Is Ephesus a day trip from Istanbul?

Yes, Ephesus can be visited as a day trip from Istanbul, but it requires a very long day, usually involving early morning flights (around 04:00-07:00) to Izmir. Specialized guided tours are available, which typically include flights, transfers, lunch, and a 2-3 hour guided tour of the ruins.

Can you do a day trip to Ephesus from Istanbul?

Perfect day trip from Istanbul to Ephesus. The transportation and transfer instructions were easy to follow. Our guide (Ozz) and our drivers were excellent. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and helped with anything we needed.

What's a good day trip from Istanbul?

There are many day trips you can take from Istanbul, including the popular Princes' Islands, Belgrad Forest, Bursa, Çanakkale, and Troy. You can also book trips that take you further afield for perhaps a night or two, including Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale.

Is one day in Ephesus enough?

A visit to Ephesus can take from 1 to 4 hours. Ephesus is a large ancient city. The city covers an area of 550 acres (224 hectares). It is the most excavated archaeological site of Turkey.

How much is the entrance fee to Ephesus?

Approximate cost of entrance fees: Ephesus + Ephesus Experience Museum: 40 Euro per person. House of Mary: 10 Euro p.p. (500 TL) Temple of Artemis: Free of Charge.

Ephesus Travel Tips in 5 Mins | Do Not Miss!

Can I go to Ephesus without a tour?

Yes, you can tour Ephesus on your own. Touring Ephesus independently is entirely feasible. However, it is crucial to recognize that the essence of a rewarding trip goes beyond sightseeing.

Is Hagia Sophia entry free?

No, the Hagia Sophia is not free for most tourists; a €25 entry fee for foreign visitors was introduced in January 2024, restricting them to the upper gallery, while free entry is generally reserved for Turkish Muslim worshippers for prayer. 

Can you wear shorts in Ephesus?

You can bring your cameras, but tripods are not allowed in Ephesus. In Turkey, shorts, t-shirts you can wear. There is no obligation to cover your head or shoulders in Ephesus. For the House of the Virgin Mary or mosques, a visit to these places will be enough to be respected.

What apostle is buried in Ephesus?

The Basilica of St. John (Greek: Βασιλική του Αγίου Ιωάννη του Θεολόγου) was a basilica in Ephesus, Turkey. It was constructed by Justinian I in the 6th century at a site where John the Apostle was said to have been buried.

How much is a taxi from Kusadasi to Ephesus?

How much is a taxi from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Ephesus? The cost of transportation from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Ephesus Ancient City by taxi varies depending on the season, but it is about 60 euros in winter and 120 euros in summer.

What shouldn't you miss in Istanbul?

A first time visit to Istanbul would not be complete with seeing the wonders that are the Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. It should be at the top of the to do list. These are some of the classic sights to visit in Istanbul that you'll find it in every guidebook and travel blog.

What city to combine with Istanbul?

Cappadocia and Istanbul probably couldn't be more different – yet these two standout attractions are often visited together. “These are the two places in Turkey that people always want to go to, whether they have five days or three weeks,” says Elina Limanska from our partner Baboo Travel.

What are the most popular day trips from Istanbul?

THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM ISTANBUL

• One day itinerary of Istanbul. ...
• Day trip to Ephesus, Pamukkale and Hierapolis. ...
• Day trip to Aphrodisias and Laodikeia (Laodicea) ...
• Day trip to Cappadocia. ...
• Day trip to the Mediterranean coastal town of Antalya. ...
• Day trip to Göbeklitepe and Harran. ...
• Day trip to the ancient city of Troy.

Is there a hop-on hop-off bus in Ephesus?

EASIEST WAY TO. DISCOVER EPHESUS

✓ Hop On. Hop Off. Welcome to Ephesus Bus Tours — your trusted local partner for exploring the ancient wonders of Ephesus and beyond.

Is Ephesus walkable?

Second stop is Ancient city of Ephesus is one of the largest open air museums in the World and it involves almost 1 mile walking. This itinerary is fully customized for people who want to see Ephesus with less walking and it takes apprx. 30 mins of walking in the ancient city.

Is the Virgin Mary buried in Ephesus?

Modern writers hold, however, that Mary died and was buried at Ephesus.

Which of the 12 apostles was skinned alive?

The apostle skinned alive was Saint Bartholomew, one of the original Twelve Apostles, who tradition says was martyred by being flayed (skinned) and then beheaded while preaching in Armenia. He is often depicted in art holding his flayed skin or the knife used for his martyrdom, and he's the patron saint of tanners and cheesemakers.
 

Where is Mary Magdalene's skeleton?

At the request of the diocese of Fréjus-Toulon, scientists – including a doctor specialising in ancient corpses and a forensic portrait painter – studied the relic of Mary Magdalene, which is on display in the basilica of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.

What not to do in Turkey as a tourist?

Don't make any derogatory comments about the Turkish Flag, or Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish Republic's Founding Father or in fact anything else about Turkey. It is obviously impolite and disrespectful! Don't stand with your hands on your hips or in your pockets. Don't point at someone with your finger.

Do you have to pay to enter Ephesus?

The Ephesus entrance fee in 2026 is 40 euros.

This fee also includes access to the newly opened Ephesus Experience Museum.

Do you have to cover up as a woman in Turkey?

I recommend dressing more formally when traveling there, with shoulders and knees covered, a high neckline (no cleavage please), and no transparent or form-hugging clothing. You'll show respect and get more respect in return. Female travellers do not need to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque.

Do you still pay 10 pounds to enter Turkey?

No, you no longer pay a £10 fee to enter Turkey; that practice ended years ago, with UK (and EU) passport holders generally able to visit for tourism for up to 90 days without needing a visa or paying an entry fee, though you still need a valid passport. The old fee was for an arrival visa, which was replaced by an online e-visa system and then largely waived for many nationalities, but always check current GOV.UK requirements before travel.

Do you need a headscarf in Istanbul?

While visiting a mosque in Istanbul, women need to cover their heads, shoulders, knees .. and oh, toes can show. Chest and legs should be covered. You can carry your own scarf to cover your head but please note scarves are provided at the entrance of every mosque.

How much is a full body massage in Istanbul?

The average cost of massage in Turkey depends on the location, the type of treatment, and its duration. A typical full body massage in a local spa or hammam may cost around 600–1200 Turkish Lira, which equals approximately £20–£40 per hour. In some places, premium services may cost more.