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3-Day Ephesus, Pamukkale, Priene, Miletus and Didyma Tour from Istanbul

Ephesus Ancient City, Celsus Library
Ephesus Ancient City Tour
Ephesus Ancient City
Ephesus Ancient City, Great Theater
Ephesus Ancient City Trajan Fountain
Ephesus Ancient City Nike Relief
Pamukkale Hot Springs
Hierapolis Antique City
Pamukkale Travertine Terraces
Hierapolis Antique City
Hierapolis Plutonium
Hierapolis Antique City Theater
Hierapolis Antique City
Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Necropolis
Miletus Ancient City
Priene Ancient City
Didyma Apollon Temple
Didyma Apollon Temple
Itinerary

With our 3-Day Ephesus, Pamukkale, Priene, Miletus and Didyma Tour, let’s step into the mysteries of Turkey’s ancient past, where faith, history, and breathtaking landscapes come together. In Ephesus, once a thriving port city of 250,000, you’ll explore streets walked by Saint Paul and Saint John, admire the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and visit the Church of the Virgin Mary. Nearby, the House of the Virgin Mary, located on Bulbul Mountain, remains a place of pilgrimage for both Muslims and Catholics. In Pamukkale, the dazzling “Cotton Castle,” mineral-rich hot springs have created terraces of white pools beside the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where visitors can wander through Roman theaters, temples, and the famous Cleopatra’s Pool. The journey also takes you to the Ionian cities of Priene, Miletus, and Didyma—each a treasure of art, philosophy, and spirituality. In Priene, admire the Temple of Athena and the Theater tied to the wisdom of Bias and the Ionian League. In Miletus, discover the grand theater, the Faustina Baths, and the harbor lighthouse that inspired the Olympic torch. In Didyma, stand before the colossal Temple of Apollo, learn of its legendary oracle, and see the famous Medusa head carved in stone. Together, these sites create an unforgettable journey through the heart of the ancient world, where history and legend still speak to us today.

Day 1: Ephesus Tour (Lunch)

  • We will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul early in the morning and drive you to the airport according to your flight schedule. Your flight will be to Izmir.
  • We will meet you at Izmir Airport and drive you to Selcuk.
  • You will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the ancient City of Ephesus, including the Celsus Library, Agora, Theater, Odeon, Trajan’s Fountain, Domitian’s Temple, and Roman Latrines. We will also visit the Ephesus Experience Museum. Our last stop is the Temple of Artemis.
  • At the end of the tour, we will drive you to Kusadasi for an Overnight stay.

Day 2: Priene, Miletus, Didyma Tour (Breakfast )

  • In the morning, we will meet you at your hotel and drive to Soke.We will then visit Priene’s Ancient city, including the Bouleuterion, Theater, and Temple of Athena.
  • Afterward, we will explore Miletus, an ancient city home to famous ancient philosophers.
  • Our last stop is the Apollon Temple of Didyma. It is an ancient oracle center and sanctuary.
  • We will drive you back to your hotel at the end of the tour.

Day 3: Pamukkale Tour (Breakfast – Lunch)

  • We will pick you up from your hotel and drive to Pamukkale, a three-hour journey through the scenic countryside.
  • Upon arrival in Pamukkale, we will visit the Hierapolis Ancient City, which includes the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, and Theater.
  • We will stop at Cleopatra’s Pool. You can swim in the antique pool or rest after the walk through the ancient city.
  • Afterward, we will visit the cotton castles of Pamukkale. You can enjoy the hot waters and take amazing photos.
  • At the end of the tour, we will drive you to Denizli Airport for your flight to Istanbul.
  • We will meet you at Istanbul airport and drive you back to your hotel.

Included / Excluded

All transportation is with air-conditioned, modern vehicles driven by a professional driver
English Speaking Professional Tour Guide
Entrance fees to the sites
2 nights accommodation at a 4* hotel including breakfast
Domestic Flight Tickets
Lunch and drinks
Personal Expenses and tips
Entrance fee for Cleopatra’s Pool and Terrace Houses

Frequently asked questions

We offer two ways to enjoy this trip. The Private Tour means all tours and all transfers for the entire 3 days are conducted exclusively for your party. The Semi-Private Tour is a hybrid where the Priene, Miletus, Didyma Tour is Private (allowing personalized philosophical exploration), but your tours for Ephesus and Pamukkale are conducted as a Small Group (maximum 12 guests).

Yes, this is a complete package. The price covers your round-trip domestic flight tickets (Istanbul-Izmir and Denizli-Istanbul) and 2 nights of accommodation in Kusadasi. It also includes all airport and hotel transfers.

For the smoothest experience, your flight from Istanbul should be scheduled to arrive in Izmir (ADB) between 08:00 AM and 08:30 AM on Day 1. Your return flight on Day 3 should depart from Denizli (DNZ) late in the evening to ensure you complete the Pamukkale tour fully.

Almost all main entrance fees are included. However, the fee for the Terrace Houses at Ephesus and the swimming fee for Cleopatra's Pool at Pamukkale are not included and must be paid separately at the site if you choose to enter/swim.

Yes, lunch is included on Day 1 (Ephesus) and Day 3 (Pamukkale) for the Semi-Private Tour option (as those are small group days). For the Private Tour option, lunch is not included; however, your guide will happily assist you in selecting a preferred restaurant. Drinks are not included in either option.

You will need a variety of clothing: modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) for the House of the Virgin Mary. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for all ancient sites. Also, bring a swimsuit and a towel for Pamukkale, as you will be walking barefoot on the travertines.

The transfers and surrounding areas are accessible. However, archaeological sites (Ephesus, Hierapolis, Priene, Miletus) may be challenging due to uneven marble streets and stairs. Access may be limited to specific sections, but your guide will assist you with the best available routes.

To book this tour, please fill out the form with your details and click "Book Now." We will respond to your request within a few hours. For the fastest follow-up regarding your specific inquiry, you will find the "Continue on WhatsApp" button available after submission.

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