2 Day Private Shore Excursions to Ephesus and Istanbul

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Ephesus⌄

   In the morning, our tour guide will meet with you at the Kusadasi port. And, we reach to Ephesus. Ephesus, was the second-largest city in the Roman Empire over 250.000 people in the 1st BC. Ranking only behind Rome it was the second-largest city in the world. Ephesus was also a harbor city. And, this giant city was built only with marble. Did you know Ephesus had the largest amphitheater in the ancient world over 25.000 seats? Also see Goddess Nike, Local pharmacy, Hadrian Gate, Library of Celcius (the third largest library), Marble Street, and Harbour Street.

   Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also known as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek Temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It was located in Ephesus and it was one of the seven wonders of the world.

   The House of Virgin Mary, is a place where according to the beliefs of many people Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her last years of her life. She was supposed to arrive at Ephesus together with St. John and lived there in the years 37-45 CE until her Assumption or Dormition.

   Meals: Lunch

2. 2Istanbul⌄

   You will be picked up from Istanbul Port. Let’s start to explore Istanbul. The first visit is Hippodrome. It was the center of sports activities of Constantinople. Famous with 4 monuments; The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and Column of Constantine.

   Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Hagia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian then in 1453 renovated into a mosque by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It was converted into a museum in 1935 and welcomed both local and foreign visitors. (Closed on Monday)

   Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this breathtaking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. Also, it was built with unique 6 minarets. (Closed on Friday)

   Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used for educational administration and as the art center of the state. Get knowledge about the imperial treasury´s sacred Islamic relics, palace kitchens, and weapons. (Closed on Tuesday)

   Grand Bazaar, is the biggest market and the most attractive shopping center of Istanbul which has lots of shopping opportunities with carpets, leather, jewelry, Turkish delight, gold, antiquities, etc..(Closed on Sunday)