Highlights
- 2-day Mytilene Port Ephesus ferry package: Cross to Ayvalik, continue toward the Selcuk area and return to Mytilene Port after the route.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Spend the main sightseeing day among marble streets, Roman public spaces and the archaeological heart of the region.
- St. John Basilica: Visit Ayasoluk Hill for a focused early Christian heritage stop near ancient Ephesus.
- Group ferry-return structure: Keep the port meeting, Turkey-side transfer, overnight pacing, Selcuk lunch stop and Mytilene Port finish in one plan.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You get a fuller Ephesus and St. John Basilica experience from Mytilene Port without forcing the whole route into a single day.
- The 1-night, 2-day format gives the group route more breathing room between the ferry crossing, overnight area and guided sightseeing.
- The route keeps attention on the Ephesus and St. John core: Ephesus Ancient City, Basilica of St. John, Selcuk context and the return ferry connection.
- It works well for travelers who want a clear Mytilene Port start and finish with Turkey-side Ephesus planning handled in sequence.
Overview
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Day 1
Mytilene Port to Kusadasi / Selcuk Region
Begin the port-to-Turkey connection and continue toward the overnight area.
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The first day is reserved for the Mytilene Port ferry crossing, Ayvalik arrival and the transfer toward the Kusadasi or Selcuk accommodation area.
This Day Physical Rating: Easy This Day Intensity: Full DayMytilene Ferry PortMeet directly at Mytilene Ferry Port.
The package begins at Mytilene Ferry Port, where guests meet for the ferry crossing toward Ayvalik.
TicketsFerry ticket (Mytilene Port to Ayvalik Ferry Port) IncludedAyvalik Ferry Port ArrivalArrive on the Turkish coast at Ayvalik.
After arrival at Ayvalik Ferry Port, the Turkey-side transfer continues toward the Kusadasi or Selcuk accommodation area.
Hotel Check-in / Overnight Stay (Kusadasi / Selcuk Area)Check in near the Ephesus route area.
The overnight is planned in the Kusadasi or Selcuk region so the next day can focus on the Ephesus and St. John Basilica route before the Mytilene return ferry.
Accommodation & Hotel MealsOvernight accommodation IncludedHotel dinner Included -
Day 2
Ephesus / Selcuk Region and Mytilene Port Return
Visit the Ephesus route and return to Mytilene Port.
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Different tour end?
The second day combines the local Ephesus route with the Ayvalik to Mytilene return ferry connection.
This Day Physical Rating: Easy This Day Intensity: Full Day
Historic Celsus Library Stone Detail 
Architectural Layers of Celsus Library 
Restored Front of Celsus Library 
Classical Design of Celsus Library 
Historic Setting Beside Celsus Library 
Public Monument Face of Celsus Library 
Visitor View of Heracles Gate 
Hadrian Temple from the Street Side 
Historic Detail at St. John Basilica 
Path Through St. John Basilica Ruins Hotel Check-out / DepartureCheck out and start the Ephesus route.
After hotel check-out, depart toward Ephesus Ancient City for the guided sightseeing day.
Ephesus Ancient CityExplore the signature archaeological highlight of western Turkey.
Walk through the marble streets, monumental public spaces and layered Roman-era remains of Ephesus Ancient City.
Entrance FeesEphesus Ancient City , €40 IncludedTerrace Houses of Ephesus , €15 Excluded OptionalEphesus Ancient City is the main historical visit of this Mytilene Port 1-night 2-day ferry route after the overnight stay in the Kusadasi or Selcuk area. The guided walk moves through Curetes Street, marble streets, agora areas, theatre remains, fountains and the Library of Celsus, helping visitors understand Ephesus as a complete Roman city rather than a collection of separate ruins.
Reading the site as a connected urban layout makes the visit much richer. Street lines, civic spaces and architectural remains still show how people moved, traded, gathered and lived inside one of the most important ancient cities of western Anatolia. Terrace Houses are not part of the standard route, but guests who want to visit them may enter optionally by paying the separate entrance fee on site.
Questions
Why is Ephesus the main sightseeing stop on this Mytilene Port 1-night 2-day route?
Ephesus is the central archaeological destination of the tour, with Roman streets, civic spaces, theatre remains and the Library of Celsus forming the main guided visit.What should visitors notice inside Ephesus?
Curetes Street, marble streets, agora areas, fountains, facade remains and the theatre help explain how the ancient city worked as an urban center.How is Ephesus best understood during the visit?
It is best read as a connected Roman city where trade, ceremony, public movement and daily life can still be traced through the surviving layout.Are Terrace Houses included in the standard Ephesus route?
No. Terrace Houses are not part of the standard route in this tour, but guests who want to visit them may enter optionally by paying the separate entrance fee on site.Is Ephesus mostly an outdoor walking site?
Yes. Ephesus is an open-air archaeological site with uneven ancient surfaces, so supportive shoes, water and sun protection are useful.
St. John BasilicaVisit one of Selcuk's most important early Christian landmarks.
Continue to St. John Basilica on Ayasoluk Hill, a landmark connected with early Christian heritage and the history of Selcuk.
Entrance FeesSt. John Basilica , €6 IncludedSt. John Basilica adds the Christian and Byzantine layer of Selcuk after the Roman setting of Ephesus. Located on Ayasuluk Hill and traditionally associated with St. John the Apostle, the basilica helps explain why the region remained spiritually important long after the classical city period.
The surviving church outline, arches, columns, baptistery area and traditional tomb area help visitors imagine the former sacred complex. This stop gives the day a quieter historical dimension before lunch in Selcuk and the return transfer toward Ayvalik for the Mytilene ferry connection.
Questions
Why is St. John Basilica included after Ephesus?
It adds the Christian and Byzantine layer of Selcuk and helps connect the Roman story of Ephesus with later sacred history on Ayasuluk Hill.What can visitors see at St. John Basilica?
The site includes the church outline, arches, columns, baptistery area and traditional tomb area linked with the former basilica complex.What makes St. John Basilica historically important?
The basilica is traditionally associated with St. John the Apostle and remains one of the key Christian heritage sites of the region.
Lunch Stop (Selcuk) LPause for lunch in the Selcuk area.
The lunch stop gives the day a natural break after the main archaeological visits.
MealsLunch meal IncludedLunch Stop in Selcuk creates a practical local pause between the main historical visits and the later return toward the ferry connection. Around Selcuk, food culture often reflects the Aegean setting, with olive oil dishes, seasonal vegetables, soups, salads, grilled plates, pide or similar regional meals appearing depending on the day's operation.
This text does not promise a fixed restaurant or exact menu. It is there to explain the meal stop as local context near Ephesus and St. John Basilica while keeping expectations aligned with flexible tour-day restaurant planning.
Questions
Why is lunch planned in Selcuk on this route?
Selcuk keeps the meal stop close to Ephesus and St. John Basilica, making the sightseeing day more efficient and comfortable before the return ferry connection to Mytilene.What type of food is common around Selcuk?
Aegean-style options may include olive oil dishes, seasonal vegetables, soups, salads, grilled plates, pide or similar regional meals depending on operation.Is the Selcuk lunch menu fixed?
No. The restaurant and menu can vary, so the destination note gives local food context rather than a fixed menu promise.Lunch & Sponsored Shopping/Workshop Stop L SponsoredPause for lunch in the Selcuk area.
The lunch stop gives the day a natural break after the main archaeological visits.
MealsLunch meal IncludedAyvalik Ferry Port Return TransferArrive at Ayvalik Ferry Port for the return crossing.
The return transfer reaches Ayvalik Ferry Port with time reserved for port formalities and boarding.
Ayvalik to Mytilene FerryCross back from Ayvalik to Mytilene.
The return ferry connects Ayvalik with Mytilene before the final port drop-off.
TicketsFerry ticket (Ayvalik Ferry Port to Mytilene Port) IncludedMytilene Ferry Port Drop-off Different tour end?Finish at Mytilene Ferry Port.
The package ends at Mytilene Ferry Port after the return ferry crossing.
Different tour end?Accommodation & Hotel MealsHotel breakfast Included
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Reach out to our travel experts.
What's Included
- Day 1: Overnight accommodation (Hotel Check-in / Overnight Stay (Kusadasi / Selcuk Area)).
- Day 1: Hotel Dinner meal.
- Day 2: Hotel Breakfast meal, Lunch meal.
- Ephesus Ancient City.
- St. John Basilica.
- Day 1: Ferry ticket (Mytilene Port to Ayvalik Ferry Port).
- Day 2: Ferry ticket (Ayvalik Ferry Port to Mytilene Port).
- Licensed professional tour guide.
- Air-conditioned tour vehicle.
- Transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- Pick-up from your hotel or meeting point.
- Drop-off at your hotel or meeting point.
- Parking fees.
- Local taxes.
What's Not Included
- Drinks.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses.
- Terrace Houses of Ephesus, €15.Optional
- Gratuities to guides and drivers.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa fees if required.
Informations
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes and casual clothing.
- Please dress according to the season and weather conditions.
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended in sunny weather.
- Bring water, especially on hot days.
- Cameras are welcome, but tripods may not be permitted in some museums and archaeological sites.
- Guests should watch their step at all times to avoid injuries.
- Please check the weather forecast before your tour.
- Respectful clothing is recommended for visits to mosques and churches.
- For international ferry routes, please bring your passport and any required travel documents.
- A small overnight bag is recommended for this 2-day ferry package.
- This tour involves walking on uneven and cobblestone surfaces.
- The exact pick-up time will be confirmed after booking.
- The tour route may be adjusted due to weather, traffic, or site conditions.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please be ready at your confirmed pick-up or meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Ferry schedules may change due to sea conditions, weather, or port authority regulations.
- This is a Mytilene Port-return package; the same-day Lesbos-return format is not used for this route.
Your Peace of Mind Options
Cancellation Policy
A transparent overview of applicable fees.
Tour Reminder!
You can create a reminder for yourself for this tour. We will send you a reminder e-mail/sms about this tour on the date you specify.
FAQs
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What does the 2-day Mytilene Port to Ephesus group ferry package cover?
This shared package starts directly at Mytilene Ferry Port, crosses to Ayvalik Ferry Port, and continues to the Kusadasi or Selcuk hotel area for one overnight stay. On the second day, the route visits Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica, includes a Selcuk lunch stop, and returns by ferry from Ayvalik to Mytilene Port. -
Does this package return to Mytilene Port?
Yes. This itinerary is arranged as a Mytilene Port return ferry package. It begins at Mytilene Ferry Port and finishes at Mytilene Ferry Port after the Ayvalik to Mytilene ferry on the second day. -
Are pickup areas included for this Mytilene Port version?
No separate pickup areas are used for this port-based version. The route starts with meeting directly at Mytilene Ferry Port and finishes at Mytilene Ferry Port after the return ferry. -
Which ferry ports are used during the route?
The outbound ferry travels from Mytilene Ferry Port to Ayvalik Ferry Port. On the second day, after the Ephesus and St. John Basilica route, the return ferry travels from Ayvalik Ferry Port back to Mytilene Ferry Port. -
Where is the overnight stay arranged?
The overnight stay is planned around the Kusadasi or Selcuk area, close to the Ephesus region. This keeps the second-day Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica route practical before the Ayvalik to Mytilene return ferry. -
What is visited on the guided sightseeing day?
The guided sightseeing day focuses on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica, with a Selcuk lunch stop during the route. After the visits, the group continues toward Ayvalik Ferry Port for the ferry back to Mytilene. -
How long is this Mytilene Port ferry package?
The package is arranged as a 2-day route with one overnight stay and an average duration of about 24 hours across the full travel flow. Ferry schedules, port procedures and Turkey-side transfers can affect the exact timing of each segment. -
Can I book this 2-day group package online by credit card?
Yes. You can reserve the group package online by credit card, and the booking details show the selected date, Mytilene Port return structure and route information before confirmation. -
What is the Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee for this group package?
Ephesus Ancient City has its own entrance fee. For this group package, the mapped Ephesus Ancient City visit cost is handled as an included route cost in the tour setup. Ephesus Ancient City entry fee is €40. -
Is the Terrace Houses entrance fee included in this route?
Terrace Houses are an optional section inside Ephesus Ancient City and have a separate entrance fee. In this group route, Terrace Houses are optional and are not part of the standard included visit cost. Terrace Houses of Ephesus entry fee is €15. -
What is the St. John Basilica entrance fee for this group tour?
St. John Basilica has its own entrance fee. For this group package, the mapped St. John Basilica visit cost is handled as an included route cost in the tour setup. St. John Basilica entry fee is €6.
Good to Know
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Start and finish at Mytilene Port
This route suits travelers who can meet at Mytilene Ferry Port and want to finish at the same port after the return ferry from Ayvalik. There are no separate pickup areas for this port-based version. -
Prepare for ferry formalities on both days
Keep the documents required for the Mytilene and Ayvalik ferry connection easy to reach on both travel days. Port procedures are part of the route, so practical flexibility is useful. -
Pack lightly for one night
A compact overnight bag is easier for this route than large luggage. Bring essentials for one night, personal medication and items you may need during the ferry and transfer sections. -
Wear comfortable shoes for Ephesus
Ephesus Ancient City includes stone streets, open archaeological areas and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and water are recommended for the sightseeing day.
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