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per person
499.00
Adult (Age 0+)

Biblical Wonders and Sacred Sites of Ephesus from Istanbul

4.5 / 5 total 1818 reviews
Duration: 12 to 15 hours
Product code: 8120
Overview

Embark on an extraordinary journey to the ancient city of Ephesus, an iconic Biblical site rich in history and spirituality. Starting from Istanbul, this private tour ensures a seamless, luxurious experience with door-to-door transportation, including round-trip domestic flights, a professional guide, and a delicious Turkish lunch.

Explore the highlights of Ephesus, such as the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis. Dive deep into the cultural and religious history of this awe-inspiring region with personalized insights from your expert guide.

Highlights
  • Private, fully guided experience of Biblical Ephesus.
  • Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site.
  • Admire the Basilica of St. John and the remnants of the Temple of Artemis.
  • Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, with special vegetarian options available to accommodate dietary preferences.
  • Hassle-free transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in Istanbul.
Good to Know
  • Scheduling Scheduling: This is a Private Tour That is Run Exclusively for the Person or Group Who Booked the Tour.
  • Languages offered on the Activity / TourLanguages offered on the Activity / Tour: English
  • Duration Duration: 12 to 15 hours
  • Skip the Line Skip the Line
  • Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Pick-up service Pick-up service
    Pickup from your designated meeting point in Istanbul.
  • Easy Cancellation Easy Cancellation
    This tour is non-refundable. All bookings are final, and no changes or cancellations can be accommodated.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Cut-off TimeCut-off Time
    Available to be booked until 2 days before the tour starts. We reserve the option to confirm the tour or not due to availability.
Inclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Istanbul.
  • Round-trip domestic flights between Istanbul and Izmir.
  • Private air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour.
  • Professional, licensed English-speaking guide.
  • Entrance fees to all attractions.
  • Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch featuring grilled dishes, fresh salads, and mezes, with vegetarian options available to suit all dietary preferences.
  • Bottled water during the tour.
Exclusions
  • Personal expenses.
  • Gratuities for the guide and driver (optional).
What To Expect

Your day begins with a convenient pickup from your Istanbul hotel. A comfortable private transfer will take you to the airport for your short domestic flight to Izmir.

Relax during your flight to Izmir, the nearest airport to Ephesus. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will be waiting to greet you and whisk you away to Ephesus.

  • Flight :

Your first stop is the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world. Walk the marble-paved streets as your guide brings the ruins to life with tales of the city's vibrant past. Highlights include:

  • The Library of Celsus, a magnificent structure and one of Ephesus's most iconic landmarks.
  • The Great Theater, which once hosted audiences of up to 25,000 people.
  • The Temple of Hadrian, showcasing intricate carvings and fascinating architecture.
  • The Odeon and other public buildings that reflect Ephesus's significance in Roman times.

Travel to a serene hilltop site believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final days. Recognized as a sacred pilgrimage destination, the House of the Virgin Mary is a tranquil and deeply spiritual place.

Next, visit the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, where the Apostle John is said to have been buried. Your guide will share insights into its historical and religious importance.

Conclude your exploration of Ephesus with a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few columns remain, the site's grandeur and historical significance are unmistakable.

Pause for a delightful Turkish meal at a local restaurant, where you can savor authentic flavors, including special vegetarian options, and recharge before the journey back.

  • Lunch

After your tour, your guide and driver will take you back to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Once you land, a private transfer will return you to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable end to your day.

  • Flight :
Pickup and Drop-off
Pickup from your designated meeting point in Istanbul.
Know Before You Go
  • This is a private tour; only your group will participate.
  • Please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the terrain at Ephesus includes uneven surfaces.
  • The itinerary may be adjusted based on flight schedules and weather conditions.
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Reviewed by Sarah Matthews US   March 15, 2025
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My husband and I booked this Biblical Wonders tour, and it was hands down the most meaningful day of our trip to Turkey! As Christians, we were eager to walk in the footsteps of St. Paul and St. John, and this tour delivered that and more. It started with a private pickup at our hotel in Istanbul at 5:00 AM in a sleek, comfy van with leather seats, plenty of space, and even bottled water to keep us refreshed. The flight to Izmir was quick and smooth, and we were met by our guide, Mehmet, who was a total pro with a deep knowledge of biblical history. Ephesus felt like stepping into the New Testament. The Grand Theatre, where Paul preached, gave me chills, and the Library of Celsus was stunning. The Terrace Houses were a highlight with those ancient mosaics showing how people lived back then. The House of the Virgin Mary was so peaceful. I lit a candle and just soaked it in. St. John’s Basilica was majestic, and even the ruins of the Temple of Artemis had a sacred vibe. Lunch was a tasty Turkish spread with grilled chicken, fresh bread, and olives in a quiet spot. The private transfers made it stress-free, and we were back in Istanbul by 7:00 PM.   This spiritual adventure was worth every penny!
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Reviewed by Geogrie FI   February 20, 2025
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A very good company who know how to look after you.
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Reviewed by Steven Mendoza US   February 17, 2025
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We had an excellent tour. The tour was very informative and interesting and we definitely recommend it. GREAT COMPANY, EXTREMELY WELL ORGANISED & INFORMATIVE.
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Reviewed by Nick Harrison SE   February 03, 2025
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A very enjoyable Ephesus tour, a really knowledgeable guide and , wonderful place! a must do tour for anyone.

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Reviewed by Yuki Tanaka JP   January 13, 2025
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The organization was flawless—pickup, flights, even the guide’s timing. Ephesus’s marble roads and the Virgin Mary’s serene house left me speechless. Lunch had delicate flavors, perfect for my dietary needs. A truly respectful and enriching way to explore Turkey’s sacred past.
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Reviewed by Liam Tremblay CA   January 13, 2025
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Ephesus is breathtaking, but the real star was our guide’s passion for the ruins. The Temple of Artemis, though mostly in ruins, felt grand through his descriptions. The lunch spread was generous, and the vegetarian options were top-notch. Flights and transfers? Smooth as silk.
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Reviewed by Hannah O'Connor AU   January 11, 2025
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As a solo traveler, I appreciated how personalized this felt. The guide tailored the tour to my interests, especially around the Virgin Mary’s House. Lunch under the olive trees was a highlight—so authentic! And having flights sorted from start to finish? Pure bliss.
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Reviewed by Ana Costa BR   January 11, 2025
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Nossa, que passeio incrível! Cada parada, desde a Basílica até o almoço típico, foi impecável. O guia conhecia cada pedra de Éfeso e tornou a história viva. E ainda com voos domésticos incluídos? Só alegria. Recomendo demais!
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Reviewed by Lena Müller DE   January 08, 2025
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This tour was worth every penny. The air-conditioned van was a godsend after walking Ephesus’s uneven paths. Our guide explained the Biblical connections in a way that even my teenagers found fascinating. And the lunch? Fresh, flavorful, with plenty of veggie options—no complaints here!
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Reviewed by Emily Carter US   January 08, 2025
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The seamless logistics blew me away—flights, transfers, everything ran like clockwork. Our guide, Ahmet, made Ephesus come alive with stories about St. John’s Basilica and the Temple of Artemis. The Turkish lunch was a feast, especially the vegetarian mezes. Definitely a five-star experience for history buffs and spiritual seekers alike.
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