Full Day Private Troy Tour from Istanbul
Where Myth Meets Reality
This journey takes you to the legendary city of Troy where myth, archaeology, and epic storytelling come together. Arriving at the legendary Troy, you will explore one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, immortalized by Homer’s Iliad. Walk among the ruins of a city that spans nine archaeological layers, each representing a different era of human settlement stretching back over 4,000 years.
Per Person
399€
Tour Highlights
- Fly from Istanbul to Ephesus and back in one day
- Walk the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre
- Visit the House of the Virgin Mary on Mount Koressos
- See the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders
- Explore the Terrace Houses, the best-preserved Roman homes in Anatolia
- Private licensed guide throughout, with domestic flights included
ITINERARY
What You'll Experience
Hotel pickup in Istanbul and transfer to the airport, then a 70-minute flight to İzmir. Your guide meets you at the arrivals gate; the drive to Ephesus takes about an hour.
Enter through the Magnesia Gate and walk the marble street to the Library of Celsus, built in 117 CE as both a library and a monument. The Great Theatre beside it seats 25,000 and is still acoustically intact.
The two hillside terraces where Ephesus's wealthiest families lived, excavated and roofed since 2000. Frescoed walls and floor mosaics are still in place — the best-preserved Roman domestic interiors in Anatolia.
Lunch at a local restaurant, then the single column of the Temple of Artemis — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, of which almost nothing else remains.
A chapel on Mount Koressos, accepted since the 19th century as the house where Mary lived her last years. Afterwards, transfer to İzmir for the return flight and hotel drop-off in Istanbul.
Hotel drop-off: 20:00
Tour Overview
Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, and the only way to see it properly in a day is to fly. The domestic flight turns a nine-hour road trip into a morning, which leaves three full hours on site instead of an hour and a half.
The tour suits travellers with a single free day in Istanbul who want one site outside the city, cruise passengers flying in, and anyone who prefers a small private group to a coach tour with forty people.
Good to Know
- This is a 14-hour day with two domestic flights — an early start is unavoidable
- Domestic flights are included; flight times are confirmed a few days before the tour
- The site is open-air with limited shade; bring sun protection and comfortable shoes
- The Terrace Houses require a separate ticket, which is included in this tour
- The ground at Ephesus is marble and can be slippery when wet
- Passport or ID is required for domestic flights — carry it with you
What's Included
- Licensed English-speaking guide for the full day
- Round-trip domestic flights between Istanbul and İzmir
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver in Selçuk
- Airport transfers in both cities and hotel pickup
- Ephesus, Terrace Houses and House of the Virgin Mary entrance tickets
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
What's Not Included
- Drinks with lunch
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Personal expenses
- Museum shop purchases
- Travel insurance
When To Travel
April to early June and September to October are ideal: 18–26°C, dry marble streets and comfortable walking across the whole site. July and August reach 35°C with almost no shade at Ephesus — the route then starts on the earlier flight and increases the indoor break at the Terrace Houses. Winter is quiet and cool at 8–15°C, with occasional rain that makes the marble slippery; the site is at its emptiest and most atmospheric then.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the flights included?
Yes. Round-trip domestic flights between Istanbul and İzmir are included in the price, along with all airport transfers. Flight times are confirmed a few days before your tour and usually depart Istanbul before 07:00.
How much time do we actually spend at Ephesus?
About three and a half hours on site, split between the main street, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and the Terrace Houses. That is roughly twice what coach tours allow.
Is the House of the Virgin Mary included?
Yes, along with the Temple of Artemis and the Terrace Houses. All entrance fees are included in the price, so there is nothing to pay on the day except lunch drinks.
Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes. Domestic flights in Turkey require photo ID or a passport at check-in. Carry it with you; leave the rest of your documents at the hotel.
Can we do this tour from a cruise ship?
Yes, and it is often booked by cruise passengers arriving at Kuşadası, which is an hour from Ephesus. Tell us your ship and arrival time at booking and the route is built around it — no flights needed.
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