Ephesus Tour from Istanbul by Plane

Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Istanbul by Plane

• Virgin Mary's House
• Ephesus Ancient City
• Ephesus Experience Museum
• The Temple of Artemis

The Ephesus Tour from Kuşadası or Selçuk is the easiest and most convenient way to explore this historically rich and culturally significant area. Joining a guided tour ensures you don't miss any of the essential landmarks and stories that make Ephesus extraordinary.

Ephesus is the most visited ancient site in Turkey. Originally built after 1040 BC by refugees from the Aegean Islands, it grew into one of the most important port cities of the ancient world. Over time, it evolved from a Greek city to a significant Roman metropolis. Ephesus was one of the twelve cities in the Ionian League during the Classical Greek Era. By the 1st century BC, it had a population of around 250,000. As a vibrant commercial hub and a significant religious center, Ephesus was home to the nearby Temple of Artemis and the Church of the Virgin Mary, the first temple dedicated to the Mother of Jesus. The city holds particular importance for Christians, as it is associated with the Virgin Mary, Saint Paul, and Saint John the Evangelist.

The Temple of Artemis, finished in 550 BC, was situated on the outskirts of Ephesus and used to be known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built on a sacred site that dates back to much earlier times, the temple originated in the 8th century BC. Despite being destroyed and rebuilt three times, it was ultimately abandoned after Christianity became the dominant religion in the region.

Tucked away on the lovely slopes of Bülbül Mountain in Selçuk, the Virgin Mary's House is a special spot for Muslims and Catholics. It was founded thanks to the dreams of a dedicated Catholic nun in Germany, who pictured where Mary was thought to have spent her last days. Today, this remarkable location draws visitors and pilgrims worldwide to unite and celebrate their faith in a stunning setting.

This tour presents a unique chance to explore Ephesus's rich history, spiritual importance, and nearby landmarks.

Ephesus Small Group Tour from Istanbul by Plane

• We will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul according to your flight schedule and drive you to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon your arrival, we will meet you at Izmir Airport and drive you to Selçuk to join the tour group.
• First, we will visit the Virgin Mary's House. The site, discovered by Lazarist priests after a German nun's vision of the Virgin Mary's final home, is now sacred to both Muslims and Catholics. The Lazarist Fathers maintain it and hold daily Mass there. We will explore the house, the chapel, and the gardens with the wishing wall.
• Next, we will drive to Ephesus to explore this remarkable ancient city. Once one of the most significant harbor cities in the ancient world, Ephesus is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation as one of the seven churches. During our visit, we will highlight the iconic Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, and the Grand Theater, showcasing the city's historical and architectural brilliance.
• We will visit Artemis Temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, which is standing today next to Ephesus Antique City.
• At the end of the tour, we will drive you back to Izmir Airport according to your flight schedule. We will meet you at Istanbul Airport and drive you back to your hotel.