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5 Days Istanbul and Ephesus Tour – The combination of the two most historical destinations for Turkey private tour. Private Istanbul and Ephesus Tour Package.
ISTANBUL → EPHESUS
Day 1 – Arrive in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! Where the continents meet.
Meet at Istanbul Airport: Once you arrive at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, after the luggage claim, you will be greeted by a Romos Travel Representative at the meeting area.
Private Transfer to the hotel: You will be taken to your hotel, and after check-in, you will have time for leisure, and the rest of the day is yours.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2 – Private Istanbul Old City Tour
After breakfast, your pick-up will be scheduled for 8:30 am from the hotel to start the Private Istanbul Old City tour. Our professional tour guide will be introducing the ancient sights of Istanbul.
Today you will explore the following highlights of Istanbul.
Hippodrome: An ancient Roman and Ottoman square where the chariot races were held. Within the square is some Roman remains, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and Constantine Columns.
The Blue Mosque: An Ottoman Imperial mosque built by Sultan Ahmet I in 1609-1616 CE, famous for the blue Ottoman tiles.
Hagia Sophia: Once the largest cathedral of Christianity when it was built in 532-537 CE by the Roman Emperor Justinian; later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans.
Topkapi Palace: The Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built the palace after the conquest of Constantinople. Topkapi Palace was the home of the royal family and the headquarters for the Ottoman Empire’s administrative center.
Basilica Cistern: Was built by the Roman Emperor Justinian in 6C CE. The Basilica Cistern was the main water supply to the Roman Palace and the churches. It has over three hundred columns within and houses the head of the ancient Greek figure Medusa. The head is the base of two columns and is viewed upside down and right-side down.
Grand Bazaar (Covered Market): The largest and the oldest functioning shopping center in the world. The Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built the Grand Bazaar in the 15th century. The market consists of 5,000 stores, 66 streets, 24 gates, and much more eye-pleasing architecture. Within the bazaar are many Turkish handicraft stores such as rugs, carpets, kilims, and beautiful Turkish tiles. Upon your request, our guide will be more than happy to help you find your masterpiece of Turkish art.
After the Private Istanbul Old City sightseeing tour, you will be driven back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Note: Breakfast at hotel and lunch at a local restaurant is included
Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise, Two Continents Tour
After breakfast, your pick-up will be scheduled for 8:30 am from the hotel to start the Private Guided Bosphorus tour. Our professional tour guide will be introducing you to the Bosphorus.
Today you will explore the following highlights of the Bosphorus:
Spice Market ( Egyptian Bazaar): The Ottomans built the market in the 17th century. Unlike the Grand Bazaar, the Spice market is much smaller but full of beautiful fragrances of mixed spices, herbs, and traditional sweets. It consists of around 100 stores, 2 streets, and 5 gates.
Bosphorus Cruise: The channel divides Istanbul into two continents and stretches about 32 km between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Along the Bosphorus, there are many settlements to see, such as great Palaces, hotels, yali (private houses), etc. While you are on the boat, you will see the highlights of the Bosphorus including the Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Çırağan Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Küçüksu Palace, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge ( the second bridge on the Bosphorus), Maiden’s Tower to name a few.
Beylerbeyi Palace: After the sultans westernized the Ottoman Empire, they built some Palace’s modern-western architectural styles. The Beylerbeyi Palace is one of them, located on the Asian side by the Bosphorus. The garden is full of statues, and the rooms with handcrafted arts will take you back in time to the 19th century.
Çamlıca Hill: The highest hill of Istanbul, situated on the Asian side. The walking path with 360 panoramic views will let you take the best pictures of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
After the Private Guided Bosphorus sightseeing tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Note: Breakfast at hotel and lunch at a local restaurant is included
Day 4 – Private Transfer to Izmir/ Private Ephesus Tour
After breakfast and check-out, we will pick you up from the hotel and head towards the domestic flight airport to Izmir. At Izmir Airport, your professional guide will start the tour.
We will drive to Virgin Mary’s House, upon the dream of German nun Anna Katherina Emerich, the Lazarist priests followed the descriptions and the signs and then discovered the house in 1891 CE. According to Catholic belief, Mary was taken here by St. John, and she spent the rest of her earthly life there. After the Virgin Mary’s House, we proceed to Ephesus Ancient City, the capital city of Asia Minor during the Roman era. According to myth, Ephesus was founded by the Greek commander Androculos around 1,000 BCE. Moreover, Alexander the Great, Lysimachus, Coressus, and Antiochus II either invaded or ruled in this city. While the excavations are still going on, you will see the ancient remains such as the State Agora (a marketplace and meeting point), Odeon (Bouleuterion) concert house and council, Town Hall and Artemis Sanctuary, Domitian Square, a complex consisting of temple fountain and a bath, Curetes Street colonnaded and monumental Street in Ephesus, The Hadrian Temple dedicated to Emperor Hadrian dating to 200 BCE, Latrines the public toilets, Celsus Library proves us that how Ephesians were intellectual and dates back to 200 BCE with the library having had 12,000 scrolls, Forum a commercial center located by the port and finally The Great Theater the largest ancient theater with 25,000 capacity.
