Ephesus to Antalya Tour: 5 Days via Pamukkale, Bodrum & Fethiye
Overview
Ephesus to Antalya Tour: 5 Days via Pamukkale, Bodrum & Fethiye
This 5-day trip mixes history, nature and the seaside. It starts with a morning flight from Istanbul to Izmir and a walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus, followed by the white terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
The second half of the trip follows the coast. In Bodrum, a town known for its lively nightlife, you visit the castle and the marina. In Fethiye you see the bays and the blue lagoon at Oludeniz, and in Antalya, on the Mediterranean, you stroll through the old town before a flight takes you back to Istanbul.
Included are accommodation with breakfast, a professional guide, all flights in the itinerary, air-conditioned vehicles and entry to the sights except the optional ones. Not included are international flights to Istanbul, lunches, dinners and optional activities in your free time.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 – Flight to Izmir, Ephesus Tour and Drive to Pamukkale
We collect you from your hotel very early in the morning for your 9:30 AM flight to Izmir. If you prefer, you can meet our guide at the airport instead. After a short drive from Izmir, the Ephesus tour begins.
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, and walking among its ruins is a remarkable experience.
Highlights of the day:
- Library of Celsus: the tall, richly carved facade of this ancient library is the best-known image of Ephesus.
- Temple of Hadrian: a fine temple honouring the Roman emperor, with columns and carved reliefs still in good shape.
- Terrace Houses (optional): the lavish homes where the wealthiest families of Ephesus once lived.
- Hercules Gate: a monumental gateway decorated with carvings of the legendary hero.
- Grand Theatre: it held up to 25,000 spectators and is still used for performances today.
- The Snake Cult of Asklepios: hear about the ancient cult of Asklepios, the god of healing, and see what is left of his temple.
- Herm (Marker) of Hermes: ancient marker stones that once guided people through the city and marked its boundaries.
- Artemission: the site of the Temple of Artemis, counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Stone-carving of the goddess Nike: a finely worked relief of Nike, the winged goddess of victory.
- Fountain of Trajan: the well-kept remains of a grand fountain built in honour of Emperor Trajan.
- House of Virgin Mary (optional): the tour can finish at the house many believe to be the Virgin Mary's final resting place.
After the tour, drive to Pamukkale, about 3 hours away.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 2 – Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Drive to Bodrum
Today you explore Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its well-preserved ruins and its importance in history.
You visit the Necropolis, the Theatre and the Cleopatra Pool (optional).
Highlights of the tour include:
- Hierapolis: see the Necropolis, the Theatre and the Cleopatra Pool (there is an admission charge if you want to swim in the pool).
- Pamukkale: the main event is the famous travertines, terraces of bright white pools rich in minerals. Enjoy the views and walk on the soft, cotton-like rock.
- Pamukkale Naturel Lake: there is also time to visit the lake and park, which add to the beauty of the area.
After the Pamukkale tour, a short drive of about 2 hours brings you to Bodrum.
Day 3 – Bodrum Castle and Drive to Fethiye
Check out of your hotel today and explore the town of Bodrum.
Highlights of the day:
- Bodrum Castle: a medieval castle with wonderful views over the harbor.
- Mausoleum of Halicarnassus: walk among the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Bodrum Marina: take it easy at the lively marina, with time for shopping or a coffee at a waterfront cafe.
After the tour, a scenic drive in a private vehicle brings you to Fethiye (about 3 hours).
Day 4 – Fethiye, Oludeniz and Kayakoy, then Antalya
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and get to know Fethiye. Today's stops:
- Fethiye Museum: ancient artifacts and the story of the region.
- Oludeniz: a lovely blue lagoon and beach, often named among the most beautiful in Turkey.
- Kayakoy: a ghost town abandoned in the 1920s, where you walk between stone houses and hear its history.
In the afternoon, a scenic drive in a private vehicle takes you to Antalya (about 3 hours).
Overnight in Antalya.
Day 5 – Antalya Old Town and Flight Back to Istanbul
Check out of the hotel today and discover Antalya.
Highlights of the day:
- Kaleici (Old Town): cobbled lanes lined with Ottoman buildings and lively shops.
- Hadrian's Gate: a well-preserved Roman gate that once marked the way into the old city.
- Duden Waterfalls: a peaceful setting with lovely falls just outside the city centre.
After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Our representative will help with your airport transfer, either for your flight home or to your hotel, which marks the end of our services.
Extra nights can be added if you would like to stay longer.
