-Not cheap, but a quality experience.
Discover the essence of western Turkey on this 2-day private tour from Istanbul. On the first day, fly from Istanbul to Izmir and explore the ancient city of Ephesus, including the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis — ideal for travelers interested in history, archaeology, and culture. Conclude the day with a relaxing wine tasting at a charming local vineyard near Selçuk. On the second day, journey north to Pergamon and Troy before returning to Istanbul. Experience ancient wonders, scenic drives, and personalized guiding throughout your trip.
-The tour includes entrance fees, flight ticket, Mercedes vehicle with A/C and free Wi-Fi, private professional licensed tour guide, parking fees, 1-night hotel accommodation, and all taxes and handling fees.
-There are no sales or shopping stops during the tour. If time permits and upon your request, optional store visits can be arranged.
Hotel Pickup:
On the day of your tour, our vehicle will pick you up in front of your hotel. Please be ready at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The driver will meet you under the name provided in your reservation. Upon arrival in Istanbul, your guide will meet you, and your tour will begin there. Please make sure to provide your hotel details accurately when booking.
Important Note:
To ensure a smooth pickup and tour experience, please provide accurate contact information and details of your accommodation when booking. In case of any changes regarding the meeting point or time, we will contact you via email or through the Viator messaging system.
- Pickup from your Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport for your morning flight to Izmir. - Upon arrival, meet your professional English-speaking guide and start your private tour with your air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle.
- Explore Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and well-preserved ancient cities of the world. Walk along the marble streets lined with remnants of temples, fountains, and statues. - Visit the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, the Trajan Fountain, the Agora, the Odeon, the Gate of Artemis, and Marble Street. - Learn about the city’s fascinating history and the daily life of its ancient inhabitants from your knowledgeable guide.
- Visit this sacred site where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final years. - The peaceful setting on Mount Koressos offers visitors a serene atmosphere for reflection and prayer. Light a candle, make a wish, and take in the tranquil surroundings that attract pilgrims from all over the world.
- Enjoy a panoramic view of the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. - Although only a few columns remain today, it still stands as a remarkable symbol of ancient architectural grandeur and cultural significance.
Wine Tasting Experience - Conclude your tour with a visit to a boutique vineyard near Selçuk. - Enjoy a guided tasting of locally produced wines in a scenic and relaxing setting.
- After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Izmir for an overnight stay. Rest and relax before the next day’s journey north.
Depart your hotel in Izmir by private Mercedes vehicle with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Aegean countryside as you head to Bergama, once known as Pergamon — a major cultural and scientific center during the Hellenistic and Roman eras.
- Perched on a steep hill overlooking the town, the Acropolis of Pergamon was a major center of culture, medicine, and philosophy in the ancient world. - Explore the remains of the Trajan Temple, where rituals and offerings took place, the ancient theater, built to hold over 10,000 spectators with stunning panoramic views of the valley below, and the famed library, which once housed over 200,000 scrolls. - A cable car ride up to the Acropolis provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape, blending history and natural beauty.
Explore one of the most renowned healing centers of the ancient world — the Asklepion, dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius. Walk through the sacred water springs, treatment rooms, and ancient tunnels used for therapeutic rituals. Discover how ancient physicians, including Galen, practiced early forms of holistic medicine here.
- Depart Bergama for Troy by private Mercedes vehicle with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The drive offers scenic views along the Aegean coastline and rural landscapes of northern Aegean Turkey.
- Explore the legendary city immortalized in Homer’s Iliad, known for the epic Trojan War. Walk through the ancient ruins revealing nine layers of settlement dating back more than 4,000 years. See the replica of the iconic Trojan Horse, the massive defensive walls, ancient temples, and houses that tell the story of a city at the crossroads of myth and history. Learn about Heinrich Schliemann’s groundbreaking excavations that uncovered the remains of this once-mighty city and its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Located near the archaeological site, the Troy Museum showcases thousands of artifacts unearthed from the excavations, providing insight into the daily life, trade, and culture of ancient Troy. Visitors can see jewelry, pottery, tools, and sculptures from different settlement layers. The museum’s modern design and interactive exhibits offer a vivid journey through the myth and reality of Troy, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in world archaeology.
After visiting Troy and the museum, transfer back to Istanbul by private Mercedes vehicle with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Drop-off at your hotel in Istanbul.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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