Ephesus Ancient City, Virgin Mary House, Temple of Artemis

Istanbul - Guests are picked up from their hotel in Istanbul early in the morning and provided with a private transfer to the airport. (Important Note: Domestic flight tickets are not included in this package. Please ensure a morning flight is booked, arriving in Izmir around 08:00 - 08:30 AM. Guests are dropped off at the departure terminal.

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Welcome to the Aegean Coast! Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, guests should exit the domestic terminal building. A representative will be waiting at the meeting point with a sign displaying the guest’s name. After assisting with luggage, guests will be driven to the Ephesus area in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle (approx. 45-60 minutes). Enjoy the scenic views of peach orchards and olive groves en route to the start of the tour.

Selcuk - Arrival in Selcuk, the historic gateway to Ephesus. Here, guests will meet their professional tour guide and fellow travelers. A smooth transition from the airport transfer vehicle to the tour bus is facilitated. After a brief introduction and overview of the day, the tour proceeds directly to the first destination, the House of Virgin Mary.

Virgin Mary’s House - The journey begins with a scenic drive up to Nightingale Mountain. Guests visit the House of Virgin Mary, a serene pilgrimage site believed to be Mary’s final residence. Recognized by the Vatican and visited by Popes, this humble stone house offers a unique spiritual atmosphere. Guests will have time to visit the chapel, see the holy water fountains, and leave a wish on the famous ‘Wishing Wall’.

Ancient City of Ephesus - The highlight of the day! Guests will walk through the original marble streets of one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. The guide will take guests on a journey back in time, showcasing the magnificent Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. The tour concludes at the massive Great Theatre, where St. Paul once preached to the Ephesians. It is a truly breathtaking open-air museum.

Ephesus Terrace Houses - Step into the private lives of the Roman elite. Located on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, these ‘villas of the wealthy’ offer a unique glimpse into ancient luxury. Guests will admire incredibly well-preserved mosaics and colorful frescoes that decorated the walls 2,000 years ago. This section is often called the ‘Museum within a Museum’. Please note that this is an OPTIONAL visit. If guests wish to explore these houses, tickets can be purchased at the entrance. The tour guide will accompany guests inside to explain the fascinating history of these ancient villas.

Ephesus Experience Museum - See what the archaeologists envisioned in their dreams! This award-winning museum offers a spectacular 360-degree digital experience of ancient Ephesus. It is the perfect way to understand how the ruins guests just walked through actually looked during the peak of the Roman era. Through cutting-edge technology, the guide will lead guests into a world where history comes back to life, showing the magnificent details of the ancient city in a way never imagined before.

Selcuk - Experience the true flavors of Turkey with a delicious lunch at a traditional local restaurant in Selcuk. Guests will savor authentic Aegean cuisine, featuring a rich variety of regional specialties prepared with fresh, local ingredients. From classic Turkish mezes to tasty main courses, this meal offers a real taste of the region’s culinary heritage. It is the perfect moment to relax in an authentic atmosphere, share photos with fellow travelers, and recharge before the next discovery.

The Temple of Artemis - A stop is made at the site of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While only a single column remains today, its historical significance is immense, as it was once the largest temple in the Greek world. The guide will help guests visualize the original grandeur of this masterpiece. From this vantage point, guests can also enjoy a unique panoramic view where the ancient Temple, the 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque, and the Byzantine Basilica of St. John all meet in one frame.

Kusadasi - After a day full of history and discovery, guests are driven towards the beautiful coastal town of Kusadasi. Enjoy the sea breeze and the scenic views of the Aegean coast en route to the accommodation. Guests are dropped off directly at their hotel for check-in and some well-deserved rest. The evening is free to enjoy the sunset by the sea and prepare for the next part of the adventure in Pamukkale.

Travertines of Pamukkale, Hierapolis Ancient City

Road to Pamukkale - Start the morning with a comfortable drive from the coast towards the heart of the inner Aegean region. As the journey to Pamukkale begins, guests will pass through fertile valleys filled with olive, fig, and cotton trees. The guide will share interesting stories about the local culture and the changing landscape. A short break is taken to stretch legs and enjoy the countryside views before the white ‘Cotton Castle’ appears on the horizon.

