3-Day Ephesus & Pamukkale Including Balloon Ride

3-Day Ephesus & Pamukkale Including Balloon Ride

Day 1: Flight to İzmir → Ephesus Exploration

04:00 am ─ In the early morning, we will come to your hotel to pick you up, and you will be transferred to the airport in Istanbul.
07:00 am ─ Flying to Izmir Airport from Istanbul. The departure time can change according to availability
08:15 am ─ Arrival at Izmir Airport. We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the first destination of the Ephesus Tour. We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the first destination of the Ephesus Tour.

• Ephesus Ancient City
  Founded in the 10th century BC by Greek settlers, this open‑air site features the iconic Library of Celsus and a grand theatre that once seated 24,000 spectators.
• Temple of Artemis
  One of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, this marble sanctuary was dedicated to Artemis—the city’s revered guardian deity.
• Lunch Break
  Recharge over a delicious meal at a local eatery, sampling regional specialties in a relaxed setting.
• House of the Virgin Mary
  A revered Christian pilgrimage site believed to have sheltered Mary in her final years—don’t miss its peaceful garden and chapel.
• Isa bey Mosque
  Built in 1375 by Aydınoğlu İsa Bey, this Seljuk masterpiece showcases early Ottoman‑influenced architecture; your guide will illuminate its history and artistry.

Around 16:00 ─ Ephesus day tour ends. We will transfer you to the hotel. Check into the hotel.
Overnight in Kusadasi/Selcuk.

Day 2: Full‑Day Pamukkale Day Trip

07:30 am ─ After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we will come to your hotel and drive to Pamukkale. The bus journey will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

• Pamukkale Travertines (“Cotton Castle”)
  Stroll across the soft, white mineral terraces and feel as though you’re walking on clouds. Pause at natural pools carved into the hillside and soak in their warm, healing waters.
• Cleopatra’s Antique Pool
  Step into this legendary thermal basin—once a healing “hospital” in Roman times—and swim among submerged marble columns (swim fee payable on site; bring or purchase swimwear locally).
• Frontinus Street Promenade
  Wander the main thoroughfare of ancient Hierapolis, lined with Roman baths, latrines, and tombs, and imagine daily life in this well‑preserved city.
• Gymnasium & Stadium Ruins
  Explore the sporting grounds where athletes trained and competed, a testament to Hierapolis’s role as a center of recreation and culture.
• Thyatira Theatre
  Stand in the vast amphitheater that once held up to 20,000 spectators, and picture grand performances echoing off its stone tiers.

Around 16:00 ─ Pamukkale tour is over. Transfer to the hotel. Check into the hotel in Pamukkale.
Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 3: Sunrise Balloon Flight → Return to Istanbul by Plane

05:00 am – We’ll meet you at your Pamukkale hotel around dawn (exact time varies by season) and transfer you to the launch site. Watch the colorful balloons inflate, then drift over the terraced travertines for about an hour—an unforgettable aerial view of the “Cotton Castle.” After landing, you’ll be driven back to your hotel.

Enjoy breakfast, check out, and spend the morning at your leisure, perhaps revisit the thermal pools or try paragliding among the hills of Pamukkale.
We’ll pick you up and take you to Denizli Airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
19:00 ─ Flying to Istanbul. The departure time can change according to availability
20:30 ─ Arrival at one of the airports in Istanbul. We will welcome you at the exit of the airport. Finally, we will transfer you back to your hotel.

Thank you for joining our 3‑day Ephesus & Pamukkale adventure—with a sunrise balloon flight to crown your journey!