Istanbul

Honeymon Couple in Istanbul
Istanbul Aerial view of Hagia Sophia
Istanbul Bosphorus Bridge Night View
Istanbul Bosphorus New Year Celebration
Istanbul Galata Tower
Istanbul Grand Bazaar
Istanbul Hagia Sophia - Virgn Mary Fresk
Istanbul Maiden Tower Women
Istanbul Topkapi Aerial View
Istanbul Topkapi Palace Sultan Room
Istanbul Topkapi Palace
Night Aerial View of Galata Tower in Istanbul
Taksim Istiklal Street in Istanbul

About Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, a vibrant and mesmerizing city where East meets West. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture, Istanbul offers an unforgettable journey through time. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the iconic Blue Mosque, with its magnificent domes and intricate tilework. Explore the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, and witness the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans.

Stroll through the bustling streets of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Lose yourself in its labyrinthine alleys, filled with vibrant textiles, exquisite jewelry, aromatic spices, and unique handicrafts. Indulge in traditional Turkish cuisine at the city’s countless restaurants and street food stalls, savoring delicious kebabs, baklava, and Turkish tea.

Take a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, and admire the stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline, dotted with historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Beyoglu and Karakoy, known for their trendy cafes, art galleries, and lively nightlife. Visit the famous Istanbul Modern Art Museum to discover contemporary Turkish art or immerse yourself in history at the grandeur of the Basilica Cistern, an underground wonder from the Byzantine era.

Uncover the hidden gems of Istanbul, such as the charming neighborhood of Sultanahmet, the historic district of Kadikoy, or the picturesque Princes’ Islands just a short ferry ride away. Marvel at the beauty of the colorful mosaic-filled Chora Church or enjoy a traditional Turkish bath experience in one of the city’s historic hamams.

With its rich heritage, breathtaking landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere, Istanbul captivates the hearts of all who visit. Let the city’s timeless beauty and warm hospitality leave a lasting impression as you create unforgettable memories in this remarkable destination. Istanbul invites you to embrace its magic and embark on a journey of discovery.

Things to Know

Best Time to Visit:
All Year Round
Official Name:
Istanbul
Region – Continent:
Marmara – Europe & Asia
Area:
5,343 km²
Population:
16,000,000

Annual Average Weather

  • Temperature
  • Sun
  • Rain
  • Humidity
  • Wind

December
8 °C
(47 °F)
5 hours per day
107 mm per month
78

% average

11 mph average
January
6 °C
(43 °F)
5 hours per day
88 mm per month
79

% average

11 mph average
February
6 °C
(44 °F)
6 hours per day
75 mm per month
77

% average

12 mph average

March
9 °C
(48 °F)
7 hours per day
75 mm per month
75

% average

11 mph average
April
12 °C
(53 °F)
9 hours per day
50 mm per month
75

% average

9 mph average
May
17 °C
(62 °F)
11 hours per day
38 mm per month
73

% average

9 mph average

June
22 °C
(71 °F)
12 hours per day
35 mm per month
70

% average

9 mph average
July
24 °C
(76 °F)
12 hours per day
26 mm per month
69

% average

12 mph average
August
24 °C
(76 °F)
11 hours per day
24 mm per month
69

% average

12 mph average

September
21 °C
(70 °F)
9 hours per day
52 mm per month
70

% average

11 mph average
October
16 °C
(62 °F)
7 hours per day
80 mm per month
75

% average

11 mph average
November
12 °C
(54 °F)
6 hours per day
78 mm per month
77

% average

11 mph average

Istanbul Tours

    • Multi-Day Tour
    Visit Ephesus with our Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port

    Ephesus Luxury Private Tour from Istanbul

    Izmir Airport
    • Cultural
    • –
    • Historical
    From: €549.00
    • 3 Days
    Explore
    • Multi-Day Tour
    Woman in red dress in Pamukkale Travertines

    Istanbul, Ephesus and Pamukkale Luxury Tour

    Istanbul Airports
    • Cultural
    • –
    • Historical
    From: €1,429.00
    • 7 Days
    Explore
    • Multi-Day Tour

    Istanbul and Ephesus Luxury Private Tour

    Istanbul Airports
    • Cultural
    • –
    • Historical
    From: €1,239.00
    • 6 Days
    Explore
    • Event
    Visit Maiden Tower on Bosphorus with our Istanbul Private Yacht Tour

    Istanbul Private Yacht Tour

    Istanbul Hotels
    • Blue Cruise
    • –
    • Romance
    From: €299.00
    • 2 Hours
    Explore
    • Day Tour
    You will visit King's way during your Daily Ephesus Tour from Istanbul - Private Guided

