11 Attractions

Ephesus Day Trip from Istanbul

Ephesus day trip from Istanbul with flights, guided tour, Virgin Mary House, Temple of Artemis, and lunch. All transfers and tickets included.
5.0 (56 reviews)
Duration Long Day
Tour Type Regular
Departure Everyday
Start 03:00
End 21:00
Transport Plane
Starting From
371 €

Child pricing applies to children 2-6 years old on the tour departure date.


Infant pricing applies to children under 2 years old on the tour departure date.

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Day Trip to Ephesus from Istanbul

Ephesus day trip from Istanbul with flights, guided tour, Virgin Mary House, Temple of Artemis, and lunch. All transfers and tickets included.

Tour Overview

Explore the heart of ancient history with our Ephesus day trip from Istanbul — the perfect choice for travelers who want to see one of the world’s best-preserved archaeological sites in a single day.

  • This hassle-free day tour departs daily from Istanbul, making it ideal for travelers with limited time.
  • Discover the magnificent Ephesus Ancient City with a licensed, knowledgeable tour guide and walk through centuries of Roman history.
  • Visit the sacred House of Virgin Mary and see the remains of the historic Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  • All logistics are pre-arranged: round-trip flights, land transportation, airport transfers, entrance fees, and a delicious lunch are included.
  • Feel the timeless atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed site and return to Istanbul the same evening — no overnight stay required.

The Ephesus day trip from Istanbul is a carefully crafted tour package offering a deep dive into one of Turkey’s most iconic cultural treasures.

Tour Itinerary

Meal: Lunch

04:00 AM ─ You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the airport.

07:00 AM ─ Flight to Izmir from Istanbul.
(Flight time may vary depending on date and availability. Hotel pickup time adjusts accordingly.)

08:10 AM ─ Arrival at Izmir Airport. Our team will greet you with a name sign.

Transfer to Ephesus Ancient City and begin your full-day guided tour:

  1. Marble Streets — Begin your journey walking on beautifully preserved marble streets once lined with statues and columns.
  2. The Odeon — An ancient concert and council hall used for performances and ceremonies, seating up to 1,500 spectators.
  3. The Agora — The heart of commercial and political life in ancient Ephesus; an open marketplace surrounded by colonnades.
  4. Domitian Temple — One of the earliest temples dedicated to an emperor, showcasing the imperial cult in Roman Asia Minor.
  5. Prytaneion — Once the administrative center of the city, where sacred fires for the goddess Hestia were kept burning.
  6. Fountain of Trajan — A beautifully decorated Roman fountain honoring Emperor Trajan, symbolizing the city’s water systems.
  7. Temple of Hadrian — Built in honor of Emperor Hadrian, adorned with fine reliefs representing gods and imperial figures.
  8. Skolasticia Baths — A public bath complex that reflects daily Roman hygiene and social culture.
  9. Public Latrines — Surprisingly advanced for their time, these communal toilets offer insight into Roman public life.
  10. Library of Celsus — One of the most iconic structures of ancient Ephesus, built in memory of Roman senator Celsus. A symbol of knowledge and architectural grandeur.
  11. Great Theater — The largest structure in Ephesus, seating over 24,000 people. Used for gladiator games, plays, and public assemblies.
  12. Harbor Street (Arcadian Way) — A grand, colonnaded avenue that once connected the Great Theater to the harbor, lit with lamps at night.
  13. Temple of Artemis — One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only a few columns remain, its legacy is powerful and legendary.
  14. House of Virgin Mary — A sacred pilgrimage site where it is believed the Virgin Mary spent her final years, visited by Popes and pilgrims alike.

16:00–17:00 ─ Tour ends. You will be transferred to the airport in Izmir.

20:40 ─ Flight back to Istanbul.
(Flight time may vary depending on availability.)

21:40 ─ Arrival at Istanbul Airport.
(Arrival airport may vary)

Our transfer team will meet you at the exit and transfer you to your hotel.

Thank you for joining the Ephesus Day Trip from Istanbul.

What's Included

Included

  • Airport transfers in Istanbul and Ephesus as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Round Trip Flight Tickets (luggage allowance: 15kg check-in + 8kg cabin)
  • Entrance fees in the itinerary
  • Lunch
  • All Transportation in Tour
  • Professional local tour guide on the tour
  • Local Taxes

Not Included

  • Personal Expenses
  • Drinks at the lunch

Important Remarks

Please read the following important information carefully before booking. These remarks contain essential details about your tour experience.

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Istanbul are included; times may vary based on flight schedule.
  • Flight tickets include 15 kg checked luggage + 8 kg cabin baggage per person.
  • You will be accompanied by a licensed, English-speaking local guide throughout the tour.
  • All entrance fees, airport transfers, land transportation, and lunch at a local restaurant are included.

More Details

Your day begins in the early morning as you leave the bustling city of Istanbul behind for a journey into ancient history. After a short flight to Izmir, you’re welcomed by our team and transported to the legendary city of Ephesus — one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world.

Step onto marble streets once walked by emperors. Feel the energy of the Odeon where 24,000 people once gathered for ceremonies. Wander through the grand Agora, admire the elegant Temple of Hadrian, and stand before the majestic Library of Celsus.

You’ll explore highlights like the Great Theater, Harbor Street, Skolasticia Baths, and even the legendary Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Your day ends at the sacred House of Virgin Mary, nestled in the hills. As the sun sets, you return to Izmir Airport with a heart full of memories and a deeper connection to the ancient world.

M
Mark
Verified Purchase

Taking the Ephesus day trip from Istanbul was an enriching experience. The day began with a prompt pick-up and a smooth flight to Izmir. Our guide, Hakan, was exceptional—his deep knowledge and engaging storytelling brought the ancient city to life. Walking through Ephesus, we were awestruck by the grandeur of the Library of Celsus and the impressive Great Theatre. The Terrace Houses offered a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles of ancient Romans, with their detailed mosaics and frescoes. Lunch was served at a local restaurant, providing a variety of traditional Turkish dishes. Despite the long day, the experience was unforgettable and well worth the time.

L
Liang
Verified Purchase

A well-paced tour with a fantastic guide. Ephesus is a must-see, and this trip makes it accessible from Istanbul.

J
Jerome
Verified Purchase

The Ephesus day trip was unforgettable! We explored the city’s highlights, including the stunning Library of Celsus and the enormous Grand Theater. The Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis added even more historical depth to the day. The tour was well-organized, and the guide was excellent at answering all our questions. It’s a long but rewarding day trip that I’d recommend to anyone visiting Turkey.

D
Diana
Verified Purchase

If you’re short on time but want to see Ephesus, this is the perfect tour. The city is an archaeological wonder, and the guide brought its history to life. Walking through the ancient streets was awe-inspiring. I loved every moment of this trip.

YL
Ygee Leng
Verified Purchase

Embarking on the Ephesus day trip from Istanbul was a highlight of our Turkish adventure. The journey began with a seamless flight to Izmir, followed by a comfortable drive to the ancient city. Our guide, Fatima, was exceptional—her deep knowledge and engaging storytelling made the ruins come alive. Walking through the streets of Ephesus, we marveled at the grandeur of the Library of Celsus and the impressive Great Theatre. The Terrace Houses offered a glimpse into ancient domestic life, showcasing intricate mosaics and frescoes. A delightful lunch in a local restaurant provided a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine. Despite the long day, the experience was enriching and unforgettable.

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