Ephesus Tours from Istanbul
About Ephesus
Once the capital of Roman Asia Minor is one of the best preserved ancient cities on the Mediterranean (the second best preserved ancient city in the world after Pompeii in Italy), Ephesus is Turkey’s showpiece of Aegean archaeology. Located about 5 km away from the sea today, Ephesus was once of the wealthiest trading port cities of the Greco-Roman era with a population over 200.000 people.
Some of the most spectacular sites of the ancient city of Ephesus that you will see during the tour are; the Celcus Library which once held over 12.000 scrolls, Temple of Hadrian, Trajan’s Fountain, the Latrines, the Brothel which has the world’s oldest street advertisement on the pavement and the Great Theater which can host about 25.000 people at a time, where St. Paul preached on it’s stage against the worship of Artemis.
10 Reason to Visit Ephesus
1. Great Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient World 2. The third biggest library of the ancient World, Celsus Library 3. Terrace Houses; Houses of rich Romans decorated with amazing mosaics and frescoes 4. Latrines, well-preserved public toilets of Ephesians 5. Tomb of Apostle John at Great Basilica of John dating to 6th century 6. Hadrian’s Temple 7. The Grand Amphitheatre 8. The final residence of Virgin Mary 9. Paul’s sermon in Ephesus 10. Ephesus Museum
Tour Itinerary & Highlights
Ephesus Tour Packages from Istanbul.
During our Ephesus tour you will visit; the ruins from the period of St. Paul, agoa, Odeon (concert hall), monumental fountains, Temple of Hadrian, the public toilets, Library of Celcus, the amphitheater, Gymnasium, Church and the Stadium.
Temple of Artemis; was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It was so big that it took 120 years to complete. Today only a single column remains from this marvel.
House of Virgin Mary; is where she spent her last years of her life.
If you book one day Ephesus tour from Istanbul, you will returnto Istanbul.
Miletus; is a renowned as the first city to which the principals of modern town-planning were applied, created by Hippodamus. Miletus was home to many of the World’s greatest philosophers, including Thales, Anaximander and Anaximenes. Milues was, in its heyday, a center for scientific discovery and the birth of Western Philosophy. One of the architects of Hagia Sophia of Istanbul, Isidore, was also from Miletus.
Dydma; is the site of a breathtaking Temple of Apollo (God of Sun) which was very important for worshippers before Christianity. Dydma was home to an oracle center where people from nearby cities such as Miletus would come to ask questions and give offerings to Apollo. Dydma was never a real town, per se, simply the ending point of a religious pilgrimage.
End of the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport or Denizli Airport for an evening flight back Istanbul. We will then transfer you back to your hotel.
Ephesus Travel Packages from Istanbul
Below pricing are based on two people sharing. Flights are economy class, unless upgraded.
- Flights & Transfers
- Private Ephesus Tour
- Same Day Return
- Travel Insurance
- Flights & Transfers
- 2x Private Tours
- 4 & 5 Star Hotel Options
- Travel Insurance
- Flights & Transfers
- 3x Private Tours
- 4 & 5 Star Hotel Options
- Travel Insurance
WHAT TO EXPECT?
- Visit Ephesus, one of the best preserved Hellenistic and Roman era cities in the world.
- Ephesus is the second best preserved Roman city in the world after Pompeii
- A clear overview of Greek and Roman histories in the Aegean and Asia Minor
- See the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis
- Learn the importance of Ephesus in Christianity
- A guide to Greek and Roman architecture
- Visit ancient cities of Miletus, Priene and Hierapolis ancient cities (if your book 2 or 3 days package)
- Learn more abou Turkey and Turkish Culture
- For history and archaeology buffs we can add Aphrodisias and Laodicea ancient cities. This will extend more than 3 days.
Hotels charge the following supplements;
- Single Room Supplement 50% pp/room rate
- Third Person Supplment is 70%
To book this tour please choose your desired day from the calendar below and continue with the booking steps. Our booking system will take you to the secure payment gateway provided by PayU.
There is a set deposit amount of $75 for any group size. Your booking will be confirmed after the deposit payment. The balance is to be paid 15 days before the start of the tour(s).
You may cancel your tour reservation up to 72 hours before the planned start of the tour. No cancellation charge is incurred within the allowed deadline. Please read our cancellation policy: “Booking Terms“.
This tour is organized within the legal scope of the Turkish Law concerning Travel Agencies And The Association Of Travel Agencies (TURSAB) numbered 1618, and Vocational Tour Guides Law numbered 6326.
What's included?
- Private airport transfers
- Private Tour(s) with lunch
- 4/5* accommodation options
- Flight Tickets (economy)
- Travel Insurance
What's not included?
- Personal Expenses
- In-flight Meals
- Drinks at lunch(es)
- Tips & Gratitude
Why choose us?
- No Hidden Costs
- No Shopping Stops
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Hotels in good locations
- We value your time and money
- Our professional team is with you
What our guests say about us?
Read our Tripadvisor reviews
- TravelWithMAGEK
If you want a very kind and knowledgeable guide Osman Ozmen was fantastic, an excellent tour guide. He took us through the streets of Istanbul to see the Hagia Sophia,... read more the Blue Mosque and the Sultanahmet Square & Hippodrome.
Ozzy was very patient as I hurt my foot in Greece so I was walking with a cane. We watched out for me and stopped when I needed a break. He even explained about places that we were going to see a see sat and talked in the cool comfort of a coffee shop while we had a cold drink.
During the tour I realized that my water flask was missing and my husband said he must’ve left it in the coffee shop. Ozzy went back to retrieve it and told us to wait under a big tree so we don’t have to walk. Such kindness!
Oh and he took great pictures of my husband and I suggesting perfect times to take the photo.
We ate lunch at a local place where he ordered Turkish lamb kebabs for all of us, it was perfect! So delicious!
My husband wanted to buy Turkish Delights and Ozzy stopped us from making a big mistake by buying the wrong ones. He brought us to a little shop where we got real authentic Turkish Delights. It was so good!
Thank you Ozzy for making our final day on holiday in Turkey a very memorable one. You’re the best!
9 August 2021 - TravelWithMAGEK
If you want a very kind and knowledgeable guide Osman Ozmen was fantastic, an excellent tour guide. He took us through the streets of Istanbul to see the Hagia Sophia,... read more the Blue Mosque and the Sultanahmet Square & Hippodrome. Ozzy was very patient as I hurt my foot in Greece so I was walking with a cane. We watched out for me and stopped when I needed a break. He even explained about places that we were going to see a see sat and talked in the cool comfort of a coffee shop while we had a cold drink. During the tour I realized that my water flask was missing and my husband said he must’ve left it in the coffee shop. Ozzy went back to retrieve it and told us to wait under a big tree so we don’t have to walk. Such kindness! Oh and he took great pictures of my husband and I suggesting perfect times to take the photo. We ate lunch at a local place where he ordered Turkish lamb kebabs for all of us, it was perfect! So delicious! My husband wanted to buy Turkish Delights and Ozzy stopped us from making a big mistake by buying the wrong ones. He brought us to a little shop where we got real authentic Turkish Delights. It was so good! Thank you Ozzy for making our final day on holiday in Turkey a very memorable one. You’re the best! …
1 August 2021 - 662AshleyS662
Had a wonderful time seeing Istanbul as a first time visitor with guide Osman Ozmen. He was knowledgeable, personable, and spoke English well! We were able to customize the itinerary... read more based on which sites were available and what was of interest. I’m so glad I chose to utilize a guide vs trying to navigate the maze of Istanbul on my own. I definitely saw more (and learned more!) through this tour. I had so much fun, we added in a second day! Highly recommended.
6 May 2021 - Ashley S
Had a wonderful time seeing Istanbul as a first time visitor with guide Osman Ozmen. He was knowledgeable, personable, and spoke English well! We were able to customize the itinerary... read more based on which sites were available and what was of interest. I’m so glad I chose to utilize a guide vs trying to navigate the maze of Istanbul on my own. I definitely saw more (and learned more!) through this tour. I had so much fun, we added in a second day! Highly recommended. …
1 May 2021 - Ashley S
Had a wonderful time seeing Istanbul as a first time visitor with guide Osman Ozmen. He was knowledgeable, personable, and spoke English well! We were able to customize the itinerary... read more based on which sites were available and what was of interest. I’m so glad I chose to utilize a guide vs trying to navigate the maze of Istanbul on my own. I definitely saw more (and learned more!) through this tour. I had so much fun, we added in a second day! Highly recommended.
1 April 2021