Embark on a 2-day adventure with Princess Cruises to explore the ancient wonders of Ephesus and Istanbul. Enjoy small group tours, expert guides, and hassle-free transportation.
4-Hour Small Group Tour to Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis (Max. 10 guests)
Ege Ports - Your tour guide will greet you at the Kusadasi Cruise Terminal with a sign displaying your name. After introductions, you’ll be driven to The House of Virgin Mary as the first stop.
Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The first stop is the House of Virgin Mary. According to the Bible, Jesus entrusted his mother to his beloved disciple, St. John the Evangelist. After Jesus’ crucifixion, St. John and Mary fled Jerusalem due to the persecution of early Christians and came to Ephesus, where Mary spent her final years.
Ancient City of Ephesus - Next, you’ll visit the famous ancient city of Ephesus, walking through history along marble streets lined with remarkable public buildings. Highlights include The State Agora, Odeon, Memnius Monument, the Temple of Domitian, Polio Fountain, Curetes Street, The Trajan Fountain, The Baths of Scholastica, Hadrian Temple, Latrina, Celcus Library, the Gate of Mihridates and Mazues, Commercial Agora, and The Grand Theater. The Grand Theater, built in the 3rd century B.C., was later expanded by the Romans in the 1st century A.D. to accommodate 24,000 spectators.
The Temple of Artemis - The tour concludes with a visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Dedicated to the Greek fertility goddess Artemis, the temple was built in the 3rd century B.C. Its enormous size and status as the first temple made of marble led the Greek poet Antipater to list it as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Kusadasi Gazi Begendi Park - You’ll drive back to the Kusadasi town center through Gazibegendi Park.
Ege Ports - Arrival at the town center where the Kusadasi cruise port is located.
8-Hour Istanbul Group Tour with TRAM (Max. 10 pax) - Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar
Galataport Istanbul - Meet your local tour guide in front of the Istanbul Galata Port Terminal Building, holding a sign with YOUR NAME. You’ll walk 200 meters to the Tophane Tram Station and take the tram to the Sultanahmet area, a journey of about 20 minutes.
Hippodrome - The walking tour begins at Hippodrome Square, the former center of sports and political activities in Constantinople.
Blue Mosque - The next stop is the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s largest mosques, built in the 17th century. It is renowned for its blue tiles and six minarets, and is a principal feature of Istanbul’s skyline.
Topkapi Palace - A short walk takes you to Topkapi Palace, which served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans and the administrative and educational center of the state. Constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, the palace includes a weapons section.
Hagia Sophia Mosque - After Topkapi Palace, you’ll visit Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Byzantine church that is one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world.
Update for St. Sophia interior visit: Live guiding is not allowed in St. Sophia after January 15, 2024. Guests must have their smartphones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have headphones, they can purchase them at the entrance for $3.50 USD. The system is similar to an audio guide. Guests without smartphones will follow the signs and the information provided on them.
Kapali Carsi - The final stop is the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops, it attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is famous for its jewelry, pottery, spices, and carpet shops.
Galataport Istanbul - After completing the tour, you’ll walk to the Sultanahmet Tram Station to catch the next tram to Tophane Tram Station. After disembarking, it’s a 200-meter walk back to the port. End of services.
- TRAM tickets in Istanbul
- A/C transportation in Kusadasi
- Professional Licensed Tour guides in Ephesus and Istanbul for 2 days
- Meals and drinks
- Personal Expenses & Tips for driver & guides and meals
- ENTRANCE FEES ( Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the line )
Specially designed for Princess Cruise guests. 2 mini group tours (max. 10 people)
4-hour Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, and Artemission Temple tour
7-hour Istanbul Mini group Tour with TRAM, the best mode of transport in Istanbul’s heavy traffic.
- Small group ensures personalized service
- Informative, friendly, and professional guide
- Option for a Private Tour for your family
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited. On Tuesdays : Topkapi Palace replaced by Underground Cistern, On Sundays: Grand Bazaar will be replaced by Spice Market. Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are closed during Religious Holidays will be replaced by Arasta Bazaar. On Fridays: Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30 on Fridays
- Visit to holy places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues bare shoulders are not permitted, nor shoes in mosques.
- Not recommended for travelers with walking disabilities
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
