8-Day Aegean & Mediterranean Explorer: Izmir, Ephesus, Marmaris, Fethiye & Pamukkale Tour
|8 Days, 11 Destinations |Starts from Izmir
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Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Earn €20 in travel credits
Duration

8 days

Max Group Size

30

Departure Type

Scheduled

Guiding Method

Fully guided

Physical level

relax

Operated In

English

Age Requirement

11 - 99 Ages

Tour Overview

Experience a perfect blend of history, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes on this 8-day tour through Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Discover ancient cities, pristine beaches, and cultural treasures as you travel from Izmir to Ephesus, Marmaris, Dalyan, Ölüdeniz, Kayaköy, Fethiye, Patara, Xanthos, Kaş, Simena, Kekova, Myra, Pamukkale, Laodicea, and Sardis..

ExplorerFamilyHistoricalIn-depth CulturalSightseeingSolo TravelDiscoveryPhotographyBeach

Route

Starts from

Izmir

Ends in

Izmir

Pickup Location

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Dropoff Location

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Tour route map

Highlights

Explore the legendary ruins of Ephesus & visit the House of Virgin Mary Experience an exciting Jeep Safari & Boat Tour in Marmaris Relax on Iztuzu Beach (Caretta Beach) and cruise the Dalyan River Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz Explore the ancient Lycian cities of Patara, Xanthos & Myra Take a boat tour to the Sunken City of Kekova & Simena Castle Witness the surreal travertine terraces of Pamukkale Discover the ancient cities of Laodicea & Sardis

Itinerary

(Dinner included)
Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at Izmir Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Izmir city center, located near the best shopping districts. After some rest, you can explore the Alsancak region, where you'll find international brand stores and local boutiques selling leather bags, jewelry, and clothing. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Izmir.

Note: Late arrivals may have accommodations in Kuşadası

(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
After breakfast, depart for Ephesus, one of the greatest settlements of the Ionia region. Visit:
Harbor Street & Marble Street
Grand Theater (25,000 capacity)
Hercules Gate
Celsus Library & Temple of Hadrian
State Agora & Odeon
House of Virgin Mary, where Mary spent her last years.
Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

After lunch, visit a leather fabric outlet, then transfer to Marmaris (220 km - 3 hrs). Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Marmaris.

(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
A full day of adventure!
? Morning Jeep Safari: Drive through green forests and mountain villages while experiencing local culture.
? Afternoon Boat Tour: Swim in beautiful bays and visit Sedir Island. Enjoy lunch on board.
? Turkish Bath Experience: A rejuvenating hammam experience including scrubbing, soaping, and massages (extra for oil massage).
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Marmaris

(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)

Depart for Dalyan, where you will:
Take a boat ride through reed-lined channels
See the Kaunos Rock Tombs
Relax on Iztuzu Beach, home to Caretta Caretta sea turtles
Enjoy a mud bath at a Thermal Spa

Continue to Fethiye and visit:
Amyntas Rock Tombs
Kayaköy Ghost Village, an abandoned Greek settlement
Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon, famous for its turquoise waters

End the day with dinner and overnight stay in Fethiye

(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Explore Xanthos, the first capital of the Lydian civilization, then visit Patara, home to:
An 18 km-long sand beach
Ancient theatre, triumphal arch, and lighthouse
Ruins of the world's first parliament building
A protected nesting area for sea turtles

Head to Kaş, a lively seaside town, for dinner and overnight stay

(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)

? Morning Boat Tour:
Visit the Sunken City of Kekova
Explore the ancient ruins of Simena Castle
Swim among submerged relics

?️ Afternoon: Myra Ancient City & Church of St. Nicholas
? Transfer to Pamukkale (4.5 hrs) for dinner and overnight stay in a thermal hotel

(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Visit Hierapolis Ancient City, home to:
Cleopatra's Pool (Optional swim)
White travertine terraces of Pamukkale
Martyrium of Apostle Philip

After lunch, visit Laodicea & Sardis, the capital of the ancient Lydian Kingdom, where the first coins were minted in the 7th century BC. Arrive in Izmir, enjoy a sightseeing tour & Kemeraltı Bazaar, then dinner and overnight stay in Izmir

(Breakfast included)
Enjoy free time before your airport transfer. Tour concludes at Izmir Airport (20-25 km transfer).
Have a safe flight!

