Ephesus Day Trip from Istanbul

After early pickup at your Istanbul hotel, transfer to the airport and relax during your short flight to Izmir. On arrival, meet your professional local guide and others in your tour group for your journey to Ephesus. Settle aboard your air-conditioned vehicle and absorb the views of rural Turkey as you travel south to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore an historical gem of the eastern Mediterranean on a day trip to Ephesus from Istanbul, with round-trip flights, and walk in the footsteps of Cleopatra, Mark Antony, the Virgin Mary, and John the Apostle.

The largest open-air museum in Turkey, Ephesus contains more than 30 buildings and structures linked together by streets that still bear the marks of chariot wheels. Your guide will show you the awe-inspiring Great Theater, where St. Paul preached against the pagans and gladiators once engaged in battle. Walk along Marble Street to the Library of Celsus and be dazzled by its restored façade. Visit the Temple of Hadrian, Roman baths, and other remarkable ruins.

Continue to the Church of the Virgin Mary. According to Christian tradition, Mary was brought to Ephesus by the Apostle John after the Resurrection of Christ. The church was erected on the foundation of the house where she spent her final days, as authenticated by Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II.

End your day at the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Today there are only a series of columns and scattered ruins of this marvelous Hellenistic construction, though the grandeur of the colossal structure once exceeded that of the Parthenon.

End of tour transfer to airport . Flight to Istanbul. After arriving transfer to Hotel in Istanbul. End of Service.

Meal: Lunch