Ephesus, Bodrum & Antalya Tour: 3 Days with Flights from Istanbul

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

This package starts with a morning flight from Istanbul to Izmir and a guided walk through Ephesus, then a drive south to Bodrum for the night. Day 2 covers Bodrum Castle, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the marina, followed by a long drive to Antalya. On Day 3 you see Kaleici, Hadrian's Gate and the Duden Waterfalls before the flight back to Istanbul.

It suits travellers staying in Istanbul who want the best-known ancient site on the Aegean plus two coastal cities, and who accept two long afternoons in a vehicle. History is the focus; beach time only comes if you add nights. The price is from $1,110 per person.

How is this different from the Istanbul, Bodrum and Antalya package?

Both packages share Days 2 and 3: Bodrum, then the drive to Antalya and a day in the old town. The difference is Day 1. Here you fly to Izmir in the morning and spend the day at Ephesus, then drive about three hours to Bodrum. On the Istanbul, Bodrum and Antalya package Day 1 is an Istanbul old city tour with an evening flight to Bodrum. If you have already seen Sultanahmet, this one gives you more new ground.

What is included at Ephesus, and what is optional?

The guided walk includes the main street of the ancient city: the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Hercules Gate, the Grand Theatre, the Fountain of Trajan, the Nike relief and the site of the Temple of Artemis. Two stops are optional: the Terrace Houses, the covered hillside homes of wealthy families, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Unlike some of our other packages, this page does not list a price for either one, so ask us to quote both in writing if you want them.

What should we bring for the Ephesus day?

You walk on old marble and stone for several hours, much of it in the open, so wear shoes with good grip and bring a hat, sunscreen and water. The day starts with a very early pickup in Istanbul and ends with the drive to Bodrum, so keep a light layer and anything you need for the evening in your day bag. If you plan to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, which is a place of prayer, bring clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

How long are the drives?

The page gives about three hours from Ephesus to Bodrum on Day 1 and about five hours from Bodrum to Antalya on Day 2, both in a private vehicle. Route planners put Bodrum to Antalya at roughly 390 to 420 km and five and a half to six hours without long stops, so expect to reach Antalya in the evening. If two long drives in a row are too much, ask whether a night can be added on the way.

Where do we stay?

Night 1 is in Bodrum and night 2 in Antalya, both with breakfast. There is no Istanbul night in the package, so you need your own hotel before Day 1 and after Day 3, or you can ask us to add one; the page says extra nights in Antalya or Istanbul can be added. The page does not name the hotels or give a star category, so ask for the hotel names in your written plan. Our Bodrum guide and Antalya guide cover each area.

The add-ons on the page look odd. What do they mean?

The optional extras list a transfer to Antalya for $195, an optional Antalya tour for $135 and one night on Rhodes Island for $250. The package already ends with a day in Antalya, so the first two lines do not match the itinerary, and the page does not explain how a Rhodes night would fit into a three-day trip. Ask us to confirm in writing which add-ons apply to this tour, what each one includes and the final price.

What does the Antalya day cover?

Day 3 starts after breakfast with a walk through Kaleici old town, with its Ottoman houses and small shops, then Hadrian's Gate, the Roman gateway into the old city, and the Duden Waterfalls just outside the centre. After that you go to the airport for the flight to Istanbul, where our representative helps with your transfer to your hotel or your flight home. The overview calls it the last morning, so check the flight time in your plan.

Is there a shorter or longer version?

If you only want Ephesus and Bodrum, the 2-day Ephesus and Bodrum tour drops the Antalya leg. For more time in the Ephesus area, including Kusadasi and Sirince, see our Ephesus and Kusadasi guide and the Ephesus packages.

How do I book this package?

Choose a date and the number of guests in the booking form on this page, or message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. We send you a written plan with flight times, the Istanbul pickup time, hotel names and the list of included and optional items, with prices for the Terrace Houses and Mary's House. Check it before any payment, and read the cancellation policy before you confirm. The tour is operated by Viracocha Travel Turizm, TÜRSAB licence A-15751.