Important Notes
Optional extras
- Hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia (Göreme): $310
- One extra night at an Istanbul hotel, before or after the tour: $65
- Private tour upgrade: $250
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Accommodations with breakfast
- ✓Professional guide
- ✓All flights in the itinerary
- ✓Air-conditioned vehicles
- ✓Admission Fees to enter sights (Except optionals)
- ✕International flights to Istanbul
- ✕Dinner and lunch
- ✕Optional additional tours or activities during free time
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Travel guides
- Şirince Village from Kuşadası: 28 km, Fruit Wine and Ephesus
- Priene, Miletus and Didyma Day Trip: Route, Drive Times, Tickets
- Ephesus at Night Tour: Season, Evenings, Hours and Getting There
- Spanish-Speaking Guide at Ephesus: How to Book One for 2027
- Nicaea and Ephesus Pilgrimage 2027: A Route for French-Speaking Groups
- Ephesus Day Trip for French Visitors: Kuşadası, İzmir, Bodrum, Samos
- Ephesus from Marmaris, Bodrum or Kuşadası: Drive Times and Prices
- Kuşadası Cruise Port to Ephesus: 19 km, Which Gate, How to Get There
- Ephesus from Kuşadası for Italian Travellers: Hours, Tickets, Costs
- Ephesus on Your Own or with a Guide: Kuşadası, İzmir and Bodrum
Ephesus to Antalya in 5 days via Pamukkale, Bodrum and Fethiye: the key facts
This 5-day, 4-night group tour flies you from Istanbul to Izmir for Ephesus, then follows the road to Pamukkale, Bodrum, Fethiye and Antalya, with a flight back to Istanbul on the last afternoon. Each day has one main stop and one drive: Ephesus, then the Pamukkale terraces and Hierapolis, then Bodrum Castle and the marina, then Oludeniz and Kayakoy, and finally Kaleici and the Duden Waterfalls in Antalya.
It suits travellers who want the classical sites and the southwest coast in one trip, with one flight each way and no very long road days. The price is from $1,795 per person.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Length | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Route | Istanbul - Izmir - Ephesus - Pamukkale - Bodrum - Fethiye - Antalya - Istanbul |
| Style | Group tour with a flight out and a flight back |
| Start / end | Very early hotel pick-up in Istanbul for a 09:30 flight on Day 1 (or meet the guide at the airport) / flight from Antalya on Day 5, then a transfer to the airport or your hotel in Istanbul |
| Included | 4 hotel nights with breakfast, professional guide, all flights in the itinerary, air-conditioned vehicles, entrance fees except optional sights |
| Extra | International flights, lunches and dinners, Terrace Houses, House of the Virgin Mary, Cleopatra Pool swim, free-time activities |
How does it differ from the 4-day version?
Our 4-day Ephesus, Pamukkale, Bodrum and Fethiye tour, from $1,455 per person, follows the same first three days and then flies home from Dalaman after Fethiye. This 5-day tour adds a drive to Antalya, a night there and a morning in Kaleici before the flight. Choose this one if you want to see Antalya or fly home from the Mediterranean side, and the shorter one if time is tight.
Where do we sleep each night?
The page names Pamukkale for Night 1 and Antalya for Night 4. For Nights 2 and 3 it does not say the town in words, but the day plan only works with a night in Bodrum after Day 2 and a night in Fethiye after Day 3, since you check out in each place the next morning. Ask us to confirm those two hotels in writing. The page gives no hotel names or star category; we send them with your plan. Because of the very early Day 1 pick-up, your Istanbul night before the tour is extra, available at $65.
How long are the drives?
The page gives about 3 hours from Ephesus to Pamukkale, about 2 hours from Pamukkale to Bodrum, about 3 hours from Bodrum to Fethiye and about 3 hours from Fethiye to Antalya. Some of our other packages give about 3 hours for Pamukkale to Bodrum, so the Day 2 drive may be longer than stated; ask us to confirm. Days 3 and 4 use what the page calls a private vehicle, although this is a group tour, so ask whether those transfers are shared.
What do we see at Ephesus, and what costs extra?
Day 1 covers Ephesus: the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Hercules Gate, the Grand Theatre and the site of the Temple of Artemis. The Terrace Houses and the House of the Virgin Mary are marked optional, and this page gives no price for either, so ask. The site is open marble with little shade, so bring water, a hat and shoes with grip.
What should we wear at Pamukkale?
Shoes are not allowed on the white travertine terraces, so you walk barefoot and carry them in a bag. The wet surface can be slippery, so walk slowly. Day 2 also includes the Necropolis and theatre of Hierapolis and time at Pamukkale Naturel Lake. If you want to swim in the Cleopatra Pool, wear a swimsuit under your clothes; the swim costs an admission fee. Read our Pamukkale and Hierapolis page.
How much beach time is there?
Not much. Day 3 in Bodrum is the castle, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and free time at the marina, and Day 4 in Fethiye is the museum, Oludeniz and Kayakoy before the afternoon drive to Antalya, where you sleep before the Day 5 tour and flight. The page does not say how long you stop at the Oludeniz lagoon. The page plans nothing for the evening you reach Bodrum, so that is your chance to see the town's nightlife the overview mentions. For a real beach day, add a night; see our Bodrum guide and Fethiye guide.
Is the hot air balloon included?
No. The extras list a "hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia (Goreme)" at $310, but this route does not go to Cappadocia. Ask us in writing what that extra covers before adding it; it only works with extra Cappadocia days. The other extras are an Istanbul hotel night before or after the tour at $65 and a private tour upgrade at $250; ask whether the upgrade is per person. Other routes are on our multi-city packages page.
How do we book this package?
Use the booking form on this page to choose your start date, a preferred time and the number of guests, and tell us your Istanbul hotel and flight home. You can also message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. We confirm the Izmir and Antalya flights, the Bodrum and Fethiye hotels, the drive times and the extras, and send the full plan in writing before you make any payment. Get Turkey Tours is a TÜRSAB-licensed agency (A-15751).
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