Istanbul, Ephesus & Bodrum Tour: 3 Days with Flights

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

This group package combines old Istanbul, the ruins of Ephesus and the Aegean town of Bodrum in 3 days and 2 nights. Day 1 is a guided walk in Istanbul, then a flight to Izmir and a night in Kusadasi. Day 2 is Ephesus, followed by a private transfer of about 2.5 hours to Bodrum. Day 3 covers Bodrum Castle, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the marina, then a flight back to Istanbul.

It suits travellers who want one major ancient site and a short taste of the coast, with less rushing than the four-stop express tours. The price is from $1,110 per person. Hotels with breakfast, a professional guide, all flights in the itinerary, air-conditioned vehicles and entrance fees (except optional sights) are included.

How do the flights and the Bodrum transfer work?

There are two flights, and both are included. The first goes from Istanbul to Izmir at the end of Day 1, followed by the drive to your Kusadasi hotel. The second takes you back to Istanbul at the end of Day 3. The page says "the airport" without naming it. Bodrum's airport is the natural choice, but confirm it. Between the two, on Day 2, a private transfer of about 2.5 hours takes you from Ephesus to Bodrum. The page gives no flight times or baggage allowance, so ask for both in your written plan.

Can we start straight from the airport?

Yes. The itinerary says the guide collects you at 09:00 "from the hotel or the airport". That helps if you land in Istanbul early on Day 1. Ask what happens if your flight is late, and where your luggage goes during the walking tour, because you fly to Izmir the same evening. The booking form also offers start times from 08:00 to 14:00, which does not match the fixed 09:00 pick-up. Treat 09:00 as the real time unless we confirm another one in writing.

How long is Day 2?

It is the longest day. You walk through Ephesus in the morning: the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Hercules Gate, the Grand Theatre, the Fountain of Trajan and the site of the Temple of Artemis. The page says the tour "can end" at the House of the Virgin Mary ($55 extra), and the Terrace Houses are also optional. The 2.5-hour drive to Bodrum follows in the afternoon. If you add both extras, ask whether the transfer time moves. You are on foot on stone for several hours, with little shade, so bring a hat and water.

Which hotels are used?

The page lists one night in Kusadasi and one in Bodrum, both with breakfast, but it names no hotels and gives no star rating. No Istanbul night is included before or after the tour. Ask for the hotel names with your written plan. Our Kusadasi hotels for Ephesus guide explains the first base. The page says extra nights in Bodrum or Istanbul can be added, and Bodrum is the more useful choice if you want a beach day.

What do we see in Bodrum on Day 3?

You check out in the morning and visit Bodrum Castle, which overlooks the harbour, and the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then you have time at the marina before the airport transfer. Main entrance fees are included. Lunch is not. If you would like more of the town, our Bodrum destination guide and Bodrum tours list show what you could do with an extra night.

What should we wear, and how hard is the walking?

In Istanbul you walk for several hours, and the Blue Mosque is on the route. Cover your shoulders and knees there, and women also cover their hair. You take your shoes off inside, so slip-on shoes help. Our what to wear in Istanbul guide has more. Ephesus and Bodrum Castle both have uneven stone paths and steps, so wear proper walking shoes rather than sandals. Bring a light layer for flights and air-conditioned vehicles.

What about the "Transfer to Fethiye" extra?

The extras list shows a transfer to Fethiye for $165, but Fethiye is not part of this itinerary, and the page does not say when it would happen. If you would rather end the trip on the coast than fly back from Bodrum, ask us for a written quote that shows the new end point and what happens to the Day 3 flight.

Are there similar packages to compare?

Yes. The 2-day Ephesus and Bodrum tour from Istanbul costs from $845 and skips the Istanbul day. The 3-day Istanbul, Pamukkale and Bodrum tour costs the same, from $1,110, and swaps Ephesus for Pamukkale. The 5-day Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Bodrum tour costs from $1,795 and includes all three. Browse all multi-city packages.

How do I book this 3-day 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 we collect you from a hotel or the airport on Day 1. We check flights and hotels for your dates. Then we send the full plan in writing: both flight times and airports, both hotel names, the pick-up point and the optional tickets you have chosen. You pay only after you have read and confirmed it. The tour is run by Get Turkey Tours under TÜRSAB licence A-15751.