2 Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels

Day 1: Ephesus Tour

1. Izmir
   Pass by
   We will pick you up from your hotel in Izmir and transfer you comfortably to Selcuk for your Ephesus tour. The drive takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic conditions. Exact pickup details will be confirmed one day before the tour.
2. Virgin Mary's House
   45m · Admission ticket not included
   We will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful sanctuary located on Mount Koressos. According to Christian tradition, this modest stone house is believed to be the place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. During our visit, your licensed guide will provide historical and religious context while explaining the significance of this site for both Christians and Muslims. You will also have free time to explore the chapel, light a candle, or place a wish at the prayer wall.
3. Ephesus Ancient City
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   We will visit the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Walking along its marble streets, we will see iconic landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Roman Baths. During our guided exploration, your licensed expert guide will combine historical knowledge with engaging storytelling, helping you understand the social, political, and cultural life of Roman Ephesus.
4. Ephesus Terrace Houses
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   We will continue to the Terrace Houses, also known as the “Houses of the Rich,” located within the ancient city. Here, we will explore beautifully preserved Roman residences featuring intricate mosaics, colorful frescoes, and advanced heating systems, offering insight into the refined lifestyle of Ephesus’ wealthy citizens.
5. 30m
   We will visit the Ephesus Experience Museum, where history is presented through innovative digital technology and immersive visual displays. This modern exhibition complements our exploration of the ancient city by recreating daily life, architecture, and important moments from Ephesus in a dynamic and engaging way. During our visit, your guide will provide context and explanations to help you better understand how the ancient city once looked and functioned.
6. Selcuk
   1h
   We will take a lunch break at a local restaurant in Selcuk, where you can enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine in a relaxed setting before continuing the tour.
7. The Temple of Artemis
   30m
   We will visit the site of the Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few columns remain today, this sacred site played a significant role in the religious and commercial life of ancient Ephesus. During our visit, your guide will explain the temple’s historical importance and its influence on the region in antiquity.
8. Izmir
   Pass by
   At the end of the tour, we will transfer you back to your hotel in Izmir.

Day 2: Pamukkale Tour

1. Izmir
   Pass by
   On the second day of your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Izmir and begin our journey to the next highlight of the region. After meeting in the hotel lobby at the confirmed pickup time, we will depart in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to continue our adventure.
2. Road to Pamukkale
   3h
   We will depart from Izmir and begin our journey to Pamukkale, traveling through the scenic landscapes of the Aegean region. Along the way, you will observe rural villages, olive groves, and fertile valleys that reflect the character of western Turkey. The drive offers a comfortable and relaxing start to the day before arriving at one of the country’s most remarkable natural sites.
3. 2h · Admission ticket not included
   We will explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded in the 2nd century BC and later flourishing under Roman rule. As we walk through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will see impressive remains such as the grand Roman Theatre, the Necropolis, ancient baths, and colonnaded streets. During our visit, your licensed guide will explain the historical importance of Hierapolis as a thermal spa city and its role in the religious and social life of the region.
4. Hierapolis Arkeoloji Muzesi
   30m
   We will visit the Hierapolis Archaeological Museum, located within the ancient Roman Bath complex. The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts discovered in Hierapolis and the surrounding region, including statues, sarcophagi, inscriptions, and everyday objects from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. During our visit, your licensed guide will provide historical context and explain how these findings help us better understand life in ancient times.
5. Cleopatra Pools
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   We will visit Cleopatra’s Pool, also known as the Antique Pool, famous for its warm thermal waters and submerged ancient columns. According to legend, the pool was a gift from Marc Antony to Cleopatra. Here, you will have free time to relax by the water or, if you wish, swim among the ancient ruins. Please note that swimming in the pool requires an additional entrance fee, which is not included in the tour price.
6. Pamukkale Thermal Pools
   45m
   We will visit the world-famous Pamukkale Travertines, a natural wonder formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside. These white calcium terraces, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, create a striking landscape often referred to as the “Cotton Castle.” During our visit, you will have time to walk barefoot on the terraces and experience the warm thermal waters while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
7. Pamukkale
   1h
   We will take a lunch break at a local restaurant in Pamukkale, where you can enjoy a selection of traditional Turkish dishes in a relaxed setting before continuing the tour.
8. Izmir
   Pass by
   At the end of our Pamukkale tour, we will begin our return journey to Izmir. After a full day exploring the natural and historical highlights of the region, we will transfer you comfortably back to your hotel in Izmir.

Pickup details

We will pick you up from your hotel. One day before the tour, we will contact you with the exact pickup time. Please be ready at the reception at the scheduled pickup time.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels