Istanbul Ephesus Tour

Get ready for a land of contrasts —Turkey— in this Istanbul Ephesus tour, brimming with history and culture. This journey through the streets of vibrant Istanbul and the ancient ruins at Ephesus combines amazing architectural designs, bustling markets, and historical landmarks.

From the İstanbul’s street parties to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey is a taste of its own. Rich history, amazing culture, and natural beauty combine in this unique tour through two iconic cities of Turkey. This Istanbul Ephesus tour will enthrall your senses with the contrast of Istanbul’s vibrant city life with the serene ruins of Ephesus steeped in history.

Discover the Wonders of Turkey: Istanbul Ephesus Tour

Your best Istanbul Ephesus tour begins with the vibrant city of Istanbul, where East meets West in a vibrant tapestry of history and modernity. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by our local representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, settling in, and exploring the city on your own. Istanbul is a unique blend of cultures, cuisines, and traditions that set the right note for an eventful journey ahead.

Historical Istanbul Awaits
Experience the richness of Istanbul’s history with a visit to the ruins of the Byzantine Hippodrome. Ented by an Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and Wilhelm II Fountain. These antiquated remnants give a glimpse of this city’s magnificent past when emperors and sultans ruled over their respective lands. Marvel at the splendor of the Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and interior adorning of blue tiles. This is an architectural masterpiece, not just a place of worship but part of the cultural heritage of Istanbul.

The second one is the Hagia Sophia Museum, where this architectural wonder witnessed the rise and fall of empires. This adjoining area was first built as a cathedral, turned into a mosque, and finally turned into a museum; it holds some sort of unique mix of Christian and Islamic art. Visit the most colored and lively of all, the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the oldest and biggest covered markets of the world. With over 4,000 shops selling jewelry, textiles, spices, souvenirs—just about everything—let the tapestry of narrow lanes, treasuries, and the cacophony of merchants burden you and sweep you back into a forgotten age.

End your day with a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. The sprawling palace complex with its ornate courtyards and lavish rooms is sure to give one a fair idea of the lifestyles of the Ottoman elite. Comprehend the glory of the Ottoman Empire while you explore its treasures, including the Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond.

Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Market
Stop first at the Spice Market, aka Egyptian Bazaar. This bustling market just floods your senses with overload on the smell front—especially exotic spices and sweets. The building has been in business since 1665, so you will get a feel for how Istanbul functioned commercially throughout the years. After lunch, take a Bosphorus cruise and sail between two continents, with a view of the Istanbul skyline. Unique views of historic places and sights like Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower are offered by this cruise.

Spend the rest of your day at leisure to experience more of the charm of Istanbul at your own pace. You might visit one of the many other museums or, taking things easy, wander through the animated neighborhoods and stop for traditional Turkish tea at a local café.

Ancient City of Ephesus

Experience Ancient Ephesus
This morning fly to Izmir and transfer to ancient Ephesus. Wander through the remains of the Roman provincial capital, passing by the Magnesia Gate. Ephesus is considered one of the best-preserved ancient cities worldwide, whereby one gets carried into history through a time tunnel. Visit the Odeon, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Fountain of Trajan. Each one of these structures has a story to tell about the glorious past of the city.

Stop by the Grand Theater, which could hold up to 25,000 spectators, reflecting the city’s importance regarding culture. In this theater is where St. Paul preached. See also the remains of the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This afternoon, we visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a shrine that is believed to be the last abode of Mary, Jesus’ mother. This serene shrine offers an environment for meditation and prayer.

Following the visit of the Ephesus, transfer to Izmir airport for your back flight to Istanbul. On arrival in Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay, recollecting the wonderful discoveries of the day.

Reflections and Farewell
Return to Istanbul for a final night, replays of the kaleidoscope of experiences from your journey through Turkey. From the lively streets of Istanbul to the mystical landscapes of Cappadocia, keep the memories alive, embracing the past and the present—because, well, that is what a journey is all about. For more details on our tours and offers, visit our homepage.

See the magic of Turkey in this thoughtfully crafted tour, blending the perfect harmony of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, this Istanbul Ephesus tour is going to offer you an enriching and simply unforgettable journey of travel. To learn more and book your adventure, head to our homepage.