3-Day Ephesus, Pamukkale & Konya Tour from Istanbul with Flights

Ephesus, Pamukkale and Konya in 3 days from Istanbul: the key facts

This is a 3-day, 2-night group tour that links the Aegean coast with central Anatolia. Day 1 starts with the 9:30 AM flight from Istanbul to Izmir, a guided tour of Ephesus and a drive of about 3 hours to Pamukkale for the night. Day 2 is for the travertine terraces, Hierapolis and Pamukkale Naturel Lake, followed by a drive of about 4.5 hours to Konya. On Day 3 you see the Mevlana Museum, the Karatay Medrese and Alaeddin Hill, then fly back to Istanbul.

It suits travellers who want ancient sites, natural scenery and the city of Rumi in one short trip, and who accept two long drives in exchange. The price is from $1,110 per person.

How do the flights and drives fit together?

You fly twice and drive twice. The Istanbul to Izmir flight leaves at 9:30 AM, so the pick-up from your Istanbul hotel is very early; you can also meet the guide at the airport. After Ephesus you drive about 3 hours to Pamukkale. On Day 2 the Pamukkale visit is followed by about 4.5 hours to Konya, which is the longest stretch of the trip. On Day 3 you fly from Konya to Istanbul after the morning tour. The page does not give the return flight time or the baggage allowance, so ask us for both before you book.

What is included at Ephesus, and what costs extra?

Entry to the main Ephesus site is included: the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, Hercules Gate, the Grand Theatre, the Fountain of Trajan and the site of the Temple of Artemis. Two stops are optional and priced on the page: the Terrace Houses at $25 and the entrance ticket for the House of the Virgin Mary at $55. The day plan says the Ephesus visit ends at Mary's House, so decide in advance whether you want that ticket. Read more in our Ephesus ancient city guide.

What happens at Pamukkale and Hierapolis?

Day 2 covers the Necropolis and the Theatre of Hierapolis, the white terraces and Pamukkale Naturel Lake and Park. Shoes are not allowed on the travertine terraces, so you walk barefoot on the marked path and carry your shoes in a bag; shoes are fine in the ruins above. Swimming in the Cleopatra Pool is optional and paid on the spot, so bring swimwear if you want it. See our Pamukkale travertines and Hierapolis guide.

What do we see in Konya, and what should we wear?

The Konya morning covers the Mevlana Museum, the tomb of the poet Rumi and the home of the Whirling Dervish tradition, the Karatay Medrese with its Seljuk tilework, and Alaeddin Hill for a view over the city. The Mevlana Museum is a place of pilgrimage for many visitors, so dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and women may want a scarf. Konya is a conservative city in general. More on the city in our Konya guide.

Which hotels are used?

The two included nights are in Pamukkale (Night 1) and, on the day plan, after the drive to Konya (Night 2), both with breakfast. The page does not name the hotels or give their category. Ask us to list the hotels for your dates in the written plan. Your Istanbul hotel before and after the trip is separate unless you ask us to add nights.

When is the best time of year for this route?

Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons. Ephesus and the Pamukkale terraces have little shade and are hot in midsummer, while Konya sits on the high central plateau and can be cold in winter. If you travel in July or August, carry water and a hat on Days 1 and 2. If you travel in winter, pack a warm layer for the Konya morning. See our best time to visit Turkey guide.

Can we add a day or change the route?

The page offers one extra day for $115, and says extra nights can be added at the end if you want to stay longer. The order follows the flights and the drive across the country, so ask us before assuming it can be reversed. If the long Pamukkale to Konya drive does not suit you, compare the 2-day Ephesus and Pamukkale tour by flight from $845 per person, or the 4-day Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya and Konya tour from $1,455 per person. More choices are on our Ephesus packages page.

How do we book this tour?

Pick your date and number of guests in the booking form on this page and tell us where you are staying in Istanbul for the early pick-up. You can also message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. We check both flights and both hotels for your date and send the full plan in writing, including flight times, hotels and the cost of any optional tickets you choose, before you make any payment. Cancellation terms are on our cancellation policy page. Get Turkey Tours is operated by Viracocha Travel Turizm, TÜRSAB licence A-15751.