Trabzon, Ephesus & Antalya Tour: 3 Days, Black Sea to Mediterranean

Trabzon, Ephesus and Antalya in 3 days: the key facts

This package crosses Turkey from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean by air. Day 1 is a morning flight from Istanbul to Trabzon, a visit to Sumela Monastery on its cliff and the Ataturk Pavilion, then a flight to Izmir and a night in Kusadasi. Day 2 is a guided walk through Ephesus and a flight to Antalya. Day 3 covers Kaleici, Hadrian's Gate and the Duden Waterfalls before the flight back to Istanbul.

It suits travellers who already know Istanbul and want three very different regions in one short trip, and who are comfortable with airports every day. There is no slow day: each one has a tour and a flight. The price is from $1,520 per person.

How do the four flights work?

The itinerary has four domestic flights: Istanbul to Trabzon at 09:20 on Day 1, Trabzon to Izmir that afternoon or evening, Izmir to Antalya on Day 2, and Antalya to Istanbul on Day 3. All of them are included. Transfers between the airports, sites and hotels are by air-conditioned vehicle. The page does not give the times of the later flights or the baggage allowance, so ask for both in your written plan. A small suitcase is much easier on a trip with this many check-ins.

How long is Day 1?

It is the longest day of the trip. You are collected very early for the 09:20 flight, visit Sumela and the Ataturk Pavilion in Trabzon, return to Trabzon airport, fly to Izmir and then drive to your hotel in Kusadasi. Expect a late arrival. Eat when you can during the day, since lunch and dinner are not included and the schedule is tight. Keep a jacket and anything you need for the evening in your hand luggage.

What is the Sumela visit like?

Sumela Monastery is built into a cliff face in the forested hills above Trabzon. The page does not describe the walk from the parking area, so wear shoes with good grip. Sumela has had periods of closure for safety work on the rock face, so ask us to check that it is open on your date before you pay. After Sumela you visit the Ataturk Pavilion, a hillside villa with views over the city. For more on the region, read our Black Sea Turkey guide.

Does the package include Uzungol?

No. The Trabzon part is Sumela and the Ataturk Pavilion only, with a flight out the same day. If you want Uzungol Lake as well, you would need an extra night in Trabzon and the private Uzungol day trip from Trabzon. The page lists one extra tour day at $115, but ask us to price the hotel night and the changed flights together, since moving one flight changes the rest of the plan.

What is optional at Ephesus?

The Day 2 walk covers the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Hercules Gate, the Grand Theatre, the Fountain of Trajan and the site of the Temple of Artemis. The Terrace Houses are optional and listed at $25. The House of the Virgin Mary is also optional, but this page gives no price for it, so ask for one in writing if you want to go. The Ephesus walk is on uneven marble in the open, so bring a hat and water. See our Ephesus and Kusadasi guide.

How should we pack for three regions?

The weather can differ a lot between the Black Sea coast and the south, even on the same day. Trabzon is often cooler and wetter, while Ephesus and Antalya are warmer and sunnier for much of the year. Pack layers, a light rain jacket for Trabzon, sun protection for Ephesus, and one pair of shoes with good grip for Sumela and the marble streets of Ephesus. If you plan to visit Mary's House, which is a place of prayer, cover shoulders and knees.

Where do we stay?

Night 1 is in Kusadasi, the coastal town nearest Ephesus, and night 2 is in Antalya, both with breakfast. There is no Istanbul night in the package. The page does not name the hotels or give a star category, so ask for the hotel names in your written plan. Our page on Kusadasi hotels for Ephesus explains the area. On Day 3 you check out and see Kaleici old town, Hadrian's Gate and the Duden Waterfalls before the airport.

Can we add Istanbul or extra nights?

Yes. The page says extra nights can be added and lists an extra day at $115 and a transfer to Fethiye at $165, which is useful if you want to stay on the coast instead of flying back. If you also want a guided day in Istanbul, the 4-day Istanbul, Antalya, Ephesus and Trabzon tour covers the same regions plus Istanbul. For other routes, see our multi-city packages.

How do I book this package?

Choose a date and the number of guests in the booking form on this page, or message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. We send you a written plan with all four flight times, the baggage allowance, hotel names, the Day 1 pickup time and the list of included and optional items. Check it before any payment, and read the cancellation policy before you confirm. The tour is operated by Viracocha Travel Turizm, TÜRSAB licence A-15751.