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From Istanbul: Day Trip to Ephesus with Flight and Lunch

5.05 reviews
Duration
Varies
Location
Istanbul - Turkey
Host or Greeter
English
Pickup Optional
Not available for this tour.

About This Activity

Your day begins in Istanbul with a convenient airport transfer to ensure a stress-free departure. A short domestic flight takes you to Izmir, the gateway to Ephesus. Upon arrival, your professional guide will welcome you and begin your journey to Selçuk, where the magnificent ruins of Ephesus await.Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, is the highlight of this tour. Walk through the Marble Streets and marvel at landmarks such as the majestic Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian. Learn fascinating stories about its history, from being a major Roman port to its religious significance in the early Christian era.

Next, the tour takes you to the serene House of Virgin Mary, believed to be where Mary spent her final days. Located on Mount Koressos, this sacred site exudes a tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular pilgrimage destination. The guide will share historical and spiritual insights as you explore the surroundings.The itinerary also includes a visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While only remnants of the temple remain, it’s a remarkable opportunity to connect with the grandeur of the Hellenistic period and learn about its architectural and cultural significance.Midday, recharge with a delicious traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. This meal is carefully curated to offer authentic flavors and a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of the region.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to Izmir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, leaving you with cherished memories of this historical exploration.

"An wonderful tour. The guide was so knowledgeable. Definitely a highlight of our trip!"
- Elizabeth W.
"An great experience from start to finish. Definitely a highlight of our trip!"
- Robert F.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1, Child x 0, Infant x 0

Istanbul

Your day begins in Istanbul with a convenient airport transfer to ensure a stress-free departure.
1 Hour

A short domestic flight takes you to Izmir, the gateway to Ephesus.
1 Hour 30 Minute

Upon arrival, your professional guide will welcome you and begin your journey to Selçuk, where the magnificent ruins of Ephesus await.
1 Hour

A Visit to the House of Virgin Mary

Visit the tranquil House of Virgin Mary, believed to be her final home, and explore this sacred pilgrimage site with insights from your guide.
1 Hour Visit Guided tour Sightseeing Walk

Explore the Ephesus

Explore Ephesus, a well-preserved ancient city. Marvel at the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Temple of Hadrian while learning its Roman and early Christian history.
2 Hours Break time Photo stop Visit Guided tour Sightseeing Walk

Lunch

Midday, recharge with a delicious traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. This meal is carefully curated to offer authentic flavors and a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of the region
1 Hour Break time Free time Lunch

Temple of Artemis

Visit the Temple of Artemis, a Wonder of the Ancient World. Though only remnants remain, it's a chance to explore its grandeur and learn its cultural and architectural significance.
1 Hour

After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to Izmir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
1 Hour

After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to Izmir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
1 Hour 30 Minute

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, leaving you with cherished memories of this historical exploration.
1 Hour

Istanbul

Visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.
Explore the sacred House of Virgin Mary.
Discover the remnants of the iconic Temple of Artemis.
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.
Travel seamlessly with flights, transfers, and expert guidance included.

Your day begins in Istanbul with a convenient airport transfer to ensure a stress-free departure. A short domestic flight takes you to Izmir, the gateway to Ephesus. Upon arrival, your professional guide will welcome you and begin your journey to Selçuk, where the magnificent ruins of Ephesus await.Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, is the highlight of this tour. Walk through the Marble Streets and marvel at landmarks such as the majestic Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian. Learn fascinating stories about its history, from being a major Roman port to its religious significance in the early Christian era.

Next, the tour takes you to the serene House of Virgin Mary, believed to be where Mary spent her final days. Located on Mount Koressos, this sacred site exudes a tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular pilgrimage destination. The guide will share historical and spiritual insights as you explore the surroundings.The itinerary also includes a visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While only remnants of the temple remain, it’s a remarkable opportunity to connect with the grandeur of the Hellenistic period and learn about its architectural and cultural significance.Midday, recharge with a delicious traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. This meal is carefully curated to offer authentic flavors and a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of the region.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to Izmir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, leaving you with cherished memories of this historical exploration.

Meeting Point Options

Meeting Address:
Central Turkey (Exact pickup time & location provided after booking)
Round-trip domestic flights between Istanbul and Izmir.
Airport transfers in Istanbul and Izmir.
Professional English-speaking guide.
Traditional Turkish lunch.
Personal expenses.
Drinks during lunch.
Gratuities for the guide and driver.
Entry fees to Ephesus and other attractions.
People with motion sickness
Alcohol and drugs
Pets
Camera
Cash
Comfortable clothes
Comfortable shoes
Passport
Passport, copy accepted
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Be prepared for a full-day excursion, as the schedule is busy.
Some sites involve moderate walking, including steps and uneven paths.
Ensure your passport is valid for domestic travel within Turkey.
Likely to Sell Out
From882.00735.00per person
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.9/5
Based on 2178 Reviews
Guide
4.9/5
Transportation
4.9/5
Value for Money
4.9/5

What travelers are saying

AI summary based on 2178 reviews
Guide quality: Tour guides are consistently praised for being knowledgeable, attentive, friendly, and engaging.
Organization: The tour is well organized with a clear itinerary, timely visits, and smooth logistics.
Scenery and activities: Travelers highlight the stunning landscapes, cultural stops, and memorable activities.
Transportation: Drivers are described as safe, skilled, and accommodating, making long drives comfortable.
Value: Many reviews mention the experience as excellent value for the price.
Accommodations: Comfortable hotels and nice facilities are appreciated for enhancing the overall experience.

By Traveler Types

By Star Rating

L
Laura Fischer - Germany
12 June

Communication was great, they sent the flight tickets in advance, all transfers from hotel to airport in Istanbul, from airport to tours and on the way back went smoothly. The guide was very helpful and explained the important points.

M
Mia Hartmann - Belgium
12 June

Overall, it was a fantastic trip. Upon arriving at Izmir airport, we were warmly welcomed by a friendly guide and driver who happily answered all our questions during the journey. The ruins of Ephesus are incredibly extensive, and it’s surprising that much remains unexcavated. We gained a lot of knowledge in an atmosphere where asking questions was encouraged. The lunch was delicious. If you have limited time in Türkiye, I highly recommend this day trip from Istanbul! The taxi for our departure arrived promptly, but getting a taxi from the airport back to the hotel was a bit challenging. It would have been helpful to know the meeting point ahead of time.

J
Jana Klein - Canada
12 June

Our visit to Ephesus was fantastic. We truly enjoyed every moment. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the experience even more enriching.

S
Sanjay Malhotra - Australia
12 June

Nice experience.