Private Ephesus Day Tour from Istanbul
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the ancient city of Ephesus
- Visit the Temple of Artemis ruins
- See the Library of Celsus
- Discover the Great Theatre
- Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip flights from Istanbul to Izmir
- Private guided tour of Ephesus
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
Explore the stunning ruins of Ephesus on a full-day sightseeing tour. Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city on the Mediterranean and perhaps the best place in the world to get a feeling of what life was like in Roman times. Walk along its remarkably well-preserved marble streets, flanked by columns, temples, and fountains. See fascinating ancient structures such as the Temple of Hadrian, the stunning facade of the Library of Celsius, and the Great Theater. Your expert guide will provide you with information about the many remarkable sites you encounter throughout the day.
The House of the Virgin Mary lies just beyond Ephesus. According to Christian tradition, Mary was brought here by the Apostle John after the resurrection of Christ and lived her final days in this house. A small shrine dedicated to St. Mary was found when the ruins of the house were first discovered. The Vatican has since recognized the site as the final resting place of the Virgin.
See the location of Temple of Artemis that is one of the wonders of ancient world.
Visit Isa Bey Mosque from the 14th century by the first Muslim family that settled in West Anatolia. You will have great information about the architecture of early Islam.
Ephesus Terrace Houses feature well-preserved Roman mosaics and frescoes, revealing the luxurious lifestyle of elite families in ancient Ephesus. They provide unique insight into daily life and advanced Roman architecture.
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Flights are included; ensure your passport is valid for travel.
- Gratuities for the guide and driver are not included in the price.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring ancient ruins.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against sun exposure.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Flights tickets will be booked for economy class. Business class seats are available with surcharge.
- Tour duration includes the airport transfers in both destinations, intercity drives and flight time.
- Pick up time will depend on the flight schedules between Istanbul and Izmir.
- The flights will be booked in the most convenient way does not matter which airport in Istanbul(IST or SAW).
- Tour could be operated only if there are available flights.
Traveler reviews
Private tour
The ruins of Ephesus were on my wishlist and the visit lived up to expectations thanks to the support of Irene who guided us smiling and helpful!
Wonderful day in Ephesus and Izmir, Pinar is AMAZING
We did a one day tour of Ephesus and some other areas in Izmir leaving from Istanbul and returning same day. I have travelled around the world and done countless tours and Pinar is truly one of the best tour guides you will find. She is incredibly knowledgeable and courteous and went above and beyond to make it a great trip. She answered all of the questions we had for her about Ephesus, the region, and its history (including challenging ones from my mother, who has a PhD in history). You must go on this tour if you love history and/or photography. Two things to note: You will leave your hotel in Istanbul around 7 AM and not return until 11 PM or so if you do it all in one day (they will book your flights with plenty of time to avoid missed flights and you will spend a few hours on each side at the airports). Also be aware that it can be extremely hot--it was over 100F/40C the day we went in June. Pinar thankfully knew places where we could stop in and get cold drinks/air conditioning as necessary.