Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury worth booking?
Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury is a 15-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €837 per person. It scores 38 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 38 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 15 hours
- From
- €837 per person
Step into history with a luxurious private day tour from Istanbul to ancient Ephesus. Walk the marble streets once trodden by Romans. Marvel at the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater that once held 25,000 spectators. Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and feel the presence of centuries past. Explore elegant terrace houses, the Virgin Mary’s House, and St. John’s Basilica. With VIP transport and a personal expert guide, this immersive journey is perfect for archaeology lovers and history buffs. Every step reveals the magic of a lost world.
What you get
About this experience
Step into history with a luxurious private day tour from Istanbul to ancient Ephesus. Walk the marble streets once trodden by Romans. Marvel at the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater that once held 25,000 spectators. Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and feel the presence of centuries past. Explore elegant terrace houses, the Virgin Mary’s House, and St. John’s Basilica. With VIP transport and a personal expert guide, this immersive journey is perfect for archaeology lovers and history buffs. Every step reveals the magic of a lost world.
What's included
Included
- Customizable Itinerary.
- Gourmet Fine Dining Experience.
- Skip-the-Line Access.
- Expert Private Guide.
- Luxury Vehicle with Private Chauffeur.
- Private Round-Trip Flights from Istanbul.
Not included
- Personal Expenses.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
What you'll see and do
Istanbul
Early Morning Departure from Istanbul: Your day will begin with an early morning pick up from your central hotel in Istanbul for Istanbul to Ephesus Day Trip.
Pass by without stopping
Your private driver will meet you in your hotel lobby and take you to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your personal guide and driver and your Ultra Private, All-Inclusive Full-Day Ephesus Tour from Istanbul begins!
60 minutes here · Admission included
The Temple of Artemis
Nestled in the charming village of Selcuk in Western Turkey lies one of the world’s most extraordinary open-air museums—the ancient city of Ephesus. Once a thriving Roman metropolis of over 250,000 residents, Ephesus invites you to step into a remarkably preserved world dating back to the 10th century BC. As we explore this timeless wonder, you'll experience the awe of walking through history in complete comfort and exclusivity. One of our first stops is the legendary Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only fragments remain today, its spiritual energy and historical grandeur still echo through the ruins. This sacred site was built to honor Artemis, the powerful and revered goddess of the hunt, and drew pilgrims from across the Mediterranean.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Step into the heart of ancient elegance at the Library of Celsus, a masterpiece of Roman architecture and one of Ephesus’s most breathtaking sites. Built in the 2nd century AD to honor a Roman statesman, this grand structure once safeguarded thousands of scrolls in its marble halls. Its towering columns and ornate facade evoke a sense of timeless sophistication. As you stand beneath its arches, you’ll feel the quiet luxury of walking through history where knowledge, power, and beauty once met in perfect harmony.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu
Experience the grandeur of the Great Theatre of Ephesus, where history and luxury meet on a scale that once held 25,000 spectators. Carved into the slope of Panayir Hill, this awe-inspiring arena hosted ancient dramas, political gatherings, and thrilling gladiator games. As you stand in the heart of this magnificent structure, you’ll feel the powerful echoes of Rome’s golden age and the refined drama of a civilization that celebrated culture with unmatched splendor.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Temple of Hadrian
Admire the refined beauty of the Temple of Hadrian, a jewel of Roman architecture in ancient Ephesus. Built to honor Emperor Hadrian, this elegant monument showcases intricate carvings and mythological reliefs that reflect the sophistication of the Roman elite. It’s a stunning blend of imperial history and artistic luxury, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient world.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Ephesus Museum
Step into the Ephesus Museum, where the splendor of ancient civilization meets modern curation. This refined space showcases exquisite treasures from Ephesus, including marble statues, intricate mosaics, and rare artifacts from the elite Terrace Houses. It’s a luxurious immersion into the rich legacy of a city that once defined Roman sophistication.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Ephesus Terrace Houses
Explore the Terrace Houses of Ephesus, a stunning showcase of ancient luxury and daily life among the city’s elite. These beautifully preserved villas feature intricate mosaics, vibrant frescoes, and sophisticated architecture with private entrances and running water. Walking through these elegant homes offers a rare glimpse into the refined lifestyle of Roman nobility, blending history and opulence in one unforgettable experience.
60 minutes here · Admission included
The House of the Virgin Mary
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene and sacred site nestled in the hills near Ephesus. Believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, this peaceful sanctuary combines spiritual significance with timeless history. Its tranquil gardens and ancient stone walls offer visitors a deeply moving experience, blending reverence with the quiet luxury of a hidden, sacred retreat.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Basilica of St. John
Experience the Basilica of St. John, a grand masterpiece perched on Ayasuluk Hill. Built over the believed burial site of the Apostle John, this impressive structure blends early Christian architecture with monumental scale. Its partially restored ruins evoke a sense of sacred history and timeless luxury, offering visitors a profound connection to the spiritual and cultural heart of ancient Ephesus.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Selcuk
Shopping and Local Crafts: Wrap up your day with some free time in the heart of Selcuk. Stroll through the charming local marketplace, where you’ll find handmade crafts, authentic olive oil, and regional wines. It’s the perfect moment to relax, soak in the local vibe, and pick up a meaningful souvenir to remember your journey.
Pass by without stopping
After a day filled with unforgettable discoveries and enriching experiences, relax as you are comfortably transferred back to Izmir Airport. Enjoy a smooth and stress-free private transfer to catch your flight to Istanbul. As you soar above the clouds, reflect on the luxury and wonder of your day exploring ancient Ephesus. Upon arrival in Istanbul, your private driver will be waiting to escort you back to your central hotel, ensuring your journey ends with the same comfort and elegance it began.
Pass by without stopping
Istanbul
Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey. We look forward to welcoming you on your next luxury adventure. Safe travels!
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- ar, de, ru, pt, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Goodman Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It's advisable to book in advance due to the tour's popularity.
- Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Show, Wonderful service by Goodman tours.
Thank you , I had a great time . Both driver and Goodman tours representative were very helpful and made sure we are taken care of. Thanks again.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review i am glad you had a great time we always try our best to keep our customers happy. Hopefully, you will use us in the future.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 15 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €837 to €1,656
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Goodman Tours, who run 66 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 40.1.
See everything Goodman Tours runsWhy this scores 38
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury cost?
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Prices start at €837 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury take?
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Plan for about 15 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 38 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 15-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 15-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury?
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Included: Customizable Itinerary; Gourmet Fine Dining Experience; Skip-the-Line Access; Expert Private Guide; and Luxury Vehicle with Private Chauffeur. Not included: Personal Expenses; and Alcoholic Beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 701 listed pickup locations in and around Istanbul. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury offered in?
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It is offered in Arabic, German, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Sacred Stones & Lost Cities: Discover Ephesus in Luxury if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply.
Ready to lock in your spot?
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