7-Day Aegean Turkey Escape: Ephesus, Pamukkale & Bodrum Coast
The 7-day Aegean region tour of Turkey reveals its eternal charm and extensive historical past while showing you the combination of historical sites, natural attractions and coastal relaxation. The town of Selçuk serves as your starting point because it lies near the famous archaeological site of Ephesus which features its impressive temples, the Terrace Houses and the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary. The tour continues to Pamukkale's mineral-rich terraces and the ancient spa town of Hierapolis before arriving at Bodrum's sparkling waters. Experience a personal gulet boat tour through Bodrum's beautiful waterfront while you explore quaint towns and bask under Aegean sunlight. The itinerary combines historical sites with relaxation time and activities to create an experience which people will never forget.
What's included
Itinerary
Begin your Turkish Aegean adventure in the peaceful countryside around Ephesus. Once you land at Izmir Airport, your driver will be waiting to welcome you and escort you by private, air-conditioned vehicle to the charming town of Selçuk or the hilltop wine village of Şirince. The city view gives way to fields, orchards and small villages which create a peaceful atmosphere that leads to a more relaxed pace.
After your arrival you should check-in at your boutique hotel before you start your process of relaxation. Later your guide will lead you on a brief orientation tour if you want to explore the area and its surroundings. The guide will show you through the village streets which lead to stone buildings, local cafes and shops that sell olive oil, soaps and other local items.
You can select between two nearby dining options which include restaurants and wine houses to experience Aegean-style meze, grilled dishes and locally produced wines while enjoying the valley or tiled rooftop views.
*Inclusions: Private airport pick-up from Izmir Airport, One-way transfer to Selçuk or Şirince by air-conditioned vehicle, Assistance with hotel check-in, Optional short orientation walk (time permitting)*
Today you explore one of the Mediterranean’s most impressive ancient cities and its nearby sacred sites on a full-day private tour.
The journey starts with a brief car ride to Ephesus which used to be a significant Roman settlement and served as a crucial religious hub for early Christian believers. Your guide will lead you through marble streets which feature columns, temples and public buildings to show you the development of the city from its Hellenistic beginning until its Roman achievement. The Great Theatre stands as a major attraction together with the Temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus which features an impressive architectural frontage.
The Terrace Houses represent an optional yet strongly advised section of Ephesus which showcases the luxurious residences of wealthy people through their well-preserved mosaics and frescoes. The site provides a rare opportunity to study ancient household activities which date back to 2000 years ago.
After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a calm pilgrimage site placed into the hills above Ephesus. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you learn about the site’s significance to both Christian and Muslim visitors.
Return to Şirince or Selçuk in the late afternoon and spend the evening walking around narrow streets, tasting local fruit wines or watching the sunset from a terrace restaurant.
*Inclusions: Approx. 7–8-hour private guided tour with a state-licensed guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle), Entrance fees to Ephesus and Terrace Houses, Visit to the House of the Virgin Mary*
**Exclusions: Lunch and beverages, Personal purchases, Gratuities**
The full-day tour lets you experience the dreamlike white formations at Pamukkale and the historical spa town of Hierapolis.
Your hotel departure in the morning will start a journey to the interior of the country which will show you the countryside of rural villages and their surrounding agricultural areas. The first thing to do after reaching Pamukkale should be to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis which features the remains of the Roman spa town that used to exist on top of hot springs. Your guide will lead you through the necropolis, Roman baths and theatre while explaining how ancient travelers used this site to find relaxation and medical treatment.
Then you will continue to the famous white travertine terraces, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters coming from the hillside. In designated sections, you can walk barefoot on the warm, calcium deposits and soak your feet in the shallow pools. Time permitting, you may choose to swim in the Antique Pool (for an additional fee), where fallen columns and stone blocks lie beneath the clear, warm water.
After lunch at a local restaurant, begin the journey back to Selçuk/Şirince, arriving in the evening with time to relax at your hotel.
