The Library of Celsus Ephesus

Istanbul, Kusadasi, Ephesus & Pamukkale 5 Nights (5 Nights / 6 Days)

Experience the best of Turkey on this curated 5 Nights / 6 Days group tour package connecting the imperial wonders of Istanbul, the Aegean coast of Kusadasi, the classical ruins of Ephesus, and the thermal travertines of Pamukkale.

Begin in Istanbul with an evening Bosphorus dinner cruise featuring traditional folklore and dance performances, followed by a guided tour through Sultanahmet's Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Fly down to the Aegean to explore the marble avenues of ancient Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the charming village of Sirince. Journey inland to walk among the glistening white calcium terraces of Pamukkale and explore the sprawling Roman necropolis and ruins of ancient Hierapolis before returning to Istanbul.

Tour Overview

  • Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days
  • Tour Style: Seat-In-Coach (SIC) Group Tour / Classical History & Thermal Wonders
  • Destinations Covered: Istanbul – Kusadasi – Ephesus – Sirince – Pamukkale – Istanbul
  • Gateway Airports: Istanbul (IST/SAW) & Izmir (ADB)

Detailed Day-Wise Itinerary

Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) in Istanbul.
Meet our representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in; the remainder of the day is at leisure.
In the evening, pickup from the hotel for a panoramic Bosphorus Dinner Cruise (shared boat excursion).
Dine on gourmet cuisine while cruising between Europe and Asia, gliding past illuminated palaces and fortresses including Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Ortakoy, Rumeli Fortress, Fatih Bridge, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Maiden’s Tower.
Enjoy live entertainment featuring Whirling Dervishes, Turkish Gypsy Dance, Caucasian Dance, Belly Dancer Group Show, Turkish Folk Dance, Rhythm Show, and a professional DJ performance.
Transfer back to the hotel following the cruise.
Meals: Dinner.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Commence a guided historical tour through the heart of Old Istanbul:
• The Hippodrome: Explore the former public, sporting, and political center of Byzantine Constantinople.
• Topkapi Palace: Visit the primary royal court and administrative residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
• St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia): Marvel at the monumental dome and mosaics of this celebrated Byzantine basilica.
• The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Admire the cascading domes and blue Iznik tiles of this imperial mosque.
• Grand Bazaar: Wander through one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets featuring thousands of artisan shops.
Transfer back to the hotel after the tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.

Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
According to your flight time, transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your domestic flight to Izmir.
Upon arrival at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, meet your transfer and drive to your hotel in the coastal resort town of Kusadasi.
The rest of the day is at leisure to relax along the Aegean Sea.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Kusadasi.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for a guided full-day tour of the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
Walk along the marble-paved Curetes Street to explore The Grand Theater, The Library of Celsus, and The Temple of Hadrian.
Visit the site of the ancient Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Continue into the hills to Sirince Village, a picturesque settlement synthesizing traditional Turkish and Greek architecture, renowned for fruit wines, beautiful valley views, and local hospitality.
Transfer back to the hotel in Kusadasi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Kusadasi.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive inland to Pamukkale ("Cotton Castle"), a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its natural thermal spring waters and healing mineral properties.
Walk along the dazzling white calcium travertine terraces formed by cascading thermal springs.
Explore the ancient Greco-Roman spa city of Hierapolis, including its grand theater, Roman baths, and Anatolia's largest ancient necropolis containing over 1,200 historic stone tombs.
Drive back to Kusadasi in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Kusadasi.

Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
According to your flight time, transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul to connect with your next destination.
The tour concludes with great memories of Turkey.
Meals: Breakfast.

Sightseeing Highlights

The Blue Mosque Istanbul
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul
Bosphorus Cruise, Istanbul
The Library of Celsus Ephesus
The Library of Celsus, Ephesus
The white travertines of Pamukkale
The White Travertines of Pamukkale

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

Package Inclusions

  • Airport arrival and departure road transfers in Istanbul and Kusadasi/Izmir.
  • 02 Nights accommodation in Istanbul with daily breakfast.
  • 03 Nights accommodation in Kusadasi with daily breakfast.
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with dinner and cultural entertainment program.
  • Guided full-day Istanbul Old City tour with entrance fees.
  • Guided full-day Ephesus ancient city and Sirince village tour.
  • Guided full-day Pamukkale travertines & Hierapolis ancient city excursion.
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary: 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 1 Dinner.
  • Transportation by modern, air-conditioned touring coaches.
  • Licensed English-speaking professional tour guides.

Package Exclusions

  • Domestic airfare (Istanbul – Izmir – Istanbul) and international flights.
  • Turkey tourist visa fees.
  • Dinners and beverages not listed in the meal plan.
  • Cleopatra Antique Pool swimming fees in Pamukkale.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and hotel mini-bars.
  • Tipping and gratuities for guides and drivers.
  • Comprehensive travel, medical, and baggage insurance.

Important Travel Guidelines

  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Operated on a shared cruiser with group transfers.
  • Sacred Site Etiquette: Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is mandatory when entering the Blue Mosque and active religious sites.
  • Pamukkale Travertines: Walking barefoot is required on the white calcium terraces to protect the natural mineral formations.
  • Hotel Times: Standard hotel check-in time is from 14:00 hrs and check-out is prior to 12:00 noon.