Private Tour - Enjoy the Freedom of a Private Tour

Istanbul to Ephesus: A Day of History and Flavor

★★★★★4.7(805 reviews)Product code: 8119
  • Expert-guided exploration of the ancient city of Ephesus
  • Visit this sacred site, believed to be the Virgin Mary's final home. Nestled in peaceful hills, it offers a serene and deeply spiritual experience for pilgrims and visitors alike.
  • Visit to the historic Temple of Artemis
  • Round-trip flights and hotel transfers included for a seamless experience
  • Insights into Turkish culture through local food and handicrafts
  • Immersive culinary experience with a traditional Turkish lunch and cooking class
  • Visit the charming village of Şirince, known for its traditional Turkish village life. Famous for its wine houses, olive oils, handicrafts, and organic fruits and vegetables, this village offers a unique blend of Turkish and Greek culture. During the visit, explore an Orthodox church and a mosque, showcasing the town's rich cultural heritage.
  • Scheduling: Private tour: only your group takes part.
  • Languages offered on the Activity / Tour: English, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Skip the Line Skip the Line
  • Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • A day filled with culinary delights, cultural insights, historical landmarks, and personal stories—all from a local insiderA day filled with culinary delights, cultural insights, historical landmarks, and personal stories—all from a local insider
  • Pick-up service Pick-up service
    Pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Istanbul
  • Easy Cancellation Easy Cancellation
    You can cancel up to 7 days in advance of the experience for a full refund. Flights are non-refundable.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Cut-off Time
    Available to be booked until 2 days before the tour starts.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Istanbul
  • Hands-on cooking class
  • Professional LICENSED LOCAL TOUR GUIDE
  • All transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Round-trip flights between Istanbul and Izmir
  • Ephesus skip the line tickets
  • Sample a wide range of dishes, enjoy Turkish coffee and lunch, and much more..,
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  1. Stop 1: Hotel Pickup and Transfer to Istanbul Airport

  2. Stop 2: Flight from Istanbul to Izmir

  3. Stop 3: Arrival in Izmir and Transfer to Ephesus

  4. Stop 4: Guided Tour of Ephesus

  5. Stop 5: Visit to the House of the Virgin Mary

  6. Stop 6: Traditional Turkish Lunch and Culinary Experience

  7. Stop 7: Explore the Village of Şirince

  8. Stop 8: Visit to the Temple of Artemis

  9. Stop 9: Transfer Back to Izmir Airport

  10. Stop 10: Flight from Izmir to Istanbul

  11. Stop 11: Arrival in Istanbul and Hotel Drop-Off

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  • We recommend you wear comfortable and suitable footwear.

4.7

★★★★★

805 reviews

  • 5 stars354
  • 4 stars146
  • 3 stars0
  • 2 stars0
  • 1 star0
  • Isabela Santos · BR2025-03-08
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    This tour is a must! Ephesus left me speechless, especially the Library. Şirince’s vibrant market and fruity wines stole my heart. The lunch spread? So much flavor—I’m still dreaming of the lentil soup. Flights included meant more time to explore. Obrigada for an unforgettable day!

  • Sophie Tremblay · CA2025-03-08
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    From Ephesus’ marble streets to Şirince’s cobblestone alleys, this tour was a feast for the senses. The cooking class had us laughing while rolling grape leaves, and the mosque and church side by side? Fascinating cultural contrast. Flights included made it hassle-free—just pack comfy shoes like they said!

  • Giulia Russo · IT2025-03-05
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Ephesus is a marvel—don’t miss the ancient toilets! The Turkish lunch was a highlight: smoky eggplant dip, grilled kebabs. Şirince’s mix of cultures reminded me of Sicily. Flights were quick, and the guide’s passion for history made everything come alive. Bravi!

