2 Days 1 Night Pamukkale & Ephesus Tour from Istanbul
Discover two of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks in a single journey with the discounted 2 Days 1 Night Pamukkale & Ephesus Tour, available with the Istanbul Explorer Pass. This tour combines breathtaking natural wonders with ancient history, guided by a professional English-speaking expert. Discounted tours can also be booked beyond the validity period of your pass.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Istanbul to Pamukkale
- Early morning pick-up (around 03:00–04:00) from your hotel in Istanbul
- Private transfer to the airport and flight to Denizli
- Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to Pamukkale tour starting point
- Guided visit of Pamukkale and Hierapolis, including:
- Hierapolis (Sacred City)
- Necropolis (tumulus, sarcophagi, and house-shaped tombs)
- Domitian Gate, Main Street, Byzantium Gate
- Temple of Apollo & Plutonium
- Ancient Theatre
- Travertine terraces
- Cleopatra’s Antique Pool (optional entry)
- Overnight stay in Selcuk or Kusadasi
Day 2 Ephesus Tour
- Morning pick-up (08:30–09:00) from your hotel
- Guided visit of Ephesus Ancient City, including:
- Temple of Artemis
- The Library of Celsus
- The Great Theatre
- The House of Virgin Mary
- Transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul
- Private transfer to your hotel
What’s Included
- 2 domestic flight tickets (Istanbul – Denizli / Izmir – Istanbul)
- 2 private airport transfers in Istanbul
- 1 regular shuttle transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale
- 2 lunches during the tours • 2 days guided group tours (Pamukkale & Ephesus)
- 1 night accommodation in Kusadasi or Selcuk at a 3* hotel
- Transportation by air-conditioned minibus during the tours
- Entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
What’s Not Included
- Beverages during lunch
- Dinner
- Entry to Cleopatra’s Antique Pool in Pamukkale
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
Highlights of Pamukkale & Ephesus
Pamukkale
Known as the "Cotton Castle," Pamukkale is famous for its white travertine terraces formed by natural thermal waters. Ancient civilizations built impressive baths and healing facilities here, making it both a natural wonder and a historic spa destination.
Hierapolis
Located 18 km from Denizli, the ancient city of Hierapolis was once considered a “Holy City” for its many temples and sacred monuments. Despite an earthquake during the reign of Emperor Nero, much of its Hellenistic and Roman architecture remains.
Ephesus
Ephesus is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. Once home to the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—it also features the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and several early Christian landmarks.
Location of Ephesus and Pamukkale
Ephesus is located near Selcuk in Izmir province, around 70 km south of Izmir city, close to the Aegean coast. Pamukkale lies in Denizli province, about 200 km southeast of Ephesus. Their close proximity makes them ideal for a combined itinerary.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable seasons to explore Ephesus and Pamukkale. Summers can be very hot, while winters are cooler with occasional rain. For the best experience, visit Pamukkale at sunrise or sunset, when the travertines glow beautifully.