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3 Days Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul

Discover the three most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites of Turkey in one action-packed journey with our 3 Days Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul....

5.0 (23 reviews)

Most travelers book this tour together with a hot air balloon flight.

  • Expert, licensed local guides
  • Rich culture & living history
  • Popular with hot air balloon riders
Read all 23 reviews
3 Destinations
  • Cappadocia
  • Pamukkale
  • Ephesus
3 people booked this tour yesterday
Hotel OptionsView hotel options for your stay
  • Duration3 Days
  • Tour TypeGroup
  • DepartureEveryday
  • StartsIstanbul
  • EndsIstanbul
  • Transport

3 Days Turkey Express – Ancient Ruins, Thermal Pools & Fairy Chimneys

Our Turkey Highlights Tour offers the most efficient way to visit the country’s top three attractions in just 72 hours.

Why Book This 3-Day Package?

  • The “Big Three” – Visit Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia in a single, seamless trip.
  • Time-Saver – We use domestic flights to minimize travel time between these distant regions.
  • Comprehensive Sightseeing – See the Celsus Library, Travertines, and Fairy Chimneys with expert local guides.
  • Exclusive Zelve Visit – Explore the authentic Zelve Open Air Museum in Cappadocia for a unique experience.
  • Hassle-Free – Flights, hotels (Kusadasi & Cappadocia), transfers, and museum tickets are all included.

If you want to tick off the most important items on your Turkey bucket list quickly and comfortably, this is the perfect tour for you.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Flight to Denizli & Pamukkale Tour

Morning Pick-up: Our driver picks you up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfers you to the airport.

06:10 am: Flight to Denizli (Pamukkale). (Flight times are subject to availability).

07:25 am: Arrival at Denizli Airport. Our team welcomes you with a name sign and transfers you to Pamukkale.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour Starts:

  1. Pamukkale Travertines: Known as the “Cotton Castle,” these white calcium terraces are a masterpiece of nature. You can walk barefoot on the white cliffs and enjoy the view.
  2. Hierapolis Ancient City: We explore this ancient Roman spa city located above the travertines. You will learn about its history as a healing center and see the well-preserved Theater and Necropolis.
  3. Cleopatra Antique Pool: You have the chance to see (and optionally swim in) this ancient thermal pool filled with mineral waters and submerged Roman columns.
  4. Karahayit (Red Springs): We visit the nearby thermal springs known for their red-colored water and mud.
  5. Onyx Demonstration: A short stop to see how local artisans shape the precious Onyx stones of the region.
  6. Lunch: Enjoy a buffet lunch during the tour.

16:00: Tour ends. We transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi (a coastal resort town). Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 2

Ephesus Tour & Flight to Cappadocia

08:30 am: After breakfast and check-out, we pick you up for the Ephesus Tour.

  1. Ancient City of Ephesus: Walk the marble streets of one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. You will marvel at the majestic Library of Celsus, the Grand Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the public baths.
  2. House of Virgin Mary: Visit the stone house on Mt. Koressos where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final years. It is a peaceful pilgrimage site.
  3. Temple of Artemis: See the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only ruins remain, the history here is profound.
  4. Lunch: Delicious Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.

16:00: Tour ends. We transfer you to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB).

20:20: Flight to Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevsehir).

Flight Note: Direct flights between Izmir and Cappadocia are seasonal and limited. If a direct flight is not available, we will arrange a connecting flight via Istanbul.

21:45: Arrival in Cappadocia. Our team meets you and transfers you to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

What's Included

  • All Domestic Flight Tickets
  • Airport Transfers in Istanbul, Denizli, Izmir, and Cappadocia
  • 1 Night Hotel Accommodation in Kusadasi
  • 1 Night Hotel Accommodation in Cappadocia
  • 3 Full Day Guided Tours (Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia)
  • 3 Lunches during the tours
  • Professional English-speaking tour guides
  • Entrance fees
  • Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Local taxes

What's Not Included

  • Dinners
  • Drinks during lunch
  • Entrance fee for Cleopatra Antique Pool (Swimming)
  • Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight
  • Personal expenses
Multiple Options

Hotel Options Available

Choose from Standard, Middle, or High Class hotels

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Important Remarks

  • This tour includes 3 domestic flights (Istanbul-Denizli, Izmir-Cappadocia, Cappadocia-Istanbul).
  • Direct flights between Izmir and Cappadocia are not guaranteed; connecting flights via Istanbul may be used.
  • The tour involves a fair amount of walking, especially in Ephesus and Hierapolis. Comfortable shoes are required.
  • Swimming in the Cleopatra Antique Pool is an extra cost (payable on-site).
  • Includes 1 night hotel in Kusadasi and 1 night hotel in Cappadocia.
  • Luggage allowance is 15 kg check-in + 8 kg cabin. Extra luggage can be added during online check-in at an extra cost.

Customer Reviews

Share Your Experience

Excellent
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J
Joanna
Verified BookingMarch 10, 2024

Spring is the best time for this. The weather was perfect for walking in Ephesus. The flight from Cappadocia to Izmir had a layover, but it gave us time to grab dinner at SAW airport. The final day in Pamukkale was relaxing despite the walking. Flying home from Denizli was quick. I have so many beautiful photos.

C
Chow
Verified BookingFebruary 14, 2024

We booked this last minute and the communication was excellent via WhatsApp. They sent us all the boarding passes and hotel vouchers. The coordination between the drivers and guides in different cities was seamless. We felt very safe and looked after. The pottery demo and the leather fashion show were interesting cultural stops.

D
Diana
Verified BookingJanuary 20, 2024

This is the VIP way to backpack. No sleeper buses, just planes and nice hotels. We saved so much time. The balloon ride in Cappadocia was cancelled due to wind, which was sad, but the rest of the tour made up for it. The ancient city of Hierapolis is huge, I wish we had more time there, but for a 3-day overview, it's perfect.

V
Vikas
Verified BookingDecember 12, 2023

Even in December, this tour is doable. The flights were operational and on time. We had some rain in Ephesus but it added to the atmosphere. The thermal pool in Pamukkale was warm and inviting in the cold weather. The guide ensured we stayed warm and comfortable. Excellent value for money.

E
Eilidh
Verified BookingNovember 5, 2023

We loved the small group atmosphere on the daily tours. The transition between the regions via plane is the only way to enjoy this without burnout. The landscapes are so diverse. Cappadocia is like Mars, Ephesus is like Rome, and Pamukkale is like a snow castle (made of calcium). Truly the highlights of Turkey.

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