Top 9 Ephesus Tours in Istanbul

1.4 Days Turkey Tour – Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 138 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $1,571Our pick

See Cappadocia’s underground city and fairy chimneys, Pamukkale’s white terraces, and Ephesus’s grand ruins on a four-day trip from Istanbul. Flights, transfers, hotels, guides, lunches, breakfasts, and entrance fees are included. Expect early starts, changing local groups, and little spare time. The optional Cappadocia balloon ride requires separate booking.

“There were unique aspects of every city/region we visited. Ancient history in some regions, and amazing geological scenery with a hot air balloon ride added. I wouldn't change any of it. Only problem is between flights (particularly if they are delayed) and early pickups, there is some lack of sleep. Worth it though.”

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2.6 Days Turkey Tour Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Gallipoli Troy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 109 reviews · 6 days (approx.) · from $2,122

Travel from Istanbul through Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Cappadocia in six busy days. You get domestic flights, hotels, meals, entrance fees, airport transfers, and English-speaking guides for groups of up to 15. A hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia is optional and must be booked separately.

“What an incredible experience. From start to finish everything i needed was taken care off. Airport and hotel transfer, even when my flight was delayed, went smoothly. The customer service was fantastic and they arranged for me to get my covid test to get back to the us. On top of that the sites were incredible and my guides at each location were so knowledgeable and went out of their way to make the trip special”

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3.Daily Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary from Istanbul – Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 95 reviews · 15 hours (approx.) · from $860

This 15-hour trip links Istanbul and Ephesus by air, with hotel transfers, a local guide, lunch, and a group capped at 14. You’ll see the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Odeion, Temple of Artemis, St. John’s Basilica, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Guide quality varies, with Elif, Zafer Bozoglu, Ceyla Ergon, and Ismail praised by name.

“An amazing tour. Deeply moving to be at the House of the Blessed Virgin and the Tomb of St John. My guide ? Gotca was marvellous, as were all the staff. I highly recommend this tour.”

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4.7 Days Best of Turkey Tour: Istanbul-Cappadocia-Ephesus-Pamukkale

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 7 days (approx.) · from $1,713

This fast-moving Turkey tour links Istanbul’s monuments, Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and underground city, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. You travel by included domestic flights, stay in included hotels, and tour with licensed English-speaking guides in groups of up to 20. A balloon ride is optional, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead.

“This itinerary was impeccable. Well-located and pleasant hotels, perfect logistics, professional guides, good restaurants included and attentive and super friendly staff! I recommend it!”

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5.5-Day Aegean Tour – Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Pamukkale

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 86 reviews · 5 days (approx.) · from $1,543

Travel from Istanbul to Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Kuşadası, and Pamukkale with an English-speaking guide such as Tamer, Ege, or Ahmet. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, stay four nights, eat four breakfasts and dinners, and fly from Denizli back to Istanbul. Expect major archaeological sites, long drives, and several shopping stops.

“Happy with this tour. Good tour guide, sociable, acknowledged Hanuk of Fez travel.”

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6.Ephesus Day Tour with Return Flights

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 50 reviews · 10 hours · from $437

Fly from Istanbul to Izmir for a private, full-day Ephesus tour with a licensed English or Spanish-speaking guide. Walk Marble Street, see the Great Theater and Library of Celsus, visit the Virgin Mary’s house and Temple of Artemis, then return by air. Flights, transfers, and hotel pickup are included, but entrance fees and lunch are extra.

“Excellent tour with a knowledgeable and experienced guide. It made all the difference to learn the history, culture and see the sights with greater understanding and appreciation. Highly recommend this tour.”

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7.2 Days Private Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 23 reviews · 2 days · from $350Best value

Fly from Istanbul to Denizli, walk barefoot across Pamukkale’s white terraces, explore Hierapolis, then visit Ephesus, the House of Mother Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. Your private tour includes domestic flights, hotel transfers, one night in Kusadasi, breakfast, lunches, and a licensed English or Spanish-speaking guide.

“Fantastic 2 day tour. A massive thank you to out guide Cetin who was excellent!! He was knowledgeable, friendly and provided detailed information on the area and places we visited. He was able to explain the history and answer any questions we had. Great communication regarding the transportation and itinerary. The accommodation was great with an amazing view and decent breakfast. Highly recommended!!!”

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8.Ephesus Tour with Roundtrip Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · 1 day · from $449

Fly from Istanbul to Izmir, then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and Sirince village with an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Nizam, Nazim, Gul, and Hannek are praised for lively storytelling. Flights, transfers, entrance fees, lunch, and hotel pickup are included.

“This was a very organized tour and the travel agency was efficient. We were kept informed days before the tour. Our pick up was on time, our guide was waiting for us upon arrival at Izmir and we traveled in a clean, spacious vehicle. You eventually got to see Ephesus, after visiting a village, Sirince with St John's church, St Mary's alleged last home, a Leather garment factory, having lunch and visiting a carpet weaving factory. The lunch was included and very tasty. one only paid for your drinks. For souvenirs and drinks I suggest you have some cash on hand, as most places only accepted cash. Hannek was a…”

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9.Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 22 reviews · from $516

You’ll leave your Istanbul hotel around 5:00 to 5:30 AM, fly to Izmir, and meet a private guide for Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, Isa Bey Mosque, the Temple of Artemis, and the Archaeology Museum. Guide Kaya is praised for clear historical storytelling. Flights, transfers, transport, parking, and lunch are included, but entrance fees and drinks are extra.

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