    Ephesus Day Tour from Istanbul – Private Guided

    Istanbul Airports & Istanbul Hotels
    • Archeological
    • –
    • Biblical
    From: €449.00
    • 14 Hours
    Explore
    • Multi-Day Tour
    Take Hot Air Balloon Ride with our Two Days Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul

    Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul – Private Guided

    Istanbul Airports & Istanbul Hotels
    • Historical
    • –
    • Cultural
    From: €489.00
    • 2 Days
    Explore
    • Day Tour
    Visit Green Mosque in our Bursa Tour from Istanbul

    Daily Bursa Private Tour from Istanbul

    Istanbul Hotels
    • Historical
    • –
    • Cultural
    From: €179.00
    • 12 Hours
    Explore
    • Day Tour
    Buyukada at our Istanbul Princess Island Tour

    Istanbul Princess Island Private Tour

    Istanbul Hotels
    • City
    • –
    • Cultural
    From: €149.00
    • 8 Hours
    Explore
    • Day Tour
    aerial view of two continets of Istanbul

    Istanbul Two Continents Tour – Private Guided

    Istanbul Hotels
    • Cultural
    • –
    • Historical
    From: €147.00
    • 8 Hours
    Explore
    • Day Tour
    blue mosque

    Istanbul Private Guided Tour

    Istanbul Hotels
    • Cultural
    • –
    • Historical
    From: €129.00
    • 8 Hours
    Explore
    • Day Tour
    fresks in hagia sophia

    Istanbul Half-Day Private Tour

    Istanbul Hotels
    • Historical
    • –
    • City
    From: €89.00
    • 4 Hours
    Explore
    • Day Tour
    Morning view of Topkapi Palace at our Ottomon Relics Tour

    Ottoman Relics of Istanbul – Private Half-Day Tour

    Istanbul Hotels
    • Historical
    • –
    • City
    From: €119.00
    • 4 Hours
    Explore

Istanbul Travel Tips & Stories

How to go from Istanbul to Ephesus?
February 25, 2025

Ephesus, located between Selcuk and Kusadasi in modern Turkey, was once a thriving metropolis in the Roman Empire and is now a popular tourist destination for its well-preserved ruins and rich history. Here’s a guide on how to get Ephesus from Istanbul and make the most of your day trip.

Best 10 Places for Shopping in Istanbul – Istanbul Shopping Guide
July 28, 2023

DISTANCE SALES AGREEMENT

This Distance Sales Agreement (“Agreement”) is made between:

SELLER

Company Name: Ephesian Turizm Tic. LTD. STI.
Address: Ataturk Mah. 1023 Sok. No: 11/1, Selcuk – Izmir / Turkiye
Contact Information:

  • Mobile: +90 540 374 3787
  • Office: +90 232 892 2264
  • Email: hello@ephesiantourism.com
  • Tax Office: Selcuk
  • Tax ID Number: 3361305548
  • Trade Registry Information: Selçuk Chamber of Commerce, Trade Registration Number: 2593

CUSTOMER

Full Name: As provided by the buyer
Billing Address: As provided by the buyer
Email Address: As provided by the buyer
Phone Number: As provided by the buyer

By accepting this Agreement, the Customer consents to the terms of the sale as described below.

ARTICLE 1: SUBJECT OF THE AGREEMENT

This Agreement governs the remote sale of the following product/service as described below:

  • Tour/Service Description: As detailed and offered in the booking program or invoice.
  • Date of Service: As confirmed during booking or offered in the program.
  • Sales Price: As stated in the booking confirmation or invoice.

This Agreement is established in compliance with the Turkish Law on the Protection of Consumers (Law No. 6502) and the Regulation on Distance Contracts, ensuring the rights and obligations of the parties.

ARTICLE 2: DELIVERY OF SERVICE

  1. Delivery Scope:
    • The service or tour will be delivered to the Customer as per the details confirmed in the program or booking confirmation.
    • Tour confirmations, tickets, and additional details will be sent to the Customer’s provided email address. Note: Customers are responsible for ensuring that the email provided is functional and that they check their inbox (and spam/junk folders) promptly after booking.
  2. Flexibility of Itinerary:
    • The Seller reserves the right to modify the order of visits or itinerary based on operational circumstances such as weather, traffic, or availability.
    • All promised destinations and activities will still be covered by the end of the service period. The tour guide is authorized to make any necessary adjustments to the order of events for the overall benefit of the tour experience.
  3. Force Majeure:
    • In cases of delays or disruptions caused by unforeseen circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics, or government restrictions), the Seller will notify the Customer and attempt to offer alternative arrangements, reschedule the tour, or provide a refund at its discretion.

ARTICLE 3: PAYMENT TERMS

  • Payments must be made via the available methods offered during the booking process, including credit cards, bank transfers, or other accepted options.
  • The total cost of the order, including applicable taxes, is stated in the booking confirmation.
  • Payment is only considered complete when the full amount is successfully received by the Seller.