  • James Whitaker · GB2025-03-03
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    What a brilliant way to dive into Turkey’s past and palate. The Temple of Artemis left me awestruck, and the lunch spread in Şirince was hearty, especially the lamb stew. Our guide’s tales about the Virgin Mary’s house added such depth. Don’t skip the wine tasting—those local blends are something else.

  • Emily Carter · US2025-03-03
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Absolutely loved how this tour balanced history with food! Our guide in Ephesus was a walking encyclopedia—every stone had a story. The cooking class in Şirince felt authentic, and the village’s olive oils? To die for. Flights from Istanbul were smooth, and the Turkish coffee after lunch was the perfect finish.

  • Liam O'Connor · AU2025-03-03
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Mate, the skip-the-line tickets at Ephesus saved us hours. The spiritual vibe at Virgin Mary’s home was unexpectedly moving. Lunch under the vines in Şirince, with fresh pide bread and local wine? Gold. Transfers were punctual—even got a nap in on the flight back to Istanbul.

  • Claire Dupont · FR2025-03-02
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    A culinary and historical gem! The cooking class taught me secrets to perfect baklava. Walking through ancient Ephesus felt like stepping into a gladiator film. The village’s organic figs were divine. Merci for including flights—it made the day trip from Istanbul effortless.

  • Haruto Tanaka · JP2025-03-02
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    A seamless day packed with wonder. Ephesus’ history is profound, and the Temple of Artemis’ scale is humbling. The cooking class in Şirince was fun—I’ll recreate stuffed peppers at home. Transfers were punctual, and the guide’s English was excellent. Highly recommend.

  • Anika Weber · DE2025-03-01
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Ephesus exceeded every expectation—the Library of Celsus is even grander in person. Şirince’s handicraft market was a treasure trove; I bought handmade ceramics. The guide’s knowledge of Turkish-Greek history impressed me. And the air-conditioned van? Lifesaver in the midday heat.

  • Carlos Mendez · ES2025-02-28
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    The blend of flavors and ruins was inspired. Ephesus’ amphitheater gave me chills—imagining crowds cheering centuries ago. Şirince’s wine houses are cozy, and the olive oil tasting? Sublime. Hotel pickup was early, but worth it for a full day. ¡Fantástico!

  • FELIX · ZA2025-02-14
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    This tour far exceeded our expectations. We had an excellent guide and we would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in this city. our guide slowed the pace right down for us.She was very kind and really understood our needs. We were very HAPPY with this tour and it was a great introduction to this city.

  • Patrick · US2025-02-12
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Tour guide was a great pleasure. Fantastic job getting personal with everyone. Will definitely want to spend more tours with her! 10/10!!

  • Roxygal · GB2025-02-10
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Tour guide was a great pleasure. Fantastic job getting personal with everyone. Will definitely want to spend more tours with her! 10/10!!

  • Peter · US2025-02-09
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    We did not find anything wrong with this tour and would highly recommend it.

  • Theo · NZ2025-01-28
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    EXCELLENT GUIDE, GREAT SERVICE. OUR GUIDE WAS FRIENDLY AND COURTEOUS AND VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE SO TRY IT!!!

  • T.Eduardo · GB2024-02-23
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    we were lucky because our guide kept the pace at a level we could cope with. We had a great day and cannot thank her enough.I highly recommend this tour.

  • C Brooks · GB2024-02-23
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    GREAT TOUR AND OUR GUIDE WAS VERY GOOD. OUR FAVOURITE TOUR SO FAR. GREETINGS.

  • Marina · CH2024-02-22
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    A terrific guide and a well-planned schedule for the day, no waiting at all and we saw everything that we wanted to see.

  • Blake · GB2024-02-22
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    Thoroughly recommend the tour! Our tour guide was fantastic and the girls loved him. She was very entertaining. If you want to have good time, DO IT.

  • Marleen_Belg · BE2024-02-21
    ★★★★★ Traveler review

    What a great time we had today. Everything was perfect. He was an amazing guide for our tour! He was so full of energy. Thanks.

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