Istanbul, Trabzon & Ephesus Tour: 3 Days with Domestic Flights

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

This package links Istanbul, the Black Sea and the Aegean with domestic flights. Day 1 is a full-day walking tour of Istanbul's old city, with the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar (Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are optional), followed by a flight to Trabzon. Day 2 is Sumela Monastery and the Ataturk Pavilion, then a flight to Izmir and a night in Kusadasi. Day 3 is a guided walk through Ephesus and a flight from Izmir back to Istanbul.

It suits first-time visitors with very little time who want one guided day in Istanbul plus two regions far apart, and who are happy to fly every day. Each day has one main sight and one flight. The price is from $1,315 per person.

Can we start Day 1 straight from the airport?

The page says the guide meets you at 09:00 at your hotel or at the airport. Day 1 is a full day on foot in the old city followed by a flight to Trabzon, and there is no Istanbul hotel night in the package. If you land that morning, ask us in writing how your luggage will be handled during the walk and whether a 09:00 meeting is realistic after your flight. It is simpler to arrive the day before and book your own Istanbul night, or ask us to add one.

What is optional on the Istanbul day?

The walk includes the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are marked optional, so their tickets are not part of the included entrance fees. The page lists a Hagia Sophia ticket at $40 and gives no Topkapi price for this package. At the Blue Mosque, cover shoulders and knees, women cover their hair, and shoes come off; the mosque closes to visitors at prayer times. See what to wear in Istanbul.

What is the Sumela visit like?

Sumela Monastery sits on a cliff face in the forested hills outside Trabzon. It has closed for short periods for safety work on the rock face, most recently for about a week in June 2026, so ask us to check it is open on your date before you pay. The page does not describe the walk from the parking area, so wear shoes with good grip. After Sumela you visit the Ataturk Pavilion, a hillside villa above the city, before the flight to Izmir. Read our Black Sea Turkey guide.

Does the package include Uzungol?

No. The Trabzon part is Sumela and the Ataturk Pavilion only, and you fly on to Izmir the same day. If Uzungol Lake matters to you, add a night in Trabzon and book the private Uzungol day trip from Trabzon. The page lists one extra tour day at $115, but a new night changes your flight plan, so ask us to price the full change in writing.

What should we pack for this route?

You see three very different climates in three days. Trabzon is usually cooler and wetter than the Aegean, while Ephesus is open to the sun with little shade on its marble streets. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, sun protection, and one pair of shoes with good grip for Sumela and Ephesus. A scarf is useful for the Blue Mosque and for Mary's House. Keep one small suitcase, as you check in for a flight every day.

What is optional at Ephesus?

Day 3 covers 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 are optional, and this page gives no price for them. The House of the Virgin Mary is optional too, and the page lists its entry ticket at $55. Tell us which you want when you book so the price you approve includes them. Our Ephesus and Kusadasi guide has more on the site.

Where do we stay?

Night 1 is in Trabzon and night 2 in Kusadasi, both with breakfast. The page does not name the hotels or give a star category, so ask for the hotel names in your written plan. Lunch and dinner are not included on any day. On Day 3 you transfer to Izmir Airport after Ephesus, and our representative helps with your transfer in Istanbul, to your hotel or your flight home. The page says extra nights in Istanbul can be added.

How does it compare with similar packages?

The 4-day Istanbul and Trabzon tour gives Istanbul and Sumela more time but drops Ephesus. The 3-day Istanbul, Trabzon, Ephesus and Pamukkale tour is listed at the same starting price and adds Pamukkale, so compare the two day plans before choosing. For longer 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 flight times, the Day 1 meeting point, hotel names and the list of included and optional items with their prices. 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.