*Inclusions: Approx. 10–11-hour private day trip with a state-licensed guide, Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance fees to Pamukkale & Hierapolis*
**Exclusions: Lunch and beverages, Entrance fee for the Antique Pool (optional), Personal purchases, Gratuities**
Travel from the historic landscapes around Ephesus to the sparkling waters of the Bodrum Peninsula, mixing a scenic road journey together with the coastal heritage.
After breakfast, check out and meet your driver for the overland transfer to Bodrum (approximately 3–4 hours, depending on route and stops). Your guide will explain the geographical features, historical background and typical routines of the Aegean region while you travel through its hills and agricultural areas.
After reaching Bodrum you should check-in at your hotel before you start your exploration of the city. Bodrum Castle serves as a fortress which the Knights of St. John constructed for defense purposes while today it contains an outstanding underwater archaeology museum and provides visitors with panoramic views of the harbor. The development of Bodrum from its origins as a fishing village into its current status as a fashionable tourist destination is explained in this video.
The day ends with a peaceful walk through the marina which features wooden gulets, shops and restaurants.Your guide can recommend dinner spots, whether you prefer a casual taverna-style meal or a more refined setting by the water.
*Inclusions: One-way private transfer from Selçuk/Şirince to Bodrum, Private services of a state-licensed guide or driver-guide (depending on setup), Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle), Entrance fees to Bodrum Castle & museum*
**Exclusions: Lunch and beverages, Personal purchases, Gratuities**
Spend a calm day at sea exploring Bodrum’s coves and bays aboard a traditional wooden gulet.
After breakfast, transfer to the harbor to board your boat. You will follow the coastline after departure to visit protected coves and tiny islands which offer perfect conditions for swimming and snorkeling in their clear waters. The day moves at a relaxed speed which allows guests to spend their time either relaxing on deck, reading under shade or floating in the Aegean Sea.
The ship serves passengers a basic lunch made from fresh ingredients which includes salads, grilled foods and seasonal vegetables during the middle part of the day. The crew will be on hand to help with equipment, answer questions and ensure you feel comfortable throughout.
In the late afternoon, return to Bodrum harbor and transfer back to your hotel. The evening is yours to experience Bodrum’s restaurants, bars or relaxed waterfront nightlife at your own rhythm.
*Inclusions: Approx. 6–7-hour boat excursion, Transfers between hotel and Bodrum harbor, Full-day cruise on a traditional gulet (shared or private, depending on arrangements), Onboard lunch and non-alcoholic refreshments (as specified by boat operator)*
**Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages, Snorkeling gear rental (if not provided), Personal purchases, Gratuities**
Enjoy a free day on the Bodrum Peninsula to create your own mix of relaxation and discovery, with optional pre-arranged experiences available if you’d like more structure.
You could decide to spend your day at a beach club where you can relax on sunbeds while swimming in the Aegean Sea and dining by the ocean. The Jeep safari through peninsula hills and villages provides an alternative experience which lets you explore off-road paths while stopping at rural villages to discover alternative views of local residents.
Visitors can choose to explore traditional villages through guided tours which include visits to local markets during market days, family-operated farms and workshops. The experience provides a unique opportunity to experience daily activities outside the tourist zone while enjoying traditional food made at home and building relationships with people who live there.
Your arrangements can include a driver on standby or scheduled transfers to and from your chosen activities, so you can enjoy the day at your own pace with support when you need it.
*Inclusions: Day at leisure with optional pre-arranged activities, Hotel assistance and local contact for support, Private transfers for chosen activity (if booked in advance)*
**Exclusions: Beach club entry fees and on-site services, Jeep safari or village tour package costs, Meals and beverage, Personal purchases, Gratuities**
Round off your Aegean stay with a smooth departure and an easy connection back to Istanbul.
At the agreed time, your driver will meet you at your hotel, help with your luggage and provide a comfortable private transfer to Bodrum Airport. Enjoy a last look at the peninsula’s hills, coves and coastline along the way.
On arrival at the airport, you’ll be dropped at the terminal to check in for your domestic flight to Istanbul, where you can connect to your onward international journey home. Although this trip is ending, the idea of planning your next Tailored by Locals adventure will be ready to come back to life whenever you are and we will be there for you.
