Istanbul & Ephesus

Explore the ancient wonders of Istanbul and Ephesus, from the city's iconic landmarks to the ruins of Ephesus, with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary.

On this five-day itinerary, you’ll have time to explore Istanbul at your own pace, perhaps visiting landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. Then, you’ll travel to Izmir, enjoy strolls along the waterfront promenade, and visit the local bazaars. In Ephesus, you’ll have an expert guide to take you to the House of the Virgin Mary and ancient ruins and witness the creation of Turkish handicrafts.

Twin Destinations
Istanbul; Ephesus

Itinerary overview

Days 1 to 3

Istanbul

Spending a few days in Istanbul offers history, culture, architecture and incredible food. The ci...

Day 4

Izmir

Today, you’ll fly from Istanbul to Izmir airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day ...

Day 5

Ephesus

The day begins with a journey to the House of the Virgin Mary. Along the way, you'll marvel at th...

Days 1 to 3

Istanbul

Spending a few days in Istanbul offers history, culture, architecture and incredible food. The city's position straddling two continents provides a fascinating backdrop to your discoveries, from the iconic Blue Mosque and majestic Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar and the serene Bosporus Strait. Strolling through the historic streets of Sultanahmet and witnessing the whirling dervishes are just a couple of the many unforgettable experiences that Istanbul offers.

Day 4

Izmir

Today, you’ll fly from Istanbul to Izmir airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours. The city's waterfront promenade, Konak Square, and the iconic clock tower are perfect for strolls and people-watching. Izmir is also known for its bustling bazaars, where you can haggle for local goods or visit landmarks such as the Kadifekale fortress and the ancient Agora open-air museum.

Day 5

Ephesus

The day begins with a journey to the House of the Virgin Mary. Along the way, you'll marvel at the views of the Byzantine fortress in Selcuk and the Temple of Artemis. As you wind through the picturesque roads, you'll be captivated by the valley below before arriving at the Shrine of St. Mary. The Vatican officially recognises this modest abode in the Solmissos Mountains as the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. Your journey continues to ancient Ephesus, where you’ll pass through the Magnesia Gate and leisurely explore the ruins of the Roman provincial capital. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll see the well-preserved Temple of Hadrian, the majestic Trajan Fountain, the Odeon Theatre used for political and entertainment purposes, and the remarkable Celsus Library with towering Corinthian-style columns. The Great Theatre, still in use today and capable of seating twenty-five thousand, was once a venue for gladiator games. To conclude the tour, you'll have the opportunity to witness a live demonstration of the traditional handcrafting process for Turkish handicrafts.

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