Highlights
- No-shopping Kos to Izmir ferry route: Cross from Kos to Bodrum and continue through Turkey to the Ephesus and St. John heritage sites.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk marble streets, public buildings and monumental spaces with your guide.
- St. John Basilica: Visit Ayasoluk Hill for the early Christian heritage layer connected with Ephesus.
- Turkey-ended day flow: Combine Kos pickup, ferry routing, Bodrum arrival, focused visits and final Izmir drop-off in one plan.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You can start from Kos and spend your Turkey-side time on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica without shopping stops.
- The group format keeps the one-way day clear, moving from Kos Port to Bodrum, Selcuk sightseeing and final drop-off in Izmir.
- The route pairs the monumental Roman city of Ephesus with the early Christian heritage of St. John Basilica.
- It suits travelers leaving Kos who want a no-shopping Ephesus and St. John experience and a planned continuation to Izmir.
Overview
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Kardamena Pick-up
Shared pickup from Kardamena before the Kos Port ferry connection.
Meet in Kardamena and transfer to Kos Port for the ferry connection to Bodrum. This can be a longer Kos island transfer, so pickup timing should be confirmed carefully.
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Breakfast Break / Kos Port Area
Early breakfast break before the ferry connection.
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Pause around the Kos Port area before boarding formalities for the ferry to Bodrum.
MealsBreakfast meal IncludedBreakfast Break near Kos Port gives the day a practical pause before the ferry crossing from Kos to Bodrum. Depending on the operation and available venue, this may be a simple early meal or light refreshment around the port area before boarding formalities.
The exact venue and menu can vary, so this destination text should be read as flexible route guidance rather than a fixed breakfast promise. Its purpose is to make the early island departure more comfortable before the Turkey-side sightseeing route begins.
Questions
Why is there a breakfast break near Kos Port?
The ferry day starts early, so the breakfast break gives travelers a practical pause before port formalities and the crossing to Bodrum.Is the breakfast menu fixed?
No. The venue and menu can vary by operation and timing, so it should be treated as a flexible port-area break rather than a guaranteed menu. -
Kos Ferry Port
Board the ferry from Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port.
Complete port formalities at Kos Port and board the ferry connection to Bodrum.
TicketsFerry ticket (Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port) Included -
Bodrum Ferry Port Arrival
Arrival at Bodrum Ferry Port after the ferry crossing.
Meet the Turkey-side team at Bodrum Ferry Port and continue by road toward the Ephesus and Selcuk route.
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Ephesus Ancient City
The main archaeological highlight of the Ephesus region.
Walk through the marble streets, public buildings and monumental spaces of Ephesus Ancient City with your guide. 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.
Entrance FeesEphesus Ancient City , €40 IncludedTerrace Houses of Ephesus , €15 Excluded OptionalEphesus Ancient City is the main archaeological destination after the ferry crossing from Kos to Bodrum and the road journey toward Selcuk. The guided route follows Curetes Street, marble streets, agora spaces, fountains, gates, theatre remains and the Library of Celsus.
The site is best understood as a connected Roman city where public spaces, street lines and restored facades explain movement, trade, ceremony and daily life. Terrace Houses are not part of the standard route, but guests may visit them optionally by paying the separate entrance fee on site.
Questions
Why is Ephesus the main stop on this Kos to Izmir route?
Ephesus is the central archaeological site of the route, with Roman streets, public buildings, gates, 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, restored facades and the theatre help explain how Roman Ephesus functioned as a city.Are the Terrace Houses included in the standard route?
No. Terrace Houses are optional and require a separate entrance fee if guests choose to visit them on site.Is Ephesus mostly outdoors?
Yes. Ephesus is an open-air archaeological site with ancient paving and uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes and sun protection are useful.
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St. John Basilica
A key early Christian landmark on Ayasoluk Hill.
Continue to St. John Basilica and connect the Ephesