Ephesus Tour from Istanbul by Plane

Itinerary

The Ephesus Tour from Istanbul by Plane is the fastest and most comfortable way to explore Turkey’s most famous ancient city in just one day. After a short flight from Istanbul, you’ll be transferred directly to Ephesus, once a powerful Roman metropolis and a cornerstone of early Christianity. We will walk through its ancient streets, you’ll encounter the Celsus Library, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and many other landmarks that showcase the city’s grandeur. The tour also takes you to the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final home, and the site of the legendary Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. With seamless flights, comfortable transfers, and expert guides, this tour allows you to step back into history and experience the magic of Ephesus, all in a single day from Istanbul.

Ephesus Small Group Tour from Istanbul by Plane

We will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul according to your flight schedule and drive you to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon your arrival, we will meet you at Izmir Airport and drive you to Selcuk to join the tour group.
First, we will visit the Virgin Mary’s House. The site, discovered by Lazarist priests after a German nun’s vision of the Virgin Mary’s final home, is now sacred to both Muslims and Catholics. The Lazarist Fathers maintain it and hold daily Mass there. We will explore the house, the chapel, and the gardens with the wishing wall.
Next, we will drive to Ephesus to explore this remarkable ancient city. Once one of the most significant harbor cities in the ancient world, Ephesus is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation as one of the seven churches. During our visit, we will highlight the iconic Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, and the Grand Theater, showcasing the city’s historical and architectural brilliance.
We will visit Artemis Temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, which stands today next to Ephesus Ancient City.
At the end of the tour, we will drive you back to Izmir Airport according to your flight schedule. We will meet you at Istanbul Airport and drive you back to your hotel.

Included / Excluded

All transportation is with air-conditioned, modern vehicles driven by a professional driver

English Speaking Professional Tour Guide

Entrance fees to the sites

Domestic flight tickets

Entrance fee for Terrace Houses

Lunch and drinks

Personal Expenses and tips

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Small Group and Private Tour options?

Both options offer the same high-quality itinerary and expert guide service. The Small Group Tour is a cost-effective choice, traveling with a maximum of 12 guests. The Private Tour option provides you and your party with an exclusive vehicle and guide for the entire day, offering maximum flexibility to set your own pace at the sites.

Are the domestic round-trip flights included in the tour price?

Yes, the price for this tour covers your round-trip domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Izmir and back. It also includes all hotel and airport transfers in both Istanbul and Izmir, providing seamless logistics for your trip.

How is the transfer handled, and what time does the tour start and end?

This is a seamless, door-to-door service. We will pick you up from your Istanbul hotel, transfer you to the airport, meet you in Izmir, and reverse the process in the evening. The total duration is a full day, dictated by your chosen flight schedule.

What should I wear and bring for the Ephesus tour?

For the religious site (House of the Virgin Mary), please wear modest attire (shoulders and knees covered). For walking through the ancient city, comfortable walking shoes are essential. We recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.

Is the entrance to the Terrace Houses included in the tour?

A visit to the Terrace Houses is highly recommended, as it offers a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious private homes of Ephesus's elite. However, please note that the entrance fee is not included in the main tour price and must be paid separately at the entrance of the Terrace Houses.

Are the sites stroller or wheelchair accessible?

The transfers and surrounding areas are accessible. However, the Ephesus archaeological site may be challenging due to uneven marble streets and stairs. Access may be limited to the lower, flatter sections of the ancient city, but your guide will happily assist you with the best available routes.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Yes, a local lunch at a restaurant is included in the price for Small Group Tour guests. For Private Tour guests, lunch is not included; however, your guide will happily assist you in selecting a restaurant that perfectly matches your preferences. Drinks are not included in either option.

How can I book this tour?

To book this tour, please fill out the form with your details and click "Book Now." We will respond to your request within a few hours. For the fastest follow-up regarding your specific inquiry, you will find the "Continue on WhatsApp" button available after submission.