Antalya & Ephesus Tour Package: 2 Days by Air from Istanbul

Antalya and Ephesus by air from Istanbul in 2 days: the key facts

This package uses three flights to fit the Antalya region and Ephesus into two days. Day 1 starts with a 07:15 flight from Istanbul to Antalya and a long day of sightseeing: the Roman city of Perge, the theatre at Aspendos, Kursunlu Waterfall, the old town of Kaleici and Hadrian's Gate. In the evening you fly to Izmir and stay in Kusadasi. Day 2 is a guided walk through Ephesus and a flight back to Istanbul.

It suits travellers staying in Istanbul who want two of Turkey's best-known Roman sites, Aspendos and Ephesus, in a short trip and do not need beach time. It is a sightseeing trip with early starts. The price is from $845 per person.

How early is Day 1, and how does it run?

The flight to Antalya leaves Istanbul at 07:15, so we collect you from your hotel very early, or you can meet our guide at the airport. You go straight from Antalya airport to the sites, finish in Kaleici, and then transfer back to the airport for the flight to Izmir and the drive to your hotel in Kusadasi. Expect a late check-in. Keep a hat, sunscreen, water and a light layer in your day bag, since you do not see your hotel until the evening.

Is the Antalya day too rushed?

It is full. Five stops sit between a morning landing and an evening flight: Perge, Aspendos, Kursunlu Waterfall, Kaleici and Hadrian's Gate. The page gives no timings for each stop, so ask for the planned schedule in writing. If you want more time in the area, the page says extra nights can be added, and one extra tour day is listed at $115. With a night in Antalya you could also add a day such as the Perge, Aspendos, Side and Manavgat tour or a boat trip.

What are Perge and Aspendos?

Both are Roman sites east of Antalya, and they are the main reason to choose this package over a beach trip. At Perge you walk among the remains of a Roman city. Aspendos is a Roman theatre that the page calls one of the best preserved anywhere. Your guide explains both in context with Ephesus the next day, so you see how Roman towns were built in two regions. Read more in our Antalya guide.

Is there time for the beach or the sea?

No. The overview mentions sea views, but the itinerary has no beach stop or swimming time on either day. Kaleici, the old harbour quarter of Antalya, is the closest you get to the water on Day 1, and Day 2 is Ephesus and the flight back. If you want time on the coast, add nights in Antalya or Kusadasi; ask us to price them with your plan. For more ideas, see our Mediterranean Turkey guide.

Is the House of the Virgin Mary included?

The page is not consistent here. In the Day 2 list, the House of the Virgin Mary is marked optional, but the same line says "the tour ends at the house", which reads as if it is a fixed stop. No price is given for it on this package. The Terrace Houses are also optional and listed at $25. Ask us to confirm in writing whether Mary's House is visited and whether its ticket is in the price. See the House of the Virgin Mary page.

What should we wear and bring at Ephesus?

You walk for several hours on marble streets in the open, past the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Grand Theatre and the Fountain of Trajan. Wear shoes with good grip, as old marble can be slippery, and bring a hat and water. If you visit Mary's House, which is a place of prayer, cover shoulders and knees. Pack your bag before the walk, as you check out in the morning and go to the airport after the tour.

Where do we stay?

The one included night is in Kusadasi, the coastal town nearest Ephesus, with breakfast. There is no hotel night in Antalya, as you fly out the same evening. The page does not name the hotel or give a star category, so ask for the hotel name in your written plan. Our page on Kusadasi hotels for Ephesus explains the area. Lunch and dinner are not included on either day.

Are there similar packages?

The 2-day Antalya, Ephesus and Pamukkale tour is listed at the same starting price and adds Pamukkale, so compare the two day plans before you choose. The Istanbul and Antalya 48-hour package focuses on Antalya only. For longer routes, see our multi-city 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 all three flight times, the Istanbul pickup time, the Kusadasi hotel name and the list of included and optional items, including 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.