Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour in One Day from Istanbul
Day Tour to Pamukkale & Ephesus from Istanbul
Visit Pamukkale and Ephesus in one day from Istanbul with flights, guided tours, airport transfers, lunch, and all highlights.
Tour Overview
Looking to visit two of Turkey’s most iconic destinations in just one day? Our Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul by flight is the perfect way to explore the magical white travertines of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Ephesus — all in a single, seamless journey. This all-inclusive tour offers comfortable flights, expert local guides, lunch, airport transfers, and entry tickets.
Walk barefoot over mineral-rich thermal terraces in Pamukkale, then step into the pages of ancient history in Ephesus, home to the legendary Library of Celsus and the sacred House of Virgin Mary. Perfect for time-conscious travelers who don’t want to miss Turkey’s historical and natural wonders.
- Round-trip flights between Istanbul–Denizli / Izmir–Istanbul
- Guided tours of Pamukkale and Ephesus with licensed expert
- Visit to Hierapolis Ancient City and Cotton Castle
- Explore the Ephesus ruins, Temple of Artemis & House of Virgin Mary
- Lunch, entrance fees, and all airport transfers included
Tour Itinerary
Meal: Lunch
04:00 ─ Pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport.
06:30 AM ─ Fly from Istanbul to Denizli.
(Flight time and airport may vary depending on season and availability.)
07:30 AM ─ Arrival at Denizli Çardak Airport.
Our team will welcome you with your name sign at the airport.
Transfer to Pamukkale tour area to meet your professional local tour guide.
Pamukkale Tour
- Pamukkale Travertines – Walk barefoot along the thermal terraces filled with natural hot spring water and take stunning photos.
- Hierapolis Ancient City – Explore the ruins of this Greco-Roman city including the Roman Theater, Agora, Roman Baths, and Byzantine city walls.
- Necropolis – One of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia with various tomb styles dating back to Roman and early Christian periods.
- Frontinius Street and Gate – The main colonnaded road and ceremonial entrance to the ancient city.
- Latrina – Roman public toilets showing the advanced infrastructure of the city.
- Plutonium – The sacred cave believed to be the gate to the underworld, associated with deadly gases and religious ceremonies.
- Temple of Apollo – Visit the remains of this grand sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo.
- Fountain of the Tritons – Monumental fountain structure decorated with mythical sea figures.
- Cleopatra’s Antique Thermal Pool – You will have free time to optionally swim among ancient submerged columns. (Entrance fee extra)
After lunch, depart for Ephesus by road. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours with scenic countryside views.
Ephesus Tour
- Ephesus Ancient City – Walk through the most important Greco-Roman city in Asia Minor and explore:
- Great Theater – A massive amphitheater with 24,000 seating capacity, used for plays and political gatherings.
- Library of Celsus – The iconic facade of the ancient library, one of the most photographed structures in Turkey.
- Temple of Hadrian – A well-preserved temple dedicated to Emperor Hadrian with detailed reliefs.
- Odeon – A smaller concert hall and political meeting venue in ancient times.
- Fountains and Public Baths – Structures like the Fountain of Trajan that reflect the daily life of Ephesians.
- Marble Street & Curetes Street – The two main ceremonial streets lined with statues, columns, and monuments.
- Agora – The commercial and political heart of ancient Ephesus.
- House of Virgin Mary – A sacred site for both Christians and Muslims, believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary.
- Temple of Artemis – Visit the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few columns remain, its historical significance is enormous.
After the tour, transfer to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
20:40 ─ Flight from Izmir to Istanbul.
(Flight time may change according to availability and season.)
21:55 ─ Arrival in Istanbul.
Transfer to your hotel in Istanbul. The tour ends with your hotel drop-off.
What's Included
Included
- Flight Tickets from/to Istanbul
- Airport Pick Up & Drop Off in Izmir
- Entrance fees in the program
- Lunch at the local restaurant
- All Transportation in Tour
- Professional local tour guide on the tour
- Local Taxes
Not Included
- Personal Expenses
- Drinks at the lunch
- Entrance fee to Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool
- Airport Pick Up & Drop Off in Istanbul
Important Remarks
Please read the following important information carefully before booking. These remarks contain essential details about your tour experience.
- The tour includes round-trip domestic flights. Flights may depart from either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) depending on availability.
- Based on flight schedules, the itinerary may operate in reverse: You may fly to Izmir first, do the Ephesus Tour in the morning, and then continue to Pamukkale, returning to Istanbul from Denizli Airport in the evening.
- All airport transfers, internal transport, and guiding services remain the same regardless of flight order.
- Swimming at Cleopatra Antique Pool is extra. (Payable on site)
- Luggage allowance for flights / per person: 15kg check-in + 8kg cabin.
More Details
Your adventure begins before sunrise as you take an early flight from Istanbul to Denizli. Upon arrival, your guide greets you and whisks you away to the dreamlike white terraces of Pamukkale. You feel the warm waters under your feet, walking where ancient Romans once sought healing.
A short walk brings you to the majestic ruins of Hierapolis. You explore grand theaters, temples, and stone-carved tombs in the Necropolis, marveling at the artistry and history around every corner. With the optional Cleopatra Pool inviting you to swim among ancient ruins, the morning feels timeless.
After lunch, your journey continues westward to Ephesus — a city frozen in time. You stroll along Marble Street, pass the towering Library of Celsus, and enter the Great Theater where 24,000 people once gathered. The spiritual quiet of the House of Virgin Mary brings reflection, while the remains of the Temple of Artemis connect you to the wonders of the ancient world.
As evening falls, your guide escorts you to Izmir Airport. With memories etched into your heart, you return to Istanbul knowing you’ve touched the soul of Anatolia — all in a single, unforgettable day.
This tour exceeded all expectations! Pamukkale's stunning terraces and the ancient ruins of Ephesus were absolutely breathtaking. Highly recommended!
I had an amazing time exploring the historical wonders of Pamukkale and Ephesus. The tour was well-organized, and the guide was incredibly knowledgeable.
A fantastic experience! Pamukkale’s natural beauty combined with Ephesus’ rich history made this tour unforgettable. A must-see for anyone visiting Turkey.
Highly recommend this tour! The scenic views in Pamukkale were gorgeous, and the ancient city of Ephesus was full of history. Great guide and service.
The tour was well-paced and informative. Pamukkale's hot springs were magical, and Ephesus was like stepping back in time. Great value for the money!
Similar Tours You Might Like
Discover more amazing experiences similar to this tour. We've carefully selected these tours based on destinations, activities, and customer preferences to help you find your perfect adventure.