Pamukkale - Upon arriving at the summit of the hill, guests step into the ruins of Hierapolis, the ancient ‘Holy City’ located right above the white terraces. After the scenic drive, exploration of the Necropolis begins, one of the largest and most impressive ancient cemeteries in Anatolia. Guests will walk through the monumental gates and reach the magnificent Roman Theatre, which offers a breathtaking view of the valley below. The guide will explain how this city became a world-famous center for healing and thermal baths during the Roman Empire.

Hierapolis Arkeoloji Muzesi - Located inside the beautifully restored Roman Bath, this museum houses an incredible collection of artifacts from Hierapolis, Laodicea, and the surrounding Lycus Valley. Guests will see magnificent marble sarcophagi, intricate Roman statues, and rare coins that reflect the artistic wealth of the ancient city. This is an optional visit for those who want to dive deeper into history. If guests wish to see these treasures up close, tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and the guide will provide insights into the most important masterpieces.

Cleopatra Pools - Experience a unique swim in history! This thermal pool was a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra and is still filled with warm, healing mineral waters. Guests can walk around the lush gardens and see the ancient marble columns submerged under the crystal-clear water. Swimming among these 2,000-year-old ruins is an optional activity. If guests wish to swim, the entrance fee can be paid at the pool’s office. It is the perfect place to relax muscles and feel like royalty in a truly ancient setting.

Pamukkale Thermal Pools - Prepare to be amazed by a natural wonder that looks like a castle made of cotton. These world-famous white terraces were formed over thousands of years by calcium-rich thermal waters cascading down the mountain. Guests will have free time to walk barefoot on the soft white travertine and soak their feet in the warm, turquoise thermal pools. The contrast between the brilliant white mineral forests and the blue sky offers incredible photo opportunities. It is a surreal landscape that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Pamukkale - After exploring the wonders of Hierapolis and the white terraces, a break is taken for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Guests will enjoy a variety of traditional Turkish dishes, featuring fresh seasonal vegetables and authentic regional flavors. This is the perfect time to relax, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Pamukkale village, and share amazing photos with travel companions. Recharge energy with great food and Turkish hospitality before beginning the journey back.

Denizli Çardak Airport - As the 2-day adventure comes to an end, a comfortable transfer to Denizli Cardak Airport is provided. Guests are ensured to arrive on time for their flight, giving a smooth and stress-free conclusion to the journey. The guide and driver will assist with luggage and help with the terminal drop-off. Guests are hoped to leave with unforgettable memories of Ephesus and Pamukkale, and are wished a safe and pleasant flight back.

Istanbul - Upon arrival in Istanbul, the team will be waiting to meet guests for a private transfer back to their accommodation. Guests can relax in a comfortable vehicle as they are driven through the city directly to their hotel entrance. The driver will assist with luggage, ensuring a seamless and worry-free end to the 2-day journey across Ephesus and Pamukkale. The team is honored to have been part of the Turkish adventure and wishes guests a wonderful continued stay in Istanbul.

• All airport transfers with air-conditioned vehicles
• Pick up and drop off to your hotel
• Professional tour guide
• Accommodation in local hotels

• Lunch, Dinner and drinks
• Personal expenses and tips
• Flight Tickets
• Entrance fees to the sites and museums

Puerto Travel transforms an ordinary trip into an unforgettable adventure. With licensed guides, skilled drivers, and modern air-conditioned vehicles, every journey is smooth from beginning to end.
This tour perfectly combines ancient history with 21st-century technology. While most tours focus solely on ruins, we include the ‘Ephesus Experience Museum’ to revive the ancient world with immersive 360-degree digital displays. Exploring Ephesus feels like traveling back in time—from the magnificent Library to the opulent ‘Terrace Houses.’ In Pamukkale, discover unique natural wonders and rejuvenating thermal waters.
We manage every aspect, from your Istanbul hotel to the stunning white terraces, ensuring a stress-free adventure. Puerto Travel is dedicated to excellence; we don’t just showcase Turkey’s top attractions, we promise an extraordinary journey you will always remember.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.