This Istanbul and Ephesus tour spends two days in Istanbul, then flies to Izmir for a day at Ephesus, with a private guide and transfers. Our homepage lists more tours of Greece.
5 DAY TOUR OF ISTANBUL AND EPHESUS
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ISTANBUL
Welcome to Turkey. Arrive in Istanbul Airport, where our representative will meet you and provide a private transfer to the hotel for overnight stay in Istanbul.
HOTEL, DOWNTOWN ISTANBUL
DAY 2: FULL DAY ISTANBUL TOUR
9:00 a.m. After breakfast pick up from hotel and Our journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul – its three names span more than 2600 years, nearly 1600 of them as the capital of two of the greatest empires the world has known, Byzantine and Ottoman. We visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 3: HALF DAY ISTANBUL TOUR
Pick up from hotel for second full day tour . First visit Chora Museum, then Suleymaniye Mosque. The mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent was built between 1550 and 1557 by the famous architect Sinan whose wish was to surpass the builders of St. Sophia which is conspicuous from its great size, emphasized by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the courtyard. Visit Underground Cistern. Some free time in Spice Bazaar. Free afternoon to explore Istanbul on your own and Overnight stay in Istanbul.
DAY 4: EPHESUS TOUR
Pick up from hotel and transfer to Istanbul airport for morning flight to Izmir. Met by your tour guide and drive to Ephesus ( 45 minutes drive ) First visit the Artemission Temple which is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to Ephesus and visit Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia (an ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor). Known in antiquity for its sacred shrines, notably a famous temple to the goddess Artemis, or Diana.
After Ephesus, we visit the House of Virgin Mary. At the third Ecumenical Council of 431 in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared it a place of pilgrimage in 1892. Drive to Izmir airport for your flight back to Istanbul. where you are met and transfer to the hotel.
DAY 5: HOME
After breakfast check out from the hotel and private transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight back home.
FEATURES
- 4 nights accommodations based on bed and breakfast.
- Professional licensed English speaking guide.
- Istanbul – Izmir – Istanbul domestic return flight tickets including airport tax.
- BBQ lunch in Ephesus.
- All airport transfers and transportation with private AC vehicle.
- All entrance fees to the sites stated above the itinerary.
This package excludes: Personal expenses & any meals and drinks.
Book an Istanbul and Ephesus Tour
The tours below are trips you can book in Ephesus and nearby.