Ephesus Day Trip from Istanbul by Plane: Ancient City & Highlights

Summary

Guided Ephesus Tour with Flights: Explore Selçuk’s Ancient Wonders

If you want to see ancient history up close without any hassle, this Ephesus day trip from Istanbul covers it all—flights, guides, entrance fees—and lets you walk through ruins, taste local food, and soak up real Turkish village life.

What’s the experience like?

Landing in Izmir just after sunrise, I could already smell the faint sea breeze mixed with something earthy—maybe olives or wild herbs. Our guide, Mehmet, met us at the airport with a quick smile and a sign that had my name scribbled in blue marker. The drive to Ephesus took less than an hour, but I barely noticed; the landscape kept changing from flat fields to gentle hills dotted with fig trees.

Walking through Ephesus felt like stepping into another world. The marble streets were still slick from last night’s rain, and you could hear the crunch of gravel underfoot as we passed the Library of Celsus. Mehmet pointed out faded carvings on the pillars—apparently graffiti left by ancient traders. The Great Theatre was bigger than I expected; even empty, it echoed when someone dropped a coin. He told us about gladiator fights here, and I tried to imagine the noise of a full crowd.

The House of Virgin Mary sits quietly up on Mount Koressos. It’s small and stone-built, surrounded by pine trees that smelled sharp in the morning air. People left handwritten notes wedged into a wall outside—some in Turkish, some in languages I couldn’t read. Inside, it was cool and dim; candles flickered along one side while visitors moved quietly through.

We stopped at what’s left of the Temple of Artemis next—a single column standing alone in a field where storks had built their nest on top (Mehmet said they come back every spring). There isn’t much left now, but thinking about how massive it once was made me pause for a minute.

Lunch was at a small place near Isa Bey Mosque—nothing fancy, just grilled chicken and fresh bread with tomatoes that tasted like sunshine. The mosque itself is partly ruined but still used for prayers; you can see both Byzantine and Islamic touches if you look closely at the arches and tiles.

Şirince village was our last stop—a hillside place with narrow lanes and white houses covered in vines. We tried peach wine at a local shop (sweet but not too strong) and wandered past stalls selling handmade soaps and dried figs. The pace here is slow; even the cats seemed unhurried as they lounged on warm stones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ephesus and Surroundings

• Visit Ephesus Ancient City
• Tour House of Virgin Mary
• See Temple of Artemis
• Visit İsa Bey Mosque
• Explore Şirince Village

Top questions

How long is the flight from Istanbul to Izmir?

The flight usually takes about an hour each way. Transfers between airports and sites are included so you won’t have to worry about logistics.

Is lunch included? What kind of food can I expect?

Yes, lunch is included! Expect simple Turkish dishes—grilled meats or veggies, fresh bread, salads—served at a local restaurant near Ephesus.

Will there be time for shopping or exploring on my own?

You’ll have some free time in Şirince village to browse shops or relax at a café before heading back to the airport.

Are there any religious dress codes for visiting these sites?

No strict dress codes for most sites, but modest clothing is appreciated at religious places like Isa Bey Mosque or House of Virgin Mary.

What’s included

Your round-trip flights between Istanbul and Izmir are sorted (all taxes covered), plus private transfers in Istanbul and regular transfers around Ephesus. You’ll join a small group tour led by an expert guide—with all entrance fees taken care of—and enjoy lunch at a local spot. Infant seats are available if needed.