Tour Overview
6-Day Istanbul, Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour is planned as a 6 Days / 5 Nights journey linking Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale. The route is designed to combine cultural sightseeing, practical transport connections and time in the principal destinations without compressing the main visits into a single day.
Across the itinerary, the main sightseeing is built around Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Side, Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Izmir, House of the Virgin Mary. Each stop is positioned within the day-by-day route so that the historical, cultural and landscape highlights remain easy to follow from one destination to the next.
Travel logistics are integrated into the program rather than treated as separate arrangements. Depending on the confirmed route, the package includes 4-star hotel accommodation, licensed guided sightseeing, private transfers, domestic flights, ferry connections, 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches. The result is a complete multi-day itinerary with the major visits, overnight stops and travel sectors clearly organized.
Tour Highlights
Itinerary
Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport or the cruise port, you will be met by your driver and transferred privately to your hotel. Hotel check-in is available after 13:00. After arrival, your travel representative will meet you at the hotel to provide a brief introduction to your travel program.
The rest of the day is free for relaxation or personal exploration of Istanbul at your own pace. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Private Istanbul Old City Tour
After breakfast, around 10:00, your private guide will meet you at the hotel lobby to begin a full-day exploration of Istanbul’s historical peninsula.
The tour includes iconic landmarks such as the Hippodrome of Constantinople, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Blue Mosque, and the world-famous Hagia Sophia. Continue to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, followed by a visit to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world.
After the tour, return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Evening at leisure in Istanbul.
Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Flight to Izmir (Ephesus Region)
After breakfast, depart around 08:30 for a half-day scenic experience. Drive along the Golden Horn, passing the historic Byzantine city walls, before arriving at the Spice Bazaar, filled with colors and aromas of traditional Turkish spices.
From here, enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise, offering stunning views of palaces, mosques, and waterfront mansions along the strait separating Europe and Asia. The tour ends around 12:30 in Sultanahmet.
Later, a private transfer will take you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue to Kusadasi. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Full-Day Ephesus Ancient City Tour
After breakfast, pick-up from your hotel between 08:30–08:45 for a guided tour of the ancient city of Ephesus.
The day begins with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site located on the slopes of Mount Bülbül. Continue to the remarkable ruins of Ephesus Ancient City, where highlights include the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, marble streets, and Roman-era structures.
After lunch, visit the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The day concludes with a stop at the traditional Sirince Village, known for its stone houses and local wine production.
Return to Kusadasi for overnight stay.
Pamukkale Tour & Return Flight to Istanbul
After breakfast, depart around 07:30 for a full-day excursion to Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most extraordinary natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before exploring the famous white calcium terraces formed by thermal waters. Continue to the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you will discover the Temple of Apollo, Roman Theatre, Necropolis, and ancient thermal baths.
In the afternoon, transfer to Denizli Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Departure from Istanbul
After breakfast, check out from your hotel before 12:00. A private transfer will take you to Istanbul Airport for your international departure flight.
What's Included
Included
- 🏨 Accommodation 5 nights accommodation in carefully selected 4-star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis.
- 🏛️ Istanbul Old City Tour Private Istanbul Old City Tour with an English-speaking licensed guide, private transportation, and entrance fees. Lunch is not included.
- 🚢 Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Half-Day Small Group Bosphorus Cruise Tour in the morning.
- 🏛️ Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour 02-Day Regular Small Group Tour covering Ephesus and Pamukkale, including an English-speaking licensed guide, transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.
- ✈️ Domestic Flights Flights from Istanbul to Izmir and Denizli to Istanbul. Each ticket includes 15 kg of checked baggage and 8 kg of hand luggage.
- 🚐 Transportation & Transfers Private transfers from/to airports and hotels throughout the tour with a private car.
Not Included
- ✈️ International Flights International flight tickets to and from Turkey.
- 🍽️ Meals & Beverages Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned under Included.
- 🎟️ Optional Visits & Services Visits, activities, and services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- 🧳 Personal Expenses Personal expenses during the tour.
- 💰 Tips & Gratuities Tips for drivers, guides, and other services.