Secure Payments: All online payments are processed using certified systems that comply with industry-standard encryption and security practices.

Non-Payment: If payment cannot be processed for any reason, the Seller reserves the right to cancel the reservation until the issue is resolved.

ARTICLE 4: RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL & CANCELLATION

4.1 Right of Withdrawal

  • The Customer has the right to withdraw from this Agreement within 14 days of purchase without providing any reason, provided that:
    1. The service or tour has not commenced.
    2. No irreversible arrangements (e.g., accommodation, tickets, special bookings) have been made as part of the service.
  • To exercise the right of withdrawal, the Customer must submit a written request via email to hello@ephesiantourism.com.

Refund Timeline: Refunds for eligible withdrawals will be processed within up to 40 calendar days following the originally scheduled service date. Any applicable bank charges or transaction fees will be deducted from the refunded amount.

Acknowledgment of Withdrawal: The Seller will acknowledge the Customer’s withdrawal request within 3 business days of receiving it.

4.2 Cancellations Beyond the Withdrawal Period

After the 14-day withdrawal period, cancellations are subject to the terms outlined in the confirmed booking and cancellation policies, which include:

  1. Cancellation Deadlines and Penalties:
    • More than 45 Days Before Service: €150 per person as a planning fee.
    • 45 to 30 Days Before Service: 30% of the total cost per person, or €250 per person (whichever is higher).
    • 29 to 15 Days Before Service: 50% of the total cost per person, or €250 per person (whichever is higher).
    • Less than 14 Days Before Service: No refunds will be issued.
  2. Refund Policy:
    • Refunds, if applicable, will be issued according to the penalties and deadlines listed above. Bank and processing fees will be deducted from the refund.

Important Note:

  • Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour start time will be categorized under the “Less than 14 Days Before Service” clause, and no refunds will be issued.
  • Refunds for cancellations (where applicable) will follow the same refund timeline (up to 40 calendar days after the scheduled service date).

ARTICLE 5: SELLER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The Seller agrees to provide services as described and confirmed in the program or booking details.

If the Seller is unable to deliver services as promised (due to cancellations or other issues), the Customer will be provided with:

  1. Alternative services or equivalent arrangements.
  2. A full or partial refund, as applicable.

ARTICLE 6: CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

  • The Customer must provide accurate and complete information during the booking process (e.g., full name, contact details, travel dates).
  • The Customer must adhere to the agreed terms of the tour or service, including meeting points, schedules, and deadlines.
  • Any issues arising due to incorrect or incomplete information provided by the Customer may result in additional charges or service limitations.

ARTICLE 7: LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

The Seller is not liable for delays or disruptions caused by external factors beyond its control, including but not limited to:

  1. Force majeure events (natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions).
  2. Failures by third-party providers for transportation, accommodation, or similar services.

In such cases, the Seller’s liability is limited strictly to the total amount paid by the Customer under this Agreement.

ARTICLE 8: APPLICABLE LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

  • This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of Turkey.
  • Any disputes or concerns will first be handled amicably through direct communication between the parties.
  • If no resolution is achieved, the matter may be escalated to the Selçuk Consumer Arbitration Committee or the authorized courts where the Seller is headquartered.

ARTICLE 9: ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

  • By completing the payment during the booking process, the Customer confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in this Agreement.
  • This Agreement constitutes a legally binding contract between the Customer and the Seller.

Date of Agreement

As the purchase date indicated during booking.

These terms and conditions govern the use of Ephesian Tourism & DMC’s website, located at https://ephesiantourism.com. By accessing or using this website or any of its services, you acknowledge that you agree to these terms and conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please refrain from using our services.

Definitions

  • Client, You, or Your: Refers to any individual accessing the website and agreeing to the Company’s terms and conditions.
  • The Company, Ourselves, We, Our, or Us: Refers to Ephesian Tourism & DMC.
  • Party, or Parties: Refers collectively to the Client and the Company.
  • Departure Date, Scheduled Tour Departure Date: Refers to the starting date of your travel services.

Booking Policy

Reservation Process

  • Reservations can be made through our website, email, WhatsApp, or phone.
  • A minimum deposit of 50% of the total cost is required at the time of booking.
  • The remaining balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the scheduled departure date.
  • For reservations made within 30 days of the departure date, the full package amount must be paid upon booking.
  • In certain cases, we may offer flexible deposit amounts or alternative payment deadlines based on the specific conditions of your booking. Any special arrangements, such as a reduced deposit or revised payment schedule, will be indicated on your invoice.
  • In such cases, please refer to the payment deadlines and details shown on your invoice, which will override our standard reservation policies. Ensure all payments align with the specific terms outlined in the file sent to you.

