From USD
per person
330.00
Price varies by group size
Adult (Age 0+)

Ephesus in a day from Istanbul

4.5 / 5 total 1839 reviews
Duration: 12 to 14 hours
Product code: 8116
Overview

Discover the wonders of ancient history with this expertly curated daily tour from Istanbul to the breathtaking Ephesus. Walk through the corridors of time as you explore one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity, visit sacred landmarks, and experience the charm of Turkish heritage.

  • Take a flight to Izmir and journey to Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Turkey’s most well-preserved Greco-Roman cities.
  • This all-inclusive tour covers flights, transfers, entrance fees, lunch, and the services of a licensed guide.
  • Enhance your experience by upgrading to a private tour for a fully customizable itinerary.
  • Small group sizes ensure personalized attention from your guide throughout the day.
Highlights
  • Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Explore historical landmarks with an expert guide providing in-depth commentary.
  • Round-trip flights and transfers ensure a seamless experience.
Good to Know
  • Scheduling Scheduling: This is a Private Tour That is Run Exclusively for the Person or Group Who Booked the Tour.
  • Languages offered on the Activity / TourLanguages offered on the Activity / Tour: English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Duration Duration: 12 to 14 hours
  • Skip the Line Skip the Line
  • Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Pick-up service Pick-up service
    Pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Istanbul
  • Easy Cancellation Easy Cancellation
    This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Cut-off TimeCut-off Time
    Available to be booked until 2 days before the tour starts. We reserve the option to confirm the tour or not due to availability.
Inclusions
  • Pick-up from hotels in Istanbul
  • Expert guidance from experienced, licensed professionals.
  • Round-trip domestic flights to/from Istanbul.
  • Intimate group sizes of up to 15 people (upgrade to a private tour available).
  • Travel in an air-conditioned minibus for a relaxed experience.
  • Enjoy a tasty lunch during the tour.
Exclusions
  • Drinks during Lunch (if preferred)
  • Gratuities (recommended).
What To Expect

Our team will pick you up from your Istanbul Hotels around 04:00 - 04:30 am and then transfer you to Istanbul Airport. When you arrive to the airport, you make your self-check-in and take your flight to Izmir(Ephesus).

  • Upon landing to Izmir Airport, our team will meet you at the exit gate of the domestic terminal. Then, after an hour's transfer to the Ephesus, will meet the rest of the group and start your Full-Day Tour.

  • Flight :

During the tour, you’ll visit the following sites:

  • Ephesus Ruins (Approx. 2 hours)
  • House of the Virgin Mary (Approx. 1 hour)
  • Temple of Artemis (Approx. 20 minutes)
  • Local Handicraft Gallery (optional, depending on interest)
  • Isabey Mosque (panoramic view from a distance)
  • Basilica of St. John (panoramic view from a distance)
  • Selçuk Castle (panoramic view from a distance)

Around midday, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. During the tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore local handicrafts made by village women.

  • Lunch
  • Admission Ticket Included
  • Duration: 6 hours

At the end of the tour, we’ll transfer back to Izmir Airport with a one-hour drive, where you’ll catch your return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our team will meet you at the domestic terminal exit gate and transfer you back to your hotel in Istanbul.

  • Flight :
Pickup and Drop-off
This tour includes pick-up from all central hotels in Istanbul and drop-off back to your hotel at the end of the tour.

Know Before You Go
  • This tour/activity accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers.
  • Most travelers can participate. Pick-up and drop-off services are available for hotels located in the Sultanahmet and Taksim areas. When booking this package, please provide the name of your Istanbul hotel. Travelers staying outside the pick-up and drop-off zones will need to arrange their own transportation to and from the airport.
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Infant seats available upon request
  • Close to public transportation
  • Stroller accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • You will receive confirmation at the time of booking.
Recent Photos of This Tour
Customer Reviews
  • Excellent 5
  • Very Good 4
  • Average 3
  • Poor 2
  • Terrible 1
  • (1228)
  • (611)
  • (0)
  • (0)
  • (0)
Excellent

4.5

Add new review
Name *
Email *
Country *
Ratings (the higher the better)
Rating *
Comments *
Video
Reviewed by John M AU   March 02, 2025
Rating  
I’m not usually one for organized tours, but this all-inclusive Ephesus day trip from Istanbul changed my mind completely. The logistics were flawless: a driver picked me up from my hotel at 5:30 AM, the flight to Izmir was smooth, and by 8 AM, I was walking through the ancient streets of Ephesus with my guide, Aylin. She was a walking encyclopedia her stories about the Great Theater and the Library of Celsus brought the ruins to life. I loved how this was truly private; it was just me and my guide, so I could ask all the nerdy questions I wanted without feeling rushed. The lunch was a nice touch local kebabs and a cold Efes beer hit the spot. My only tiny complaint? The museum felt a bit rushed at the end, but honestly, that’s because I could’ve spent hours there. Highly recommend this for solo travelers who want a VIP experience!"
Name *
Email *
Country *
Comments *
Captcha
Reviewed by johneedangerous US   February 22, 2025
Rating  

I'm a photographer, and this tour gave me endless opportunities to capture stunning shots! The early flight from Istanbul got us to Ephesus just as the morning light hit the ruins perfect for photos. Our guide, Burak, was super accommodating, giving me extra time at the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater to set up my shots. The Terrace Houses were a goldmine with their colorful mosaics, and even the Ephesus Museum had great lighting for artifact pics. Lunch was a nice break fresh salads and fish with a view that begged to be photographed. The private aspect meant no crowds photobombed my frames, which I loved. I'd tell anyone booking this to bring a good camera you won't regret it!"

Name *
Email *
Country *
Comments *
Captcha
Reviewed by Duane Webber AU   February 17, 2025
Rating  
Loved this tour! Our tour guide was so informative and kept encouraging us to take our time seeing the sights. He offered so much more information than we would have ever known. Would highly recommend!!!
Name *
Email *
Country *
Comments *
Captcha
Reviewed by Hira H US   February 10, 2025
Rating  
My husband and I booked this Ephesus tour from Istanbul for our anniversary, and it was hands-down the best decision we made during our Turkey trip! From the moment our driver picked us up at our hotel in Istanbul, everything was seamless. The early morning flight to Izmir was quick and comfortable, and our guide, Mehmet, greeted us with a warm smile at the airport. Ephesus itself blew us away the Temple of Artemis was a surreal experience and the Terrace Houses gave us such a vivid glimpse into ancient life with their mosaics and running water systems. The included lunch was delicious, with fresh grilled fish and veggies served in a quiet garden setting. We even had time to explore the Ephesus Museum, where the Gladiator Room was a highlight for my history-buff husband. The private transport made it so relaxing no crowded buses or rushed schedules. Worth every penny!
Name *
Email *
Country *
Comments *
Captcha
Reviewed by Luis Cain CO   February 03, 2025
Rating  
Parce, qué tour tan bacano! Soy Luis y me lancé a este paseo a Éfeso desde Estambul. El recogido en el hotel fue puntual, el vuelo a Izmir una chimba, y cuando llegamos, nuestra guía, Leyla, nos dio un recorrido de locos. El Teatro Grande me dejó loco, y la Biblioteca de Celso es una belleza pura. Las Casas de las Terrazas, con esos mosaicos, qué joya. La comida estuvo deli, con pescado fresco y una limonada pa’l calor. Todo privado, sin afán, y el regreso a Estambul súper suave. ¡Esto sí es un planazo, recomendado al cien!
Name *
Email *
Country *
Comments *
Captcha
Reviewed by Lillie US   January 28, 2025
Rating  

I highly recommend that you take this Ephesus tour. Greetings.

Name *
Email *
Country *
Comments *
Captcha
Reviewed by Ana & Javier AR   October 19, 2024
Rating  

Ay, qué maravilla este tour a Éfeso con PrivateTour! Soy Ana y lo tomé con mi familia desde Estambul, y todo estuvo de pelos. Nos recogieron tempranito en el hotel, el vuelo a Esmirna fue rapidito, y luego nuestra guía, Zeynep, nos llevó por las ruinas más impresionantes que he visto. El Templo de Artemisa me dejó con la boca abierta, aunque esté en ruinas, y las Casas de las Terrazas eran como un viaje en el tiempo con esos mosaicos tan chulos. La comida estuvo bien sabrosa, con pescado fresco y verduras que me recordaron a casa. Todo privado, sin prisas ni gente amontonada. Valió cada peso, se los juro!

Name *
Email *
Country *
Comments *
Captcha
Reviewed by Zhang Li CN   October 02, 2024
Rating  
这个以弗所全天私人游真是太棒了!我叫张丽,和我老公一起从伊斯坦布尔出发参加的。早上五点半酒店接我们,司机很准时,飞到伊兹密尔的航班也挺舒服。一到那儿,我们的导游艾琳(Aylin)就带我们去探索以弗所古城。阿尔忒弥斯神庙虽然只剩废墟,但那种历史感让人震撼。梯形房屋的壁画和马赛克地板美得像艺术品,感觉穿越到了古罗马!午餐超级好吃,有新鲜的烤鱼和蔬菜,环境也很安静。整个行程都是私人定制的,没有跟团的赶时间压力,真的很享受。晚上八点回到伊斯坦布尔,累但开心,强烈推荐给喜欢历史的朋友!
Name *
Email *
Country *
Comments *
Captcha
Reviewed by Linet ZA   August 23, 2024
Rating  

The ultra-private aspect of the tour provided an intimate experience of Ephesus. Without the distractions of large groups, we could fully appreciate the site's grandeur. Our guide's storytelling painted vivid pictures of ancient life, enhancing our understanding of each location. The day's seamless logistics made the experience both relaxing and enriching.

Name *
Email *
Country *
Comments *
Captcha
Reviewed by Bill+June GB   February 23, 2024
Rating  
My guide is the absolute best! He was our tour guide and he is so knowledgeable that we learned a lot about the place. We recommend him for an excellent day tour excursion!! FIVE STARS TO BEST !!
Name *
Email *
Country *
Comments *
Captcha