Highlights
- Lesbos 2-day Ephesus ferry return package: Cross from Mytilene to Ayvalik and continue toward the Kusadasi and Selcuk area.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Follow the Roman city route, marble streets and main archaeological landmarks with group guiding.
- St. John Basilica: Visit Ayasoluk Hill for early Christian heritage connected with ancient Ephesus.
- Lesbos return flow: Balance ferry travel, overnight-area pacing, Selcuk sightseeing, Ayvalik return transfer and final island drop-off.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You can start and finish on Lesbos while using the Ayvalik ferry connection to reach the Ephesus region.
- The 1-night, 2-day rhythm gives the island crossing, Turkey-side road travel, Ephesus visit and return ferry a clearer pace.
- The group package keeps the Ephesus and St. John focus on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica near Selcuk.
- It suits Lesbos travelers who want an Ephesus experience without ending the trip elsewhere in Turkey.
Overview
-
Day 1
Lesbos to Kusadasi / Selcuk Region
B
D
Skala Kallonis Hotel / Meeting Point Pick-up
Pickup from Skala Kallonis for the Lesbos ferry package route.
Begin from the confirmed Skala Kallonis hotel or meeting point and continue to Mytilene Ferry Port for the ferry connection to Ayvalik.
Breakfast Break / Mytilene Port Area BEarly breakfast break before ferry formalities.
A practical breakfast break is planned around the Mytilene Port area before ferry check-in and boarding.
MealsBreakfast meal IncludedBreakfast Break near Mytilene Port helps pace this Lesbos departure before the ferry crossing and the overnight route into the Kusadasi or Selcuk region. Around Mytilene Port, practical travel breakfasts may include tea, coffee, bread, eggs, cheese, olives, tomatoes, pastries or other simple items depending on the day's operation and timing.
This note is not a promise of a fixed venue or exact menu. Its purpose is to frame the stop as a comfortable pre-departure pause and to give travelers realistic food context before the ferry segment and the overnight program in Turkey.
Questions
Why is a breakfast break included near Mytilene Port before departure?
The island departure starts with a ferry connection, so the breakfast break helps make the early travel sequence more comfortable before the overnight mainland program begins.What kind of breakfast may travelers find near Mytilene Port?
Depending on the stop, travelers may find tea, coffee, bread, eggs, cheese, olives, tomatoes, pastries or similar simple travel breakfast items.Is the Mytilene breakfast venue or menu fixed?
No. The stop is part of the travel rhythm, but the exact venue and menu can vary according to the day's operation.Mytilene Ferry PortBoard the ferry from Mytilene to Ayvalik.
Ferry check-in and boarding are completed at Mytilene Ferry Port before crossing to Ayvalik.
TicketsFerry ticket (Mytilene Port to Ayvalik Ferry Port) IncludedAyvalik Ferry Port ArrivalArrival in Ayvalik and Turkey-side transfer.
After arrival at Ayvalik Ferry Port, the group continues by road toward the Kusadasi or Selcuk accommodation area.
Hotel Check-in / Overnight Stay (Kusadasi / Selcuk Area)Check in for the overnight stay.
The overnight stay is arranged in the Kusadasi or Selcuk region according to package availability and the operating date.
Accommodation & Hotel MealsOvernight accommodation IncludedHotel dinner Included -
Day 2
Ephesus / Selcuk Region and Lesbos Return
B
L
Different tour end?
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 / DepartureDepart for the Ephesus and Selcuk route.
After hotel breakfast and check-out, depart from the Kusadasi or Selcuk accommodation area for the guided Ephesus route.
Ephesus Ancient CityExplore the ancient city of Ephesus.
Walk through the main monuments, marble streets and archaeological layers of Ephesus Ancient City with the licensed guide.
Entrance FeesEphesus Ancient City , €40 IncludedTerrace Houses of Ephesus , €15 Excluded OptionalEphesus Ancient City is the main historical visit of this Lesbos 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 Lesbos 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 the Basilica of St. John.
Visit St. John Basilica on Ayasoluk Hill, one of the key Christian heritage landmarks 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 Lesbos 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) LLunch break in the Selcuk area.
Take a lunch break in the Selcuk area after the Ephesus and St. John Basilica 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 Lesbos.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 SponsoredLunch break in the Selcuk area.
Take a lunch break in the Selcuk area after the Ephesus and St. John Basilica visits.
MealsLunch meal IncludedAyvalik Ferry Port Return TransferReturn transfer toward Ayvalik Ferry Port.
After the Selcuk route, continue by road toward Ayvalik Ferry Port for the return ferry to Mytilene.
Ayvalik to Mytilene FerryReturn ferry from Ayvalik to Mytilene.
Board the return ferry from Ayvalik Ferry Port to Mytilene Ferry Port according to the confirmed sailing.
TicketsFerry ticket (Ayvalik Ferry Port to Mytilene Port) IncludedMytilene Ferry Port ArrivalArrival back at Mytilene Ferry Port.
After arrival at Mytilene Ferry Port, continue with the final island-side drop-off transfer.
Skala Kallonis Hotel / Meeting Point Drop-off Different tour end?Final drop-off in Skala Kallonis after the return ferry route.
After the return ferry arrives at Mytilene Ferry Port, continue with the final local transfer to the confirmed Skala Kallonis hotel or meeting point.
Different tour end?Accommodation & Hotel MealsHotel breakfast Included
Got a question about this tour?
Reach out to our travel experts.
What's Included
- Day 1: Overnight accommodation (Hotel Check-in / Overnight Stay (Kusadasi / Selcuk Area)).
- Day 1: Breakfast meal, 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 Lesbos-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
-
What does the 2-day Lesbos to Ephesus group ferry package cover?
This shared package starts from the confirmed Lesbos hotel or pickup area, continues through Mytilene Ferry Port to Ayvalik, and reaches 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 before final Lesbos drop-off. -
Does this package return to Lesbos?
Yes. This itinerary is arranged as a Lesbos return ferry package. It begins from the confirmed Lesbos hotel or meeting area and ends back in Lesbos after the Ayvalik to Mytilene ferry and final island drop-off. -
Which Lesbos pickup areas can join this tour?
Pickup can be arranged from Molyvos / Mithymna, Petra, Anaxos, Skala Kallonis, Skala Eressos, Plomari, Agios Isidoros, Vatera and Sigri. The selected pickup area is used for the Lesbos-side start and final island drop-off plan. -
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 Lesbos 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, pickup area, Lesbos 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
-
Plan around a Lesbos return ferry package
This route suits travelers who want Lesbos pickup, the Mytilene to Ayvalik ferry connection, one overnight stay near the Ephesus region and final drop-off back on Lesbos after the return ferry. -
Confirm your Lesbos pickup area
Pickup areas include Molyvos / Mithymna, Petra, Anaxos, Skala Kallonis, Skala Eressos, Plomari, Agios Isidoros, Vatera and Sigri. Check the selected area carefully because it affects both the first-day pickup and final island drop-off plan. -
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 and Ephesus walking
A compact overnight bag is easier for this route than large luggage. Comfortable shoes, sun protection and water are recommended for Ephesus Ancient City and its open archaeological areas.
Want to read it later?
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline
Similar Tours
Private 2-Day Ephesus and St. John Basilica Tour from Lesbos by Ferry
From: Lesbos - End: Lesbos
1 Night/2 Days
View Tour
This tour also has a private tour version.