After Ephesus ancient city, we drive to lunch at a local restaurant, and thereafter the next stop is Isa Bey Mosque, built-in 1375 by the Anatolian Seljuks. Unlike Modern Ottoman architecture, it has a geometrical architecture roof and two minarets. The mosque is still functioning today for the five-time prayers. After Isa Bey Mosque, we drive to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven ancient wonders of the World.
After the Private Ephesus sightseeing tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 5 – Private Transfer to Airport
Breakfast at the hotel, Pick up from the hotel, and private transfer to the airport for a flight to Istanbul to connect to your International flight.
After completing the amazing 5 Days Private Istanbul and Ephesus Tour, Package Tour Turkey wishes all guests a very healthy and wonderful life ahead…
5 Days Istanbul and Ephesus Tour Details
Departure & Return Location
Istanbul Airport & Sabiha Gokcen Airport – Can be supplied depending on your International flight details.
Price Include
Flight tickets from Istanbul to Izmir
Flight tickets from Izmir to Istanbul
Entrance fees, mentioned in the itinerary
Private professional tour guide at tours
Private air-conditioned vehicle for tours and transfers
Accommodations are as below:
Istanbul: Albatros Hagia Sophia Hotel or a similar hotel
Kusadası: Efe Boutique Hotel or a similar hotel
5 Breakfasts at hotel
4 Lunch at tours
1 Dinners as mentioned in the itinerary
Price Exclude
Gratuities to guide and driver
Personal expenses
Visa & International flight tickets
Reservation Request Form
Two of Turkey’s most alluring cities, Istanbul and Ephesus, are filled with history, culture, and beautiful scenery. In this post, we’ll examine the numerous tour choices, such as private tours, combined tours of Istanbul and Ephesus, and more. So let’s dive in and learn how to best explore these magical cities!
Overview
For those who want to see the wonders of both cities in one trip, Istanbul and Ephesus trips are perfect. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, as well as the ancient city of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus, are frequently visited during these tours.
Duration
Tours from Istanbul to Ephesus can last anywhere from a few hours to a whole day, giving you plenty of time to see the best of both cities.
Highlights
The great architectural wonders, thriving markets, and rich history that both cities have to offer are just a few attractions of Istanbul and Ephesus trips. Expect to become fully engrossed in the local culture as you explore bustling bazaars, awe at historic ruins, and indulge in delectable Turkish cuisine.
Comparing Tours
Combination tours to Istanbul and Ephesus are ideal for visitors who wish to maximize their time in Turkey. These excursions typically include transportation, lodging, and meals in addition to a thorough itinerary that covers the must-see sights in both cities.
Combined Tour Benefits
By choosing a combination trip, you’ll enjoy a smooth travel experience, save time and money, and have all the logistical elements taken care of for you.
Driving Distance
The approximate driving time from Istanbul to Ephesus is 7 to 8 hours, depending on the route and traffic. The distance between the two cities is 565 kilometers (351 miles).
Scenic Route
The environment along the route from Istanbul to Ephesus is breathtaking, with magnificent seaside vistas and verdant rural fields.
Advantages of Private Tours
Compared to group excursions, private Ephesus tours provide a more individualized and customizable experience. You can alter your schedule, go at your own pace, and benefit from your private guide’s undivided attention.
Personalized Experience
You can explore Ephesus at your own pace while learning more about its interesting history and archaeological treasures when you take a private Ephesus tour.
Customizing Your Trip
Turkey’s personalized tour packages give you the greatest level of customization and freedom for your trip. These packages frequently include lodging, food, transportation, and guided excursions, enabling you to design the ideal itinerary depending on your tastes and interests.
Package Inclusions
Private tour packages may include excursions to well-known sites in Istanbul like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar, as well as historic sites in Ephesus like the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus, depending on the tour provider.
Ephesus History
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey is Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic city, which dates back to the 10th century BC, is rich in history and was a significant hub of trade, culture, and religion during the Roman and Byzantine eras.
Ancient Sites
The Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian are just a few of the magnificent ancient monuments in Ephesus that can be seen on a Turkey Ephesus tour.
Istanbul’s Rich Heritage
Istanbul, once known as Byzantium and Constantinople, has a long and illustrious history. On a private tour of Istanbul, discover the city’s fascinating cultural fusion, where East and West mix the ancient with the modern.
Top Attractions
Visits to the city’s most well-known sites, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the crowded Grand Bazaar, are frequently included in a private Istanbul trip. Your journey will be made genuinely unique by your own guide’s insightful insights into the history and culture of the city.
Exclusive Access
A private tour of Ephesus will provide you access to some of the most important locations in the ancient city and the guidance of an expert private guide who can explain the city’s history and archaeological treasures in detail.
Private Guides
Your private guide will customize the tour to suit your interests, ensuring you have a unique and personalized experience while viewing the amazing remains of Ephesus.
You’re in for a memorable voyage through the rich history and culture of these enthralling cities, whether you select an Istanbul Ephesus tour, an Istanbul and Ephesus combo tour, a private Ephesus tour, or a Turkey private tour package. So be ready for the trip of a lifetime and pack your luggage!
