Get the chance to visit two of the most known and magnificent locations in Turkey during your holidays in Istanbul with a memorable 2-day excursion. Pamukkale & Ephesus 2 Day Tour From Istanbul is the ideal option for those who wish to visit these cities but they have limited time. It is also the perfect getaway that combines relaxation and sightseeing. If you are looking for a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Pamukkale this tour is also ideal for you.
This fascinating 2-day exploration begins early in the morning, before sunrise. A vehicle will transfer you from your hotel in Istanbul towards to airport. From there, you will enjoy a comfortable flight to Denizli airport. An experienced tour guide will welcome you and accompany you during the road trip towards Pamukkale. During the first day of this excursion, you will visit the most notable sites in Pamukkale.
The first stop will take place at the infamous Pamukkale white terraces. The spot, also known as Cotton Castle, is an exceptional natural wonder. It is a limestone mountain that has naturally-shaped terraces filled with thermal water. There, you can walk around and admire the beauty of nature or swim into the terraces and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs.
The next stop will be made at the ancient city of Hierapolis. This archaeological site includes many interesting structures and has a long history. The tour guide will explain everything you need to know about the history of this settlement. Among others, you can visit the ancient theatre, the necropolis, the ancient agora and the Roman baths.
The last stop of the day will take place at Karahayit Red Springs. These hot springs are part of the greater Pamukkale thermal springs but, the temperature of the water is higher. They are located at an altitude of 950m above the sea level and the setting is truly spectacular. After that, you will be transferred to Kusadasi in order to enjoy a delicious lunch. During afternoon, you will arrive to a hotel in Kusadasi in order to spend the night.
The second day of the excursion begins with a breakfast at the hotel. Then, you will be transferred to the ancient city of Ephesus. During antiquity, Ephesus was the second largest city after Rome and one of the most important trade and political centres. Nowadays, it is characterized as UNESCO site of cultural heritage. Ephesus has a lot of structures to observe and interesting history to learn. However, the most impressive highlight is the Temple of Artemis that used to be there. This temple is characterized as one of the wonders of the ancient world. Visitors are currently able to see just the ruins of this temple.
After sightseeing, the excursion continues with a lunch break and then with a visit at the House of Virgin Mary. Situated in a picturesque and charming landscape, this house is the one where Virgin Mary spent her last days. This location is very important for the Christian population and receives many visitors every year. Admire the serenity of the setting and learn the history of this site during your time there.
The last stop of the Ephesus tour will be made at the Isabey Mosque. It is one of the most important structures of the period of Principalities and demonstrates a rare Turkish-Anatolian architectural design. During your visit, the tour guide will provide interesting facts about the importance of this mosque.
By the end of the last visit, a fully air conditioned and comfortable bus will transfer you to Izmir airport. From there, you will fly back to Istanbul. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Upon landing, a modern car will drive you back to your hotel in the city centre.
Istanbul Hotels – 04:30 / 05:00
Most of our guests join this tour for Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Ride, please also book your balloon tour online.
Join a 2-day exciting excursion and visit Pamukkale and Ephesus during your holidays. This all-in-one tour takes you towards magnificent landscapes, natural wonders and important archaeological sites. Spend 2 days away from the crowds and unfold the history of these two important cities with a guided tour there. Pamukkale and Ephesus 2 Day Tour From Istanbul is ideal for those who seek some more sightseeing outside of Istanbul and for those who wish to explore the history and culture of the region.
Flight to Denizli Airport: On the day of this tour, early in the morning, a vehicle will drive you from your hotel in Istanbul towards the airport. After a 1-hour flight, you will arrive at Denizli airport. An assigned tour guide will welcome you and the tour in Pamukkale starts.
Cotton Castle: The first stop of this tour will take place at the Cotton Castle. This white limestone mountain is one of the most impressive natural wonders of Turkey. On the edges of the mountain, there are terraces filled with thermal water. Cotton Castle receives thousands of tourists every year who want to swim into the thermal springs and receive their therapeutic benefits.
Hierapolis Ancient City: Then, you will continue with some sightseeing in the area. More precisely, you will visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and learn interesting facts about the history of this place. During antiquity, Hierapolis used to be a healing and spiritual centre due to the hot springs that the area has. Nowadays, visitors can observe the ancient theatre, a necropolis, the Roman baths and other interesting structures of the settlement.
Karahayit Red Springs: After spending some time in Hierapolis, you will then continue your exploration at the thermal springs of Karahayit. The temperature of the water is above the average water temperature of other hot springs in Pamukkale. There, you may enjoy the serenity of the setting and snap some beautiful photos of the landscape.
Lunch: A lunch break follows at a local restaurant in order to enjoy a tasty meal and relax after your tour.
Kusadasi: During the afternoon, the bus will drive you towards Kusadasi in order to spend your night at a hotel. In Kusadasi, during the afternoon, you are free to spend your time as you wish.
Breakfast: The 2nd day of this excursion begins with a healthy and tasty breakfast at the hotel. After check out from the rooms, get ready for an exciting and informative exploration in Ephesus.
Ephesus Ancient City: The first stop of the day will be in the ancient city of Ephesus. During antiquity, Ephesus was the second largest city after Rome and one of the most important ones in terms of trade and culture. The city features many impressive structures and ruins to observe. While walking around the archaeological site, the tour guide will provide an interesting briefing about the history and the importance of Ephesus. An interesting highlight is that, the Temple of Artemis used to be there during the ancient times. The temple is one of the wonders of the ancient world but nowadays, visitors are able to observe just few ruins.
House of Virgin Mary: After this sightseeing experience, you will visit another important site, the House of Virgin Mary. Surrounded by the serenity of nature, this house was the one where Virgin Mary spent her last days. It is one of the most important sites for the Christian population and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Isabey Mosque: The last stop of this 2nd day will take place at the Isabey Mosque. This mosque is one of the most important ones in the area and the tour guide will explain everything you need to know about it. It is also an exquisite example of Turkish Anatolian architecture as it features an interesting and impressive design.
Flight to Istanbul: During the afternoon, a fully air conditioned bus will drive you towards Izmir airport. From there, you will enjoy a comfortable flight to Istanbul.
Return: When you arrive, you will be transferred your hotel. This 2-day exploration in Pamukkale and Ephesus finishes during the evening when you return to your hotel full of great memories.
Fabulous! Went on this few days ago and I’m still in awe. The first day we flew there and tour around Pamukkale. It is wonderful, full of interesting places. The ancient city has such a long history and there was a guide with us explaining every single detail. Thermal springs were also cool, I even swam in an ancient pool and the water was so warm and nice. Then on the second day we went to Ephesus, which is a true wonder. The marble structures are insane, and this site has a unique atmosphere. My parents and I had a lovely time, I wish we could stay longer there.
Second time in Pamukkale, but every time it gets better and better. Booked this combo tour as I wanted to visit Ephesus, so having a stop at Pamukkale for a second time was an absolute pleasure for me. This place is fascinating, the beauty of nature is breath-taking. Even though it was my second time, I really enjoyed the visit. Ephesus was something new, never been in that region. Ok, the archaeological site I knew it was gonna be stunning, but then I realised there are many other things there. The church and the mosque were superb. Such an amazing experience, thank you guys!
