İzmir in 3 Days for Seniors - Guided visit to the Ancient City of Ephesus
In Collaboration with Palladion Tour. Updated on February 24, 2026.
Private, guided 3-day tour from İzmir visiting Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, the travertines and Hierapolis at Pamukkale, and Aphrodisias. Includes private transportation, a professional guide, 2 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast and lunch, and entrance fees to the main sites (Cleopatra’s Pool entrance fee excluded). Pick-up and drop-off in İzmir.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Palladion Tour, inspired by the tour 3-Day Heritage Route: Private Ephesus, Pamukkale & Aphrodisias. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visit to the Ancient City of Ephesus
- Visit to the House of the Virgin Mary
- Walk the travertines and Roman ruins of Hierapolis at Pamukkale
- Explore the archaeological site and museum at Aphrodisias
Itinerary
Day 1
Pick-up in İzmir and full-day exploration of Ephesus area. Overnight in Kuşadası.
Ephesus Tour (overview)
Guided exploration of the main avenues and monuments of Ephesus: Library of Celsus, Grand Theater, Fountain of Trajan and adjacent ruins. This activity covers the main walking route inside the ancient city.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear soft-soled, low-heeled shoes — the main Ephesus route has uneven stone paving and some slopes.
- Carry a light layer and sun protection; shaded areas are limited along the main avenues.
- Ask your guide for seating breaks at shaded viewpoints; benches are limited inside the site.
Pick-up from İzmir (hotel or airport) and transfer to Ephesus
Private vehicle pick-up in İzmir (hotel or Adnan Menderes Airport) and drive to Selçuk / Ephesus. Transfer time varies by pick-up point; included in private transportation.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact İzmir pick-up point and flight details at booking so pick-up is timed correctly.
- Keep essential items (medication, documents, a light jacket) with you — luggage will be stowed in the vehicle.
- If you arrive at Adnan Menderes Airport, expect around 45–75 minutes drive to Selçuk depending on traffic.
House of the Virgin Mary
Visit the small stone chapel and surrounding site on Mount Koressos, a place of religious pilgrimage and quiet reflection. Short uphill path and some uneven ground; visits are typically brief.
Tips from local experts:
- The path up to the chapel has steps and slight inclines; consider using the short shuttle path where available if mobility is limited.
- Bring a light shawl or jacket for the chapel interior if you prefer modest covering.
- There are benches and shaded areas; take advantage of them and hydrate — the site is set in pine woodland and can be windy.
Temple of Artemis (site visit)
Short visit to the remains of the Temple of Artemis area, one of the ancient Seven Wonders (site has limited ruins to view).
Tips from local experts:
- The Temple of Artemis site is small with limited shade; plan a brief visit and combine it with nearby stops.
- Paths are unpaved in parts — sturdy footwear is recommended.
- Bring a water bottle; there are no major facilities at the immediate ruins.
Afternoon rest / buffer (Selçuk)
Short downtime for restroom break, refreshments, and transfer preparations before transfer to Kuşadası.
Tips from local experts:
- Public restrooms in Selçuk are available near the bazaar area; keep small change for facilities if needed.
- If you need seating, ask your guide to recommend a quiet café with accessible seating.
- Use this time to adjust layers and footwear before the drive to Kuşadası.
Transfer to Kuşadası and hotel check-in (overnight)
Short private transfer from Selçuk to Kuşadası and evening hotel check-in. Evening at leisure. Overnight accommodation in Kuşadası (4* standard).
Tips from local experts:
- If you need an accessible room, request it in advance so the hotel can prepare step-free entry or elevator access.
- Keep your arrival documents and ID handy for a quicker check-in process.
- Evening dinner is included; inform the guide of dietary needs earlier in the day to ensure the hotel/restaurant can accommodate.
Day 2
Transfer from Kuşadası to Pamukkale with a guided visit to the travertines and Hierapolis. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Transfer: Kuşadası to Pamukkale
Private coach or car transfer from Kuşadası to Pamukkale (drive through Aegean countryside). Time depends on traffic and stops.
