2-Day Troy & Ephesus Tour from Istanbul with Flight Back

Troy and Ephesus in two days from Istanbul: the key facts

This package covers two of Turkey's best-known ancient sites in two days. Day 1 is a road trip from Istanbul to Troy, the city of Homer's Iliad, then onward to Kusadasi on the Aegean coast for the night. Day 2 is a guided tour of Ephesus, from the Library of Celsus to the Grand Theatre, followed by a flight back to Istanbul.

It suits travellers who care most about classical history and want both sites without a week-long tour, and who accept a long first day on the road. The price is from $640 per person, and the return flight to Istanbul is included.

How long is the first day?

It is very long. The page says the tour usually starts around 09:00 with a hotel pickup in Istanbul. Route planners put Istanbul to Troy at about 4 to 5.5 hours, and the road from the Canakkale area down to Kusadasi at roughly 360 km, or around 4.5 hours more. With time at Troy, expect to reach Kusadasi in the evening. The page does not give an arrival time, so ask for one in writing. Bring snacks and water, as lunch is not included.

What do we see at Troy and at Ephesus?

At Troy you walk through the ruins of the ancient city and see the wooden horse replica. Our Troy Ancient City guide covers its layers and history. At Ephesus the itinerary lists the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Hercules Gate, the Grand Theatre, the Fountain of Trajan, the Nike relief and the site of the Temple of Artemis. The Terrace Houses and the House of the Virgin Mary are marked optional. Our Ephesus and Kusadasi guide has more on the area.

Which extras cost more at Ephesus?

The page prices the Terrace Houses at $25. The House of the Virgin Mary is listed as optional, but this page gives no price for it, so ask before you choose it. The other priced extras are extending the tour by one day ($115) and a transfer to Bodrum ($85), which lets you finish on the coast instead of flying back. Any extra you want should appear, with its price, in your written plan.

How does the flight back work?

After the Ephesus tour you are transferred to the airport for the flight to Istanbul. The page does not name the departure airport or give a flight time. In Istanbul our representative helps with the transfer to your flight home or to a hotel, and the service ends there. Get the flight time in writing before booking your international flight home, and leave a good margin in case the Ephesus visit or traffic runs late.

Where do we stay, and is an Istanbul night included?

The only night is in Kusadasi, with breakfast. The page does not name the hotel or give its category; ask for the name in writing. Day 1 starts with a pickup from your hotel in Istanbul, so you need your own Istanbul hotel for the night before, or ask us to add one. Our page on Kusadasi hotels for Ephesus explains the main areas if you want to stay on.

What should we wear, and when is the best time to go?

Both sites are outdoors with little shade and uneven stone paths, so wear sturdy walking shoes, a hat and sun protection, and carry water. Modest clothing is sensible if you choose the House of the Virgin Mary, which is a place of worship. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking ancient sites in the region. In July and August midday heat is strong at Ephesus, so a morning visit helps. Our guide to the best time to visit Turkey covers each season.

Can we add Pamukkale or stay longer?

Yes. The page says you can add extra nights, or continue with a guided tour to Pamukkale, which it describes as about 2 hours from Ephesus. Route planners put the drive at about 2 to 3 hours, so allow for the longer figure. Extending the tour by one day is listed at $115. For a version with more time, compare the 3-day Troy, Ephesus and Antalya tour (from $1,110 per person) or the Ephesus tour from Istanbul options. Other routes through this region are under Ephesus packages.

How do we book the Troy and Ephesus tour?

Use the booking form on this page or message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88 with your dates, number of guests and Istanbul hotel. We reply with a written plan showing the Day 1 pickup time, the expected arrival in Kusadasi, the hotel name, the flight time on Day 2 and the cost of any extras. Because the page gives no price for the House of the Virgin Mary and a short drive time to Pamukkale, rely on what your written plan says. Check it before you pay and read the cancellation policy. Get Turkey Tours is licensed by TURSAB under number A-15751.