Ephesus, Bodrum & Fethiye Tour Package: 3 Days on the Coast

Ephesus, Bodrum and Fethiye in 3 days: the key facts

This group package links three stops on the Aegean and Mediterranean coast in three days, flying out of Istanbul to Izmir and back from Dalaman. Day 1 is a guided walk through the ruins of Ephesus, followed by a drive to Bodrum. Day 2 covers Bodrum Castle, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the marina, then a drive to Fethiye. Day 3 takes in the Fethiye Museum, the lagoon at Oludeniz and the empty village of Kayakoy before the flight back to Istanbul.

It suits travellers who want Ephesus plus some time by the sea, and who accept a long drive at the end of the first two days. The price is from $1,110 per person. Hotels with breakfast, a professional guide, the flights in the itinerary, air-conditioned vehicles and entrance fees (except optional sites) are included.

How early does Day 1 start?

The flight to Izmir leaves at 09:30, so the page says we collect you from your Istanbul hotel very early, or you can meet the guide at the airport. From Izmir Airport it is a short drive to Ephesus. The page does not say which Istanbul airport the flight uses, and that changes the pick-up time, so ask us to confirm it in writing. No Istanbul hotel is included before the tour. If you are flying in from abroad, book your own room for the night before and send us the address.

How much driving is there?

Two long drives. After Ephesus you drive about 3 hours to Bodrum, and after the Bodrum tour on Day 2 you drive about 3 hours to Fethiye. On Day 3 there is also the transfer from Fethiye to Dalaman Airport. Our Bodrum and Fethiye 2-day tour gives the Bodrum–Fethiye drive as about 2 hours, so our own pages do not agree. Ask us to confirm both drive times for your date. Bring water, snacks and something to read.

Are the Terrace Houses and the House of the Virgin Mary included?

No. Both are marked "optional" in the Day 1 list, and entrance fees are included except for optional sites. This page gives no price for them. Our Ephesus and Pamukkale 2-day tour lists the Terrace Houses at $25 and the ticket for Mary's House at $55, but ask us for the price that applies to your date. Also check how a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary fits a day that ends with a three-hour drive. Read about the Terrace Houses of Ephesus before you choose.

How much walking is there at Ephesus?

A lot, mostly on old marble streets and uneven stones. The route on the page runs through the main street of the ancient city, past the Temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus to the Grand Theatre, with short stops at the smaller monuments. Wear shoes with good grip, a hat and sun cream, and carry water. Bodrum Castle on Day 2 has steep steps, and the paths in Kayakoy on Day 3 are rocky. The itinerary has no mosque visit, so there is no special dress code.

Where do we sleep each night?

The page says "overnight in Bodrum" after Day 1. It does not say where you sleep after Day 2, but the day ends with the drive to Fethiye and Day 3 starts with "check out of your hotel" in Fethiye, so the second night is in Fethiye. Hotel names and star ratings are not given, only "accommodations with breakfast". You change hotels every night, so pack a small suitcase. Ask for both hotel names in your written plan. Our Bodrum guide and Fethiye guide describe each town.

Is it really a group tour?

The page sells it as a group tour, and there is no private price listed. However, the Day 1 and Day 2 texts both say "a private vehicle" takes you on the long drives. Ask us to confirm in writing whether you share the guide and the vehicle with other travellers, and how large the group can be. That affects how long you can stay at Oludeniz or whether you can skip a museum. If you want to start in Istanbul instead of flying straight out, compare the 3-day Istanbul, Ephesus and Bodrum tour, also from $1,110.

Which meals are included?

Breakfast at the hotel on Day 2 and Day 3. Lunch and dinner are not included on any day, so budget for three lunches and two dinners. The page gives no lunch stop, so ask your guide where the group eats on each day. The Bodrum marina is a good place for dinner after Day 1, as long as the drive from Ephesus does not arrive too late. On Day 3 your last meal before the Dalaman flight is likely to be near Oludeniz or Fethiye.

Can we add nights, Rhodes or Antalya?

Yes. The page says you can add extra nights in Fethiye, but gives no price. It also lists one night on Rhodes for $250, a transfer to Antalya for $195 and an Antalya tour for $135. It does not explain how Rhodes fits the route, so ask us for the ferry times and passport rules before you choose it. For a slower version with Pamukkale added, see the 4-day Ephesus, Pamukkale, Bodrum and Fethiye tour from $1,455, or browse our multi-city packages.

How do I book the Ephesus, Bodrum and Fethiye tour?

Choose your date and number of guests in the booking form on this page and send it, or message us on WhatsApp. Tell us whether you want the Terrace Houses or the House of the Virgin Mary. We then send you the full plan in writing, with the Istanbul airport, pick-up time, hotel names, drive times and the cost of any extras. You pay only after you have read and confirmed it. The tour is run by Get Turkey Tours, TÜRSAB licence A-15751.