Important Payment Deadlines

  • To secure your booking, please ensure all payments are completed by the specified deadlines. Reservations not paid in full by the 30-day deadline may be canceled, and the initial deposit may be forfeited.
  • If you experience difficulties with payment schedules, please contact us directly for assistance.
  • In cases where alternative payment deadlines or special arrangements have been agreed upon, the deadlines specified in your invoice will take precedence over standard deadlines.
  • We encourage you to review your invoice carefully to avoid any confusion and ensure payments are made on time to secure your bookings.

Payment Methods

We offer the following convenient payment options:

  1. Bank Transfer:
    • A 50% deposit is required upfront to secure the reservation.
    • A 2% bank charge applies to both the deposit and the remaining balance.
  2. Online Credit Card Payment:
    • Enjoy fast and secure payments through our online payment system.
    • A 4% bank charge applies to both the deposit and remaining balances.
    • Only 3D Secure Credit Cards are accepted. 3D Secure adds an extra layer of protection against fraudulent activities by verifying cardholder identity through a One-Time Password (OTP) sent via SMS or email.
  3. Cash Upon Arrival:
    • Available only if explicitly approved by your travel specialist during the booking process.
    • No additional fees apply for this method.

Booking Confirmation

After payment is received, you will receive a confirmation email containing all booking details. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, please contact us directly.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Deadlines and Fees

The following cancellation penalties apply:

Notice Period Before DepartureCancellation Fee
More than 45 Days€150 per person (planning fee).
45-30 Days30% of the total cost OR €250 per person (whichever is higher).
29-15 Days50% of the total cost OR €250 per person (whichever is higher).
Less than 14 DaysNo refund (treated as a no-show).

Examples for Clarity:

  • For a total cost of €1,000 per person, canceling 35 days before departure will result in a penalty of €300 (30%).
  • For a total cost of €700 per person, canceling under the same conditions will result in a penalty of €250, as 30% (€210) is less than €250.

Refund Policy

  • Refunds for cancellations (when applicable) will be processed within up to 40 calendar days following the originally scheduled departure date.
  • Bank charges and transaction fees will be deducted from the refunded amount.

Exceptions

  1. Customized Tour Packages:
    • Personalized packages that include discounted, special rates, or non-refundable services are non-refundable, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
  2. Force Majeure (Emergencies):
    • Exceptional circumstances such as natural disasters, government-imposed restrictions, health emergencies, travel bans, or other uncontrollable events may warrant special consideration.
    • In such cases, refunds, postponements, or fee waivers may be offered at the Company’s discretion. Please contact us to discuss such scenarios.

Cancellation Request Procedure

Cancellations can be requested via email, phone, or WhatsApp. Please include your booking details for efficient processing.

Modification Policy

Flexible Modifications

  • Changes to reservations are allowed free of charge, up to 8 days before your scheduled departure date.
  • For tailor-made tour packages that include special arrangements such as accommodation, flight tickets, or other non-standard services, the specific terms and conditions for those services will apply. These may involve fees or restrictions depending on the policies of the third-party providers involved.

Postponements

  • Reservations may be postponed within the same travel season, subject to availability. Postponements during festival seasons, national holidays, or public holidays are excluded.
  • For packages involving flight tickets, additional fees may apply. Price differences arising due to seasonal changes will be communicated during your postponement request.

Changes in Guest Numbers

  • The final cost is calculated based on the number of adults and children confirmed at the time of booking.
  • Reducing the number of guests after booking may result in price adjustments. Confirmed prices are based on the initially declared group size.

Emergency Assistance

For last-minute emergencies requiring modifications, please contact our 24/7 support line. Our team will do its best to accommodate your needs.

Day Tour Itineraries

  • All day tour itineraries are subject to slight changes in the order of site visits. While we are committed to covering all the promised sites listed in the itinerary, the order in which sites are visited may vary based on local conditions, traffic, weather, or other logistical factors.
  • On the day of the tour, the tour guide will have full authority to make decisions regarding the best sequence of site visits to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.
  • Rest assured, every effort will be made to ensure all scheduled sites and experiences are delivered by the end of the day.

Important Notices

  • Our booking, cancellation, and modification policies are subject to change without prior notice.
  • Customers are responsible for reviewing the most recent version of these terms before making payments or reservations.

Additional Recommendations

  • We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your booking against cancellations, schedule changes, or unforeseen emergencies.
  • For any disputes, we prioritize resolving them amicably before further legal action is pursued.

Legal Governance

These terms are governed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Türkiye.

  • Any disputes will fall under the jurisdiction of the Türkiye Consumer Courts.

Need Assistance?

We’re committed to making your travel experience seamless and enjoyable. For any inquiries or further clarification, please feel free to contact us via:
Email: hello@ephesiantourism.com
Phone: +90 232 892 2264
WhatsApp: +90 540 374 3787