Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour From Istanbul By Plane
The best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. The Library of Celsus, the 25,000-seat theatre, marble streets with the ruts of cart wheels still in them — this is what people picture when they imagine a Roman city.
- At the gate
- £284.75
- Allow
- 1h 30m
- District
- Closed
- Open daily
Ephesus, in short
The best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. The Library of Celsus, the 25,000-seat theatre, marble streets with the ruts of cart wheels still in them u2014 this is what people picture when they imagine a Roman city.
It was one of the great cities of the ancient world, the site of the Temple of Artemis, and a centre of early Christianity.
What it costs
From u20ac335 separately, including flights. Included on the pass.
The day
Pick-up from your hotel around 03:00 to 04:00 depending on the flight, then fly to u0130zmir and drive to the site. The return lands back in Istanbul around midnight. It is a genuinely long day, and the flight is what makes it possible at all.
How long on site
Two to three hours covers the main street and the principal buildings. Anyone seriously interested in the Roman period could spend the full day.
What to bring
A hat, sun cream and water. The site is largely unshaded marble and it reflects heat back at you u2014 in July and August it is punishing by midday.
Pick-up and drop-off
Transfers run from centrally located hotels. Exact pick-up time is confirmed the day before, since it depends on the flight.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes u2014 it is the most complete classical city in the region and the single most impressive ancient site in Turkey outside Cappadocia.
- Two to three hours for the highlights; a full day if you are serious about the Roman period.
- It is near u0130zmir, roughly 550 km from Istanbul. Flying makes it a day trip; driving would not.
- Around midnight. Pick-up is between 03:00 and 04:00, so plan a slow following morning.