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View all Istanbul toursFrom Istanbul: Ephesus, Priene, Miletus, and Didyma Tour



2-day trip from Istanbul visiting Ephesus Ancient City, Artemis Temple and Selcuk Archaeology Museum. Operated by Tripster Travel Cappadocia.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient Ionian cities of Ephesus, Priene, Miletus, and Didyma
From Istanbul: Ephesus, Priene, Miletus, and Didyma Tour: Key Facts
| Price | From $1618 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days |
| Languages | English |
| Tour type | Guided Tour |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
Choose from 1 available option
From Istanbul: Ephesus, Priene, Miletus, and Didyma Tour
Full description
A 2-day trip out of Istanbul taking in Ephesus Ancient City, Artemis Temple, Selcuk Archaeology Museum and Priene Ancient City. There are 6 stops in all.
The running order is Ephesus Ancient City, then Artemis Temple, then Selcuk Archaeology Museum, then Priene Ancient City, then Didyma: The Oracle Center of Ancient Anatolia, and on from there.
The price covers 1 Night Accommodation With Breakfast, Guided tour of Ephesus, Priene, Miletus, and Didyma, Visit to the Temple of Artemis and Visit to the Library of Celsus. It does not cover meals, Personal expenses and Tips, so budget for those separately.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Ephesus Ancient City
Ephesus is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Ionian heritage. If you haven’t visited yet, it belongs at the top of your bucket list. I recommend starting your visit at the Upper Gate and ending at the Lower Gate for a pleasant downhill walk. To avoid crowds, especially during peak season, plan your visit for the afternoon. A licensed guide can bring the ruins to life by revealing fascinating insights into Greco-Roman life and culture.
Artemis Temple
1 of the 7 wonders of Ancient Anatolia
Selcuk Archaeology Museum
Artefacts of Ephesus Ancient City, Artemis and Ayasuluk Excavations
Priene Ancient City
Priene: A Hidden Gem Among Ionian Ruins Perched on the slope of Mount Mycale, Priene overlooks what was once a bay of the Aegean Sea, now the fertile plains of the Meander River. This ancient city was once a coastal port and is now about 16 km inland due to siltation. Priene is known for its Temple of Athena, with elegant Ionic columns, and one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Turkey. Priene is especially significant as the birthplace of urban planning.
Didyma: The Oracle Center of Ancient Anatolia
Located in present-day Didim, Didyma was a spiritual heartland and one of the most important oracular sanctuaries in the ancient world. Built in the 6th century BCE, the massive Temple of Apollo served as the site where visitors sought prophecies about their future, often bringing offerings of gold, silver, or fine foods. Even in ruins, Didyma’s fluted Ionic columns inspire awe. The size and scale of this sanctuary make it one of the most remarkable ancient temples in Turkey.
Miletus: The Birthplace of Philosophy and Science
One of the most powerful and influential Ionian cities, Miletus was the home of the famous Milesian School of philosophy. Great thinkers like Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes laid the foundations of natural science here. Thales is credited with predicting a solar eclipse in 585 BCE — a remarkable feat for the time.
Includes
- 1 Night Accommodation With Breakfast
- Guided tour of Ephesus, Priene, Miletus, and Didyma
- Visit to the Temple of Artemis
- Visit to the Library of Celsus
- Visit to the Temple of Athena
- Visit to the Baths of Faustina
- Visit to the Temple of Apollo
Excludes
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Important information
Meeting point
The operator confirms the exact meeting point and time once your booking is confirmed, and you will have it well before the day. If you would rather know before you book, message us on WhatsApp and we will ask them for you.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts