28 Jul 2021
Many thanks to Ozgur for very prompt assistance with the booking.
The tour started in the morning with your flight out from Istanbul at 0630HRs. Arrived at Izmir around 0800HRs--ish. Picked up by the tour driver and this would be the car being used on the tour. The tour guide was picked up on the way to the House of Mary. House of Mary was good, if a little underwhelming. Understandably so since it was the house of a very pious woman and mother of Son of God/prophet (depending on your religion). Do not forget to leave a wish on the famous wall here. Do not buy souvenirs here and wait until Ephesus for that.
Ephesus was an excellent sight. Watch out for the marble floors while walking. Ensure to visit inside of the Library of Celsius and take pics there. You will visit the site of Temple of Artemis soon after lunch.
The tour was a bit tiring on account of the long travels involved (flights in and out of Istanbul plus 45min travel both ways from Izmir to Ephesus). Also, is best to substitute the leather making/rug making/pottery sessions with a museum visit instead. The lady guide appeared to be more interested in walking you through the money-making shops in the vicinity than moving on to the next site.
The tour could have offered a free lunch and museum visit due to the large cost involved. But overall, I liked the tour.