Ephesus Day Trip from Istanbul: Temple of Artemis & Ancient Ruins

Walk downhill through a Roman provincial capital, from the Magnesia Gate to temples that stood for two thousand years.

A full-day guided tour from Istanbul to Ephesus by plane, visiting the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and the House of the Virgin Mary. The package includes round-trip flights from Istanbul, hotel pickup at 5am, an English-speaking guide, lunch, all entry fees and air-conditioned coach transport. You return to Istanbul around 10pm the same day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Ephesus sightseeing tour

• Pick up from hotel in Istanbul
• Fly to Selçuk
• Enter Ephesus at Magnesia Gate
• Walk through Ephesus ruins
• Visit Library of Celsus
• See Temple of Hadrian
• Visit House of the Virgin Mary
• Explore Temple of Artemis
• Enjoy traditional Turkish lunch
• Return flight to Istanbul
• Drop off at hotel

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your Istanbul hotel at 5am, followed by a flight to Izmir and a coach drive to Ephesus. You enter the ancient site at the Magnesia Gate and walk downhill through the ruins of a Roman provincial capital, guided past the Odem and the Library of Celsus—a two-story marble facade that once held twelve thousand scrolls. The Temple of Hadrian sits along the route, its ornate carved entrance still intact after nearly two thousand years.

The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, marks another stop. Though only fragments remain, the site holds the scale and significance of what once stood there. The tour also includes the House of the Virgin Mary, a small structure in the Solmissos Mountains recognized by the Vatican as her final resting place—a quieter moment away from the main ruins.

Lunch is a traditional Turkish meal, included in the price. The return flight departs in the late afternoon, getting you back to Istanbul around 10pm. The entire day—flights, transport, guide, entry to all sites and food—is arranged before you book, so nothing needs organizing once you arrive.

What’s included

• Round-trip flights from Istanbul to Izmir.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Istanbul.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• admission to all sites including the Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian and House of the Virgin Mary.
• traditional Turkish lunch.
• air-conditioned coach transport throughout the day.
• travel insurance.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Before Travel Agency

Is this one for you?Book this if you have one day from Istanbul and want a guided tour covering multiple Ephesus sites—the early hotel pickup and full-day itinerary mean you won't need to arrange separate transport or navigate between locations yourself.

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Top questions

What is the Temple of Artemis and why is it significant?

The Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and one of the largest buildings of the ancient Greek world. Though only ruins remain today, the site marks where one of antiquity's most important religious structures once stood in Ephesus.

How much walking is involved in the Ephesus ruins?

The tour enters at the Magnesia Gate and walks downhill through the ancient site, passing multiple temples and structures. The walk is steady but follows a downward slope, and the guide sets the pace through the Roman provincial capital.

What time do I need to be ready for pickup?

Hotel pickup is at 5am from either the Old City or Taksim Area in Istanbul. The full day ends with drop-off around 10pm, making this a 17-hour commitment from start to finish.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes, a traditional Turkish lunch is included in the tour price. Drinks are not included and are your own expense.

Do I need to arrange my own flights to Ephesus?

No—round-trip flights from Istanbul to Izmir are included in the package price, along with all ground transport by air-conditioned coach.

What language is the guide, and will I understand the history?

The guide speaks English and is a local professional familiar with Ephesus. All explanations of the ruins, temples and sites are delivered in English throughout the day.