Trip includes

Included

2 nights  hotel accommodation in Izmir  - Cankaya Hotel
2 night hotel accommodation in Marmaris - Emre Beach Hotel
1 night hotel accommodation in Fethiye - Ocean Blue High Class Hotel
1 night hotel accommodation in Kas - Ekici Hotel
1 night hotel accommodation in Pamukkale - Palm Thermal Hotel

PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar another hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost.

Hotel

Professional English-speaking guides

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

All meals mentioned in the itinerary

Vegan Vegetarian Halal Meat

All airport transfers
Air-conditioned transportation

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

All guided tours & entrance fees
Hotel taxes

Before setting off on this incredible journey across Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean regions, here are some key things to know:

1. Weather & Packing Tips

Best Travel Season:
The ideal time to visit is April – June and September – November when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.
July & August can be very hot, especially in Pamukkale and Ephesus.

Packing Essentials:
Light, breathable clothing for warm temperatures.
Comfortable walking shoes for ancient city tours (Ephesus, Xanthos, Myra, Sardis, Laodicea).
Swimwear, a towel, and water shoes for boat tours, beach visits, and Pamukkale’s thermal pools.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially in spring or autumn.

2. Transportation & Connectivity

Transport:
Most journeys are by comfortable, air-conditioned buses, with some boat transfers.
The Marmaris Jeep Safari involves off-road travel, so expect some bumpy roads!

Mobile Coverage & Internet:
Wi-Fi is available in hotels and some restaurants, but signal strength may be weak in rural areas or at sea.
Consider getting a Turkish SIM card for better connectivity.

Payments & Currency:
Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency.
Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases, local markets, and rural areas.

3. Activities & Adventure Highlights

Boat Tours:
Kekova & Simena boat tour includes visits to the sunken city and Simena Castle.
The Dalyan River tour takes you to Iztuzu Beach, known for its Caretta Caretta (loggerhead) turtles.
Bring waterproof bags for electronics, and be prepared to get wet!

Marmaris Jeep Safari:
An off-road adventure through pine forests, traditional villages, and natural springs.
You might get wet & dusty, so wear casual clothes and bring a spare outfit.

Ancient Ruins & Cultural Visits:
Ephesus, Xanthos, Myra, Laodicea, and Sardis require a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
Kayaköy (Ghost Village) is an abandoned Greek village with a rich history.
Pamukkale: Visitors must remove their shoes before stepping onto the calcium travertine pools.

Turkish Bath (Hamam) Experience:
Traditional Turkish baths involve a steam room, exfoliation, and a foam massage.
Swimsuits are generally worn, but modesty towels are provided.

4. Beaches & Water Activities
Famous Beaches You’ll Visit:
Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) – Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and paragliding.
Patara Beach – Turkey’s longest sandy beach, also a nesting site for sea turtles.
Iztuzu Beach (Dalyan) – Protected turtle beach with breathtaking scenery.

Water Activities:
Optional paragliding at Ölüdeniz (one of the world’s top paragliding spots).
Snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing during boat tours.

5. Food & Dining
Must-Try Local Foods:
Seafood in Kaş & Fethiye – Fresh fish, calamari, and octopus.
Izmir Kumru Sandwich – A delicious sesame-crusted sandwich with cheese, sucuk, and tomatoes.
Ephesus' Stuffed Mussels (Midye Dolma) – Rice-stuffed mussels with lemon.
Pomegranate juice in Pamukkale – A refreshing local drink.

Dietary Considerations:
Vegetarian options are available in most places, but inform your guide for special requests.
Drinking tap water is not recommended—bottled water is easily available.

6. Entry Fees & Tipping
Entrance Fees:
Most ancient sites and boat tours have entrance fees included in the tour.
Extra fees may apply for optional activities like paragliding or spa treatments.

Tipping Etiquette:
Tipping is customary in Turkey:
Restaurants: 10–15%
Guides & Drivers: Small gratuities are appreciated.

7. Cultural Etiquette & Local Customs
Visiting Mosques & Historical Sites:
Modest clothing is required in mosques (women should carry a scarf to cover their heads).
Photography is allowed in most places, but ask for permission before taking pictures of locals.

Final Travel Tips
✅ Confirm Pick-up & Drop-off Times: Check with your tour operator for daily schedules.
✅ Stay Hydrated: Always carry a bottle of water, especially in warm regions.
✅ Capture the Moments: Bring a camera or phone with enough storage—you’ll want to remember every breathtaking view!

By keeping these travel tips in mind, you’re all set for an unforgettable journey through Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean wonders!

Excluded

International & domestic flights

Insurance

International & domestic flights
Insurance
Turkey entry visa
Personal expenses & beverages
Tips

Availability

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