimage for many Catholics and offers a serene, spiritual experience.
- Finally, explore the historically rich Isabey Mosque, a fine example of Seljuk architecture built in 1375. Your guide will share fascinating stories and architectural details that reveal its cultural importance.
16:30 ─ Ephesus tour ends.
You will be transferred to your hotel in either Kuşadası or Selçuk.
Overnight stay in Kuşadası or Selçuk.
Full Day Pamukkale Tour
Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
08:00 am ─ After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we will pick you up and drive to Pamukkale. The bus journey will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Pamukkale Travertines: Your tour will begin with a visit to the stunning white travertines of Pamukkale, also known as the “Cotton Castle.” As you walk barefoot on the natural terraces, you’ll feel as if you’re strolling through clouds. Relax in the mineral-rich thermal pools and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The healing properties of these waters have been renowned since ancient times.
- Cleopatra’s Antique Pool: Believed to be the bathing place of Queen Cleopatra, this thermal pool was used for therapeutic purposes during Roman times. The water is said to promote beauty and wellness. Swimming here is optional and requires an extra entrance fee. Please remember to bring your swimsuit or you may rent or buy one on-site.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Next, explore the well-preserved ruins of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site named after Queen Hiera of the Amazons. Walk along the historic Frontinus Street, and discover monumental structures such as the Latrina (ancient public baths), Gymnasium, Necropolis (ancient cemetery), and a vast Roman theater that once seated up to 20,000 people. You’ll feel transported back in time as you wander through this magnificent Greco-Roman city.
16:00 ─ The Pamukkale tour concludes.
You will be transferred to your hotel in Pamukkale.
Overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Hot Air Balloon Flight ➝ Pamukkale ➝ Fly to Istanbul
Meal: Breakfast
05:00 am – Early morning in the white cotton fairyland, we will come to your Pamukkale hotel to pick you up for the hot air balloon flight. We will drive you to the balloon area where the balloon will take off. You will watch the arrangement of the balloons before flying. You will be in the air for 1 hour and you will be able to watch Pamukkale travertines from the air. After this amazing activity, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
You will have breakfast and check out from the hotel. Free time to explore around Pamukkale. You can enjoy the hot springs experience or join an activity like paragliding.
You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport in Denizli to take a flight to Istanbul.
19:00 ─ Flying to Istanbul. The departure time can change according to availability
20:00 ─ Arrival at the airport in Istanbul.
We will welcome you at the airport.
Transfer to your hotel in Istanbul.
3 Days Ephesus and Pamukkale tour from Istanbul with balloon flight ended. Thanks for booking with us!
What's Included
Included
- Round trip flight tickets
- Airport pickup and drop off as mentioned in the program
- 1-night accommodation in Kusadasi/Selcuk
- 1-night accommodation in Pamukkale
- Guided Ephesus Tour
- Pamukkale balloon flight
- Guided Pamukkale Tour
- Professional tour guide on the tours
- Museum entrance fees
- 2 Lunch & 2 Breakfast
- All mentioned transportations
Not Included
- Personal Expenses
- Drinks at the Lunches
- Unmentioned meals
- Entrance to the antique pool in Pamukkale
Hotel Options
If you have a preferred hotel, please mention it in the "Additional Request" section at checkout.
We’ll do our best, but your booking will be made at one of the listed hotels or a similar-quality option based on availability.
Important Remarks
Please read the following important information carefully before booking. These remarks contain essential details about your tour experience.
- Flight departure and arrival times are flexible and based on availability.
- Hot air balloon flights depend on weather conditions. If the flight is canceled due to weather, refund will be provided for the balloon portion.
- Luggage allowance per domestic flight / per person: 15kg check-in + 8kg cabin.
More Details
Imagine starting your day walking through the marble streets of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. As your guide reveals the stories behind the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the past. In the peaceful House of Virgin Mary, a sacred site for both Christians and Muslims, you’ll experience a spiritual calm unlike any other.
The journey continues through the Anatolian countryside as you make your way to Pamukkale — the “Cotton Castle” of Turkey. Here, warm mineral waters cascade down white limestone terraces, inviting you to take off your shoes and walk through nature’s spa. The ancient city of Hierapolis reveals its secrets with every step — from majestic necropolises to temples and healing springs.
But nothing will compare to the moment you rise into the sky in a hot air balloon at sunrise. As the first light touches the snow-white cliffs of Pamukkale, you’ll float silently over one of the world’s most surreal landscapes. Below you, the ruins of Hierapolis and the pools of Cleopatra will glisten, offering a bird’s-eye view few ever experience.
This 3-day journey is more than a tour — it’s a sensory immersion into the heart of Turkey’s history, spirituality, and natural wonders.
The tour offered something rare: a true sense of wonder. Ephesus felt ancient, yet somehow familiar. Pamukkale made me feel like I was walking in the sky. Flying over it all gave me a new perspective on travel. I came home different—in the best way.
I didn’t expect such variety from a short tour, but every day was unique. Ephesus was large and full of well-preserved structures that impressed me. Our guide shared stories that made the place come alive. Pamukkale’s white slopes and calm waters were a perfect break from city life. We stayed in a lovely hotel nearby that had a local feel. The early morning balloon flight was magical and very peaceful. I loved the balance between guided moments and free time. It’s a great choice if you enjoy both learning and relaxing while traveling.
This tour was a perfect blend of history, nature, and quiet adventure. Walking among the ancient stones of Ephesus gave me a strange sense of belonging. The white slopes of Pamukkale felt like a forgotten planet. Floating above the land in a hot air balloon at dawn was silent and surreal. I returned home feeling like I had lived three different stories in three days.
I was looking for a tour that combined sightseeing with relaxation, and this one did just that. Ephesus blew me away with its size and historical richness. You don’t just walk through ruins—you walk through an entire city frozen in time. Pamukkale was quieter and had a totally different charm. The warm waters felt great on tired feet, and the views were stunning. Our hotel was comfortable, and the food was better than expected. Flying in a hot air balloon was the highlight and something I’d always wanted to try. This tour was well-paced and offered great value for its price.
My recent 3-day tour of Ephesus and Pamukkale from Istanbul with ToursCE Turkey was nothing short of amazing! The entire experience was well-organized, with seamless transitions from one breathtaking location to another. Ephesus was a step back in time, rich in history, and incredibly well-preserved. Pamukkale’s white terraces were stunning, and the thermal waters were rejuvenating. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the balloon ride. Floating over the stunning landscapes at sunrise was a magical experience I’ll never forget. Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate, making the tour even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore some of Turkey's most iconic sites with the added thrill of a balloon ride. An unforgettable adventure!
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