Ephesus Day Trip From Istanbul
Istanbul Explorer Pass offers discounted daily Ephesus tours from Istanbul with professional English-speaking guides. These discounted tours can also be booked outside of your pass validity days, giving you flexibility to plan your trip.
Sample Itinerary – Daily Ephesus Tour
- Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul (around 03:00–04:00, depending on your flight schedule)
- Private transfer to Istanbul Airport and flight to Izmir
- Transfer from Izmir Airport to the tour starting point (shared shuttle)
- Guided group tour (approx. 09:30–16:30) visiting:
- House of Virgin Mary
- Ephesus Ancient City (Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Fountain of Trajan, Celsus Library, Grand Theatre)
- Lunch break
- Temple of Artemis
- Transfer back to Izmir Airport and flight to Istanbul
- Private transfer to your hotel
Tour Includes
- Round-trip Istanbul–Izmir flight tickets
- Private Istanbul hotel–airport transfers (roundtrip)
- Shared shuttle transfers in Izmir
- Lunch during the tour
- Regular Ephesus group tour with an English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to all sites listed
Not Includes
- Beverages during lunch
- Dinner
Highlights of the Ephesus Tour
House of Virgin Mary
Believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, this sacred site was identified in 1891 following the visions of German nun Catherine Emmerich and subsequent research by Lazarist priests.
Ephesus Ancient City
Once the capital of ancient Anatolia, Ephesus is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing impressive Roman architecture and thousands of years of history.
Temple of Hadrian
Built between 117–138 AD in honor of Emperor Hadrian, this monument is one of Ephesus’ most remarkable ancient structures.
Celsus Library
Once the third largest library of the ancient world, the Celsus Library is a stunning example of Roman architecture and one of the most photographed sites in Ephesus.
Temple of Artemis
Constructed in 550 BC and known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis is a must-see for history enthusiasts.