Istanbul in 1 Day for Friends - Guided visit to Ephesus (Celsus Library, Terrace Houses, Hadrian's Temple)
In Collaboration with TURKEY TRANSFER FORCE. Updated on January 30, 2026.
Full-day guided group visit to ancient Ephesus from İstanbul by plane. Includes private transfers, domestic flights, entrance fees, English-speaking guide and lunch. Designed for active groups of friends who want a fast-paced cultural day with local tips and social moments.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with TURKEY TRANSFER FORCE, inspired by the tour Ephesus Tour from Istanbul by Flight. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visit to Ephesus (Celsus Library, Terrace Houses, Hadrian's Temple)
- House of the Virgin Mary & Temple of Artemis
- Domestic flights Istanbul ↔ Izmir (fast day trip)
- Lunch in Selçuk included
- Local transfers (private)
Itinerary
Day 1
Early pickup in İstanbul, morning flight to Izmir, full guided visit to Ephesus and nearby sites in Selçuk, evening return flight to İstanbul.
Central Istanbul hotel pickup (private transfer)
Your private minivan collects the group from a central Istanbul meeting point (example: Taksim area). Confirm exact pickup address the night before. Transfer to Istanbul Airport follows immediately.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact pickup address & phone number the evening before; drivers often use WhatsApp for coordination.
- Pack your day bag with snacks and a power bank — luggage is checked in at the airport and won’t be available during the day.
- Agree to split transfer costs or tip among friends to speed pickup logistics.
Transfer & check-in at Istanbul Airport (IST)
Arrive at Istanbul Airport for domestic flight check-in. Allow 60–90 minutes for security and boarding for domestic flights; your guide handles plane tickets and online check-in.
Tips from local experts:
- Have ID/passport and boarding details ready in a group chat screenshot—boarding closes quickly for domestic flights.
- Use the airport cafés to grab last-minute Turkish coffee; gate areas have charging points for group phones.
- If anyone wants duty-free snacks or water, buy before security lines if short on time.
Domestic flight: Istanbul → Izmir (Adnan Menderes Airport)
Approximately 1 hr flight to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Flights are typically early morning to maximize time in Selçuk/Ephesus.
Tips from local experts:
- Window seats give quick aerial views of the Marmara and Aegean coasts—coordinate seats in advance if you want views.
- Keep sunglasses handy; landing into Izmir can be bright and windy.
- Store small valuables in a personal small bag you keep aboard (phone, passport, medication).
Private transfer: Izmir Airport → Selçuk (Ephesus area)
Private transfer from Adnan Menderes Airport to Selçuk (where Ephesus and nearby sites are located). Travel time ~45–75 minutes depending on traffic.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to drop the group at the Ephesus entrance for the shortest walk into the site.
- Soft drinks and bottled water are useful — buy one at the airport to avoid inflated tourist prices later.
- If you’re traveling as a group of friends, use the transfer time to catch up and review the guide’s plan for photos/meet points.
Guided visit to Ephesus — Celsus Library, Terrace Houses & Hadrian's Temple
English-speaking guide leads a 2.5–3 hour walk through well-preserved Roman Ephesus: the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, Hadrian's Temple, Terrace Houses and the Odeon. Includes entrance fees.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—the ancient stones are uneven. Bring a lightweight hat and sunscreen for spring sun.
- Split into photo teams: the Celsus façade is busiest; golden-hour isn't available here but morning light is best for fewer crowds.
- Carry small change (TRY) for restroom tips and quick souvenirs from authorized sellers at the site entrance.
Lunch in Selçuk (included) — group meal at a local restaurant
Relaxed group lunch with local Aegean dishes and shared meze. The guide arranges seating for groups and can accommodate common dietary requests.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the waiter for recommendations — try local meze and seafood options for a true Aegean taste.
- Large groups: request separate checks early if you want to split costs; many local restaurants are accustomed to groups.
- If you need vegetarian or gluten-free options, request them when seated — Turkish kitchens are usually flexible.
Visit House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi)
Short, peaceful site on a hilltop associated with the Virgin Mary. A quiet place for reflection and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Tips from local experts:
- The site involves some steps; move at a relaxed pace and wait for the group at the small terrace viewpoint.
- There’s often a short queue for the interior shrine—use that time for group photos on the terrace.
- Respect local customs inside the shrine (quiet, no flash photography in some areas).
Quick stop: Temple of Artemis (ruins)
Visit the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; only a few columns and remnants remain but the historic value is immense.
Tips from local experts:
- Temple remains are compact — allocate 20–30 minutes and use the guide’s summary to save time.
- The area is open and exposed; keep group members together as the site is small and easy to miss the guide’s cues.
- Carry a light jacket as spring breezes can feel cool in exposed ruins despite sunny weather.
Optional: Ephesus Archaeological Museum (short visit)
Air-conditioned museum with artifacts from Ephesus — a good place to see sculptures and smaller finds after the open-air site visit.
Tips from local experts:
- The museum is a good place to sit and cool down — use this stop to regroup and review photos.
- Check the exhibit labels for context photos from excavation that explain what you saw in the open site.
- Restrooms are available here — use them before the return transfer to the airport.
Transfer: Selçuk → Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
Private transfer back to Adnan Menderes Airport for the return flight to Istanbul. Allow buffer time for traffic and boarding.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim to be at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rushes.
- Use this transfer for informal recap and to plan the evening in Istanbul (bars, dinner reservations).
- Keep passports and boarding passes in a small travel pouch accessible during transfer and check-in.
Return domestic flight: Izmir → Istanbul
Evening flight back to Istanbul. Flights usually take ~1 hour; expect arrival at Istanbul Airport in time for private drop-off.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want drinks in Istanbul afterward, coordinate a quick group plan (e.g., rooftop bar near your hotel).
- Collect all group belongings from overhead bins when deplaning to avoid delays at passport control.
- If anyone needs earlier drop-off in the city, tell the organizer before disembarkation so transfers can be split.
Private drop-off back in central Istanbul
Private transfer returns you to a central Istanbul meeting point or your hotel. Typical arrival time ~21:00 depending on traffic and chosen drop-off location.
Tips from local experts:
- If your group wants nightlife after the long day, aim for a relaxed rooftop cocktail spot near Taksim or Galata.
- Stretch and refuel — many groups plan a late casual meal together; book a table if you’re a larger group.
- Exchange quick feedback with the guide/organizer while memories are fresh; tips and a thank-you photo go a long way.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 7 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Culture, Meal, Attraction |
