Multi-day journey
Istanbul, Ephesus and Pamukkale in 5 Days: A Private Tour
A private 5-day Istanbul, Ephesus and Pamukkale tour: two days in Istanbul, then a flight to İzmir for Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary, and two days at Hierapolis, the travertines and Laodicea.
Photo: Turkey Your Way
- Length
- 5 days
- Route
- Istanbul → İzmir → Selçuk → Pamukkale
- Style
- Private, guided
- Best time
- All year round. Istanbul is good in every season, and in summer, we start Ephesus and Pamukkale early in the morning. Summer is hot at Ephesus and Pamukkale.
Best for First-time visitors
Tour code TR-J05B
Overview
Not every first trip to Turkey needs Cappadocia. Our Istanbul Ephesus Pamukkale tour in 5 days joins the great city to the Aegean, with your own guides and driver, and boutique hotels we choose with you.
Istanbul on the Istanbul Ephesus Pamukkale Tour in 5 Days
We begin in Istanbul at Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, if open, outside prayer times, and at Topkapı Palace. On the second day, you walk through the Grand Bazaar up to the Süleymaniye Mosque, and you end on the Bosphorus.
Ephesus
On the third day, you fly to İzmir and drive to Ephesus, once the capital of the Roman province of Asia and on the World Heritage List since 2015. You walk past the Library of Celsus to the Great Theater. Then you drive up Bülbül Dağı to the House of the Virgin Mary, which Lazarist priests identified in 1891.
Pamukkale on the Istanbul Ephesus Pamukkale Tour in 5 Days
Next, you drive inland to Pamukkale and Hierapolis, a World Heritage site since 1988. The kings of Pergamon founded Hierapolis at the end of the 2nd century BC. In the afternoon, you walk down the white travertines barefoot. On the last morning, you see Laodicea before the flight home from Denizli.
From our guides
Our suggestion At Pamukkale, bring a bag for your shoes: you walk the travertines barefoot.
Shape Your Journey
Every journey is private. For Cappadocia as well, choose our Turkey tour in 7 days. For Ephesus and Pamukkale alone, see our Ephesus and Pamukkale tour in 2 days. Without Pamukkale, see our Istanbul Ephesus tour in 3 days.
Would you like the city and the Aegean in five days? Istanbul, a flight to İzmir for Ephesus and the white terraces to finish: your arrival day sets the start.
Route
- Istanbul
- İzmir
- Selçuk
- Pamukkale
Day by day
-
Day 1 · Istanbul
The old city
Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, if open, outside prayer times, then Topkapı Palace.
- Places: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), Topkapı Palace
- Stay: Istanbul
-
Day 2 · Istanbul
Bazaars and the Bosphorus
The Grand Bazaar and the Süleymaniye Mosque, then a boat on the Bosphorus.
- Places: Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque
- Stay: Istanbul
-
Day 3 · Ephesus
Ephesus
The flight to İzmir, the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary.
- Places: Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary
- Stay: Selçuk
-
Day 4 · Pamukkale
Pamukkale
The drive to Pamukkale, Hierapolis and the travertines.
- Places: Pamukkale & Hierapolis
- Stay: Pamukkale
-
Day 5 · Pamukkale
Laodicea and home
The ancient city of Laodicea, then the flight home from Denizli.
- Places: Laodicea
What’s included
Included
- Private licensed guides on every touring day, in the language you ask for
- A private vehicle and driver for the whole journey
- Airport meetings and transfers
- A 10 GB eSIM for one traveler in your group, our gift, valid for 30 days (data only)
Not included
- Flights, unless agreed in your program
- Hotels, unless agreed in your program
- Entrance tickets, unless agreed in your program
- Meals and drinks
- Tips
“He answered all my questions, kept me updated and made sure everything went smoothly.”
Practical
- Best time to go
- All year round. Istanbul is good in every season, and in summer, we start Ephesus and Pamukkale early in the morning. Summer is hot at Ephesus and Pamukkale.
- Fitness level
- Moderate: open ancient sites, and the travertines walked barefoot.
- Accessibility
- Tell us your needs, and we plan every day around them.
Gallery
Photo: Turkey Your Way 
Photo: Gryffindor / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain 
Photo: Turkey Your Way 
Photo: Turkey Your Way
Frequently asked questions
Is Cappadocia part of this tour?
No. For Cappadocia as well, choose our Turkey tour in 7 days.
How do we travel between the regions?
By a domestic flight to İzmir, then by road with your driver, and a flight home from Denizli.
Do we walk barefoot at Pamukkale?
Yes. Shoes are not allowed on the travertines, so you carry them.
Can we stay in Şirince?
Yes. Ask us, and we choose a boutique hotel there with you.
What is your cancellation policy?
Every trip with us is private, so we agree the cancellation terms with you by email before you book, and you find them in writing in your booking confirmation. The deposit is non-refundable.
Can children join?
Yes. Children are welcome, and we provide a child seat in the vehicle on request.
Who chooses the hotels?
We choose them with you in Istanbul and on the Aegean. Hotels are not included unless agreed in your program, and we book the ones you pick.
Who books the flights to İzmir and home from Denizli?
We do. Flights are not included unless agreed in your program, but we book both for you, and your driver meets each one.
Which language does the guide speak?
The language you ask for, on every touring day.
