Ephesus Tour W/Istanbul Combination for Cruise Passengers

A captivating opportunity awaits cruise passengers seeking to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Turkey. The Ephesus Tour with Istanbul Combination package promises an unforgettable journey, guiding visitors through the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the iconic landmarks of Istanbul. From the breathtaking Ephesus Ancient City to the serene House of Virgin Mary and the historic Temple of Artemis, this private tour offers a seamless experience tailored to the needs of cruise passengers. And with the added exploration of Istanbul’s legendary Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, this comprehensive package ensures a truly memorable adventure.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Selcuk.

Key Points

• This tour package offers a 6-hour private group experience for cruise passengers, featuring guided visits to Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, and Temple of Artemis.
• The tour includes a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome, along with immersive experiences at the Carpet Museum and a ceramic workshop.
• The Ephesus Ancient City tour showcases the grandeur of one of the Mediterranean’s significant archaeological sites, including the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Terrace Houses.
• The visit to the House of Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site, provides insight into the significance of the site for both Christian and Muslim faiths.
• The tour includes a combination of private and public transportation options, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for cruise passengers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This Ephesus Tour with Istanbul combination package is tailored specifically for cruise passengers, offering a comprehensive exploration of historical and cultural highlights.

Priced at €289.29 per group (up to 5 participants), it provides a 6-hour private group experience led by live English-speaking guides.

The tour includes pickup from the Kusadasi Cruise Pier or Galata Port Istanbul, and features guided visits to the Ephesus Ancient City, the House of Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis.

In Istanbul, travelers will discover the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour ensures a seamless and memorable experience for cruise passengers.

Itinerary Highlights

The Ephesus Tour with Istanbul Combination for Cruise Passengers presents an extraordinary opportunity to explore the ancient wonders of Ephesus and explore the captivating highlights of Istanbul.

Visitors will marvel at the grandeur of the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Terrace Houses during the 2-hour guided tour of the Ephesus Ancient City.

The itinerary also includes:

1. A visit to the sacred pilgrimage site of the House of Virgin Mary.
2. An exploration of the legendary Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
3. A comprehensive tour of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome of Constantinople.
4. An immersive experience at the Carpet Museum and a hands-on ceramic workshop.

Ephesus Ancient City

Visitors to the Ephesus Ancient City find themselves transported back in time, surrounded by the grandeur of one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean region. The guided tour takes guests through the Library of Celsus, a magnificent marble structure showcasing the city’s intellectual prowess, and the Great Theatre, where ancient performances once captivated audiences. The Terrace Houses, with their intricate mosaics and frescoes, offer a glimpse into the luxurious lives of Ephesus’ elite. This 2-hour exploration of the ancient city promises to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Site	Significance	Duration
Library of Celsus	Marble structure showcasing intellectual prowess	30 mins
Great Theatre	Site of ancient performances	45 mins
Terrace Houses	Glimpse into the lives of the ancient elite	45 mins

House of Virgin Mary

After exploring the grandeur of the Ephesus Ancient City, the tour moves on to the sacred pilgrimage site of the House of Virgin Mary.

This revered location is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. The 1-hour guided tour at the House of Virgin Mary includes:

1. Viewing the modest stone house where Mary is said to have spent her final days.
2. Observing the chapel and altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
3. Learning about the site’s significance to both Christian and Muslim faiths.
4. Experiencing the serene and spiritual atmosphere that attracts millions of pilgrims annually.

This stop on the Ephesus tour offers a profound cultural and religious experience for visitors.

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Temple of Artemis

Upon completing the captivating visit to the House of Virgin Mary, the tour proceeds to explore the remains of the Temple of Artemis. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this temple was a grand sanctuary dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. The guided tour provides insight into the temple’s history and significance, allowing visitors to imagine the scale and splendor of this architectural marvel.

Highlights
Location	Ephesus
Construction	6th century BC
Architectural Style	Ionic
Destruction	By the Goths in 3rd century AD
Remains	Only a single column still stands today

Istanbul Highlights

The tour continues to the captivating city of Istanbul, showcasing its most iconic landmarks.

Visitors will marvel at the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Next, they’ll encounter the Blue Mosque, notable for its blue tiles and elegant minarets.

The tour then leads to the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the historical center of public life. Finally, the group will descend into the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir.

The experience is rounded out by a visit to the Carpet Museum to learn about the history and craftsmanship of Turkish carpets, followed by a hands-on ceramic workshop.

Transportation Details

Transportation for the tour is provided via a combination of private and public options. In Kusadasi, you will be transported via a VIP car.

Once in Istanbul, the group will utilize the city’s efficient public transportation system, taking the tram to reach the historic sites.

The pickup and drop-off locations are designated at Feribot Limanı, Galata Port Istanbul, and the Kusadasi Cruise Pier.

This multi-modal approach ensures a seamless and convenient experience for cruise passengers, allowing them to explore the highlights of both Ephesus and Istanbul with ease.

Important Information

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes and clothing for the Ephesus and Istanbul tour.

Women are advised to bring shawls to cover their heads when visiting the mosques, while men should wear shorts below the knee.

It’s important to note that this tour isn’t suitable for individuals with low fitness levels, as it involves a significant amount of walking and exploring ancient sites.

The entrance fees to the various attractions aren’t included in the tour price, so participants should budget accordingly.

Plus, the dress code for mosque visits must be followed to ensure a respectful experience.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing
• Women should bring shawls for mosque visits
• Men should wear shorts below the knee for mosque visits
• Tour may not be suitable for those with low fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit Our Interests?

While the tour itinerary is preset, the tour provider offers flexibility. Clients can discuss their interests with the guide, who’ll customize the experience within the allotted time to ensure an engaging and personalized tour.

Is Food and Drink Included During the Tour?

The tour does not include any meals or drinks. Participants are responsible for their own food and beverage expenses during the day. Snacks and refreshments can be purchased at various stops along the itinerary if desired.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

The tour does not mention any discounts for seniors or children. The pricing is listed as €289.29 per group of up to 5 participants, with no specific pricing tiers for different age groups.

What Languages Do the Tour Guides Speak?

The tour guides for this experience speak fluent English. They are knowledgeable local experts who’ll provide in-depth commentary throughout the tour to enhance the visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the historical sites.

Can We Request Stops Along the Way for Photos?

The tour allows stops along the way for photos, as the guides are flexible and accommodate guests’ requests. However, the duration and itinerary are set, so additional stops must be coordinated with the guide to ensure the tour stays on schedule.

Recap

The Ephesus Tour with Istanbul combination package is an exceptional opportunity for cruise passengers to explore Turkey’s rich cultural heritage. With live English-speaking guides, private transportation, and access to iconic landmarks, this six-hour tour offers an immersive experience at a reasonable price. Whether it’s the grandeur of the Ephesus Ancient City, the spiritual significance of the House of Virgin Mary, or the architectural wonders of Istanbul, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Turkey’s past and present.

You can check if your dates are available here: