Istanbul & Ephesus Highlights Tour

Small Group | Flights Included | History & Culture

Tour Style: Small Group Tour
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Departures: All Year Round
Highlights: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Temple of Artemis, House of the Virgin Mary, Great Theatre of Ephesus

Discover Turkey’s most iconic historical treasures on this perfectly balanced Istanbul & Ephesus tour. Explore imperial palaces, legendary mosques, and ancient wonders while enjoying seamless domestic flights, expert-guided tours, and comfortable accommodation.

DAY 1 | Arrival in Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet our representative and enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure—relax after your journey or explore the vibrant streets of Istanbul at your own pace.

Overnight: Istanbul

DAY 2 | Istanbul City Tour – Evening Flight to Izmir – Kuşadası

After breakfast, please check out and leave your luggage in the hotel’s secure luggage room. Departure from your hotel at 08:30 AM for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s historic heart.

Highlights of the Day:

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, this architectural masterpiece reflects centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman history, featuring magnificent mosaics and soaring domes.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
An iconic symbol of Istanbul, famous for its elegant blue Iznik tiles and unique six minarets.

Hippodrome of Constantinople
Once the social and sporting center of Byzantine life. See the Serpent Column, Egyptian Obelisk, and Fountain of Wilhelm II.

Caferağa Medresesi
A former Ottoman school designed by Architect Sinan, now showcasing traditional Turkish arts and crafts.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum
Housed in the former palace of Ibrahim Pasha, featuring exquisite carpets, calligraphy, tiles, and ethnographic exhibits.

Topkapi Palace
The former residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Visit:

• Imperial Treasury (including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond)

• Armory with Ottoman weapons

• Baghdad Kiosk and porcelain collections
  (Harem section optional, extra fee)

Grand Bazaar
Conclude the tour at one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops.

Return to your hotel around 17:30.
In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir.

Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to Kuşadası.

Overnight: Kuşadası

Important Notes:
• Grand Bazaar closed on Sundays
• Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum & Hagia Sophia closed on Mondays
• Topkapi Palace closed on Tuesdays

DAY 3 | Ephesus – House of the Virgin Mary – Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast, depart at 09:15 AM for a guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights of the Day:

Ephesus Ancient City
Walk along marble streets once filled with merchants, philosophers, and emperors. Discover:

• Great Theatre of Ephesus (25,000-seat amphitheater)

• Library of Celsus

• Temple of Hadrian

• Roman baths, agora, and ancient shops

House of the Virgin Mary
A sacred pilgrimage site believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years.

Temple of Artemis
Visit the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once the largest temple of antiquity.

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul (or optional overnight bus).

Upon arrival, optional transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 4 | Departure from Istanbul

After breakfast, optional transfer to the airport for your onward or international departure, marking the end of our services.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

✔️ Airport transfers (optional)
✔️ All domestic flights
✔️ Licensed professional English-speaking guide
✔️ Entrance fees to museums and sites listed
✔️ Accommodation as per itinerary
✔️ Meals as specified (B/L/D)
✔️ Air-conditioned, non-smoking transportation

Not Included

❌ Drinks
❌ Tips to guide and driver
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Optional tours