Tips from local experts:
- The transfer can take around 3–4 hours; bring any necessary medications and a small travel pillow for comfort.
- There will be a short restroom/coffee stop en route — inform the guide of any urgent needs before departure.
- Keep your camera handy for roadside views; rest stops may offer basic snacks and local products.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis visit — travertines and ruins
Guided visit to the white travertine terraces and the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis. Includes walking on designated travertine paths and visiting key ruins such as the theater and necropolis.
Tips from local experts:
- Walking on the travertines requires bare feet in designated areas — bring a soft towel and water shoes for later use after permitted areas.
- Bring sun protection and a refillable water bottle; shaded areas are limited on the terraces.
- Entrance to Cleopatra’s Pool (swimming among submerged columns) is excluded; if you plan to swim, bring swimsuit and cash for the separate entrance fee.
Afternoon buffer / rest in Pamukkale
Time to rest after the site visit, check into the Pamukkale hotel (4* standard), and prepare for the evening. Dinner included at the hotel or nearby restaurant.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the hotel about ground-floor or elevator-access rooms if steps are a concern.
- Evening temperatures can drop; keep a light layer available.
- If you wish to visit local boutiques for souvenirs, do so early — some shops close by early evening.
Overnight Pamukkale (hotel check-in)
Hotel accommodation in Pamukkale for the night. Evening at leisure and dinner included.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm breakfast time at check-in to ensure a comfortable morning departure time.
- If you need assistance with luggage, request porter service at the front desk.
- Keep an accessible copy of the next day’s schedule and pickup time in your room.
Day 3
Morning transfer to Aphrodisias, guided visit, then return transfer and drop-off in İzmir (hotel or airport). Tour ends in İzmir.
Transfer: Pamukkale to Aphrodisias
Private transfer from Pamukkale to the Aphrodisias archaeological site near Karacasu.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive to Aphrodisias is approximately 1.5–2 hours; keep essentials with you for the short journey.
- Restroom and stretch breaks will be scheduled if needed — mention mobility needs to the guide at breakfast.
- Roads are rural in parts; expect scenic countryside views and limited roadside services en route.
Aphrodisias archaeological site and museum
Guided visit to Aphrodisias: Temple of Aphrodite, the stadium, theater, Sebasteion complex and the museum with its marble sculptures. Moderate walking on site pathways.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths inside Aphrodisias are uneven in places; use comfortable shoes and request seating breaks for longer explanations.
- The on-site museum has seating and shade; it’s a good place for a quiet break during the visit.
- Carry any required medications and a hat — summer sun can be strong around open archaeological areas.
Lunch and short buffer before return to İzmir
Included lunch during the transfer preparations and final restroom/stretch break before the transfer back to İzmir.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have dietary restrictions, remind the guide at breakfast so the lunch provider can accommodate them.
- Keep a small bag with essentials (medication, documents) for the return drive so you don’t need to access checked luggage.
- Expect the return drive to İzmir to take around 2.5–3.5 hours depending on traffic and exact drop-off location.
Transfer back to İzmir and drop-off
Private transfer returning to İzmir with drop-off at your requested İzmir hotel or Adnan Menderes Airport. Tour concludes upon drop-off.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred İzmir drop-off point with the guide in the morning to ensure timely arrival.
- If departing from the airport, allow adequate time for check-in and security — communicate your flight time to the guide.
- For hotel drop-off in İzmir city center, traffic can add time; scheduled arrival estimates are approximate.
Not included (summary of exclusions)
Practical note of what is not included in the tour package.
Tips from local experts:
- Cleopatra’s Pool entrance fee at Pamukkale is not included — bring cash or card if you wish to swim.
- Personal drinks, gratuities and personal expenses are not included — plan accordingly.
- If you require special assistance during the tour (e.g., wheelchair rental), arrange this in advance as the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Transfer, Culture, Break, Hotel, Outdoor, Meal |
