Overview
Step into the ancient world with style and pride on this exclusive LGBTQ+ friendly private tour from Istanbul to the legendary city of Ephesus. Begin your journey with VIP transfers and a smooth flight to Izmir, where your expert guide will welcome you. Walk the marble streets of Ephesus, admire the grandeur of the Celsus Library, and stand where gladiators once roared in the Great Theatre. Explore the beautifully preserved Terrace Houses, revealing the lavish lives of Roman elites through intricate mosaics and frescoes.
Enjoy a locally sourced lunch in the charming village of Sirince, known for its boutique wines and warm hospitality. Visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary and the iconic Temple of Artemis one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. With luxury service, private transportation, and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, this unforgettable tour is perfect for history lovers and LGBTQ+ travelers who want to explore with comfort, culture, and pride.
What's Included
- Lunch at a local restaurant. (vegetarian/vegan options available)
- Entrance fees to Ephesus, Terrace Houses and House of Virgin Mary.
- Round-trip flights. (Istanbul-Izmir-Istanbul)
- All airport transfers in Istanbul and Izmir.
- Private, Mercedes air-conditioned vehicle for the entire tour.
- Private, LGBT-friendly Archaeologist guide throughout the tour.
- Gratuities. (Optional)
Meeting and Pickup
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Istanbul (pass by)
Istanbul Airport
1 hour Admission Ticket Included
Mermerli Yol
20 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Library of Celsus
45 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu
1 hour Admission Ticket Included
Ephesus Terrace Houses
1 hour Admission Ticket Included
Sirince Koyu
2 hours Admission Ticket Included
The Temple of Artemis
20 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)
1 hour Admission Ticket Included
Selcuk (pass by)
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (pass by)
Istanbul (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
- Wear appropriate clothing when visiting any Holy Sites.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the A Heartfelt LGBTQ+ | Journey to Ephesus from Istanbul?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-189016P148
Traveler Photos
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Gallipoli day trip from Istanbul is an everyday departure. Battlefield tour with experienced English speaking local tour guides. After lunch at a seaside restaurant, devote...
$195
Experience the timeless beauty of Istanbul on this expertly guided Old City tour covering the city’s most iconic landmarks. Walk through centuries of Ottoman and...
$25
Experience all of the scenes of Cappadocia during 2 Days Cappadocia Tour. Watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon as you float above the...
$768
Step back in time at Gallipoli and Troy on this enlightening 2-day tour from Istanbul, including round-trip transport and overnight accommodation. Head to Gallipoli to...
$465
Gallipoli day trip from Istanbul is an everyday departure. Battlefield tour with experienced English speaking local tour guides. After lunch at a seaside restaurant, devote...
$195
Experience the timeless beauty of Istanbul on this expertly guided Old City tour covering the city’s most iconic landmarks. Walk through centuries of Ottoman and...
$25
Experience all of the scenes of Cappadocia during 2 Days Cappadocia Tour. Watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon as you float above the...
$768
Step back in time at Gallipoli and Troy on this enlightening 2-day tour from Istanbul, including round-trip transport and overnight accommodation. Head to Gallipoli to...
$465
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul
Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia....
$7
With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your...
$32
Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the...
$143
Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their...
$26
Discover the beauty of Istanbul on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise Tour and enjoy spectacular views from the water as you sail between Europe and Asia....
$7
With the magical view of the Bosphorus, the historical silhouette of Istanbul, the sea and the unique beauty of the night, we are at your...
$32
Istanbul E-pass is a fully digital sightseeing pass that covers over 100 top Istanbul Attractions. Choose your E-pass 1,2,3,5 or 7 days and enjoy the...
$143
Discover the history and culture of the famous Whirling Dervishes during this 1-hour at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha. Wander the Whirling Dervishes’ museum and learn about their...
$26
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- Lunch at a local restaurant. (vegetarian/vegan options available).
- Entrance fees to Ephesus, Terrace Houses and House of Virgin Mary.
- Round-trip flights. (Istanbul-Izmir-Istanbul).
- All airport transfers in Istanbul and Izmir.
- Private, Mercedes air-conditioned vehicle for the entire tour.
- Private, LGBT-friendly Archaeologist guide throughout the tour.
- Gratuities. (Optional).
The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the A Heartfelt LGBTQ+ | Journey to Ephesus from Istanbul is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for A Heartfelt LGBTQ+ | Journey to Ephesus from Istanbul will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Lunch at a local restaurant. (vegetarian/vegan options available)
- Entrance fees to Ephesus, Terrace Houses and House of Virgin Mary.
- Round-trip flights. (Istanbul-Izmir-Istanbul)
- All airport transfers in Istanbul and Izmir.
- Private, Mercedes air-conditioned vehicle for the entire tour.
- Private, LGBT-friendly Archaeologist guide throughout the tour.
- Gratuities. (Optional)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
- Wear appropriate clothing when visiting any Holy Sites.
