How does a whirlwind tour of Ephesus and Pamukkale on a 2-day trip from Istanbul sound? You will travel by overnight bus, and the journey takes approximately 10 hours. When you arrive, your two full days of exploration in the region begin. Your first stops are the Temple of Artemis and the House of the Virgin Mary. After resting at your hotel, you will travel to Hierapolis to see its necropolis and other ruins. The last stop: visit the thermal springs of Pamukkale, before beginning your return trip to Istanbul.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul - Selcuk - Ephesus - Kusadasi (Meals: L)
Upon your arrival in Ephesus, you will be met at the bus station and transferred to Selcuk for a tour of the ancient city of Ephesus. Visit the former site of the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, then stop for lunch. After, stop at the house of the Virgin Mary, where she spent the last years of her life, and then continue on to see Isa Bey Mosque. In the afternoon, you will be taken back to your accommodation in Kusadasi, where you will have free time.

Day 2: Kusadasi - Hierapolis-Pamukkale - Istanbul (Meals: B, L)
In the morning, travel to Hierapolis-Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop on the way at a 4-star hotel for lunch and swimming in thermal waters. See the ancient city of Hierapolis, formerly a home to baths and location of a well-preserved necropolis. Then spend time in Pamukkale, a center of natural thermal spring waters with healing properties. Finally, return to your hotel to gather your belongings before heading on the overnight bus back to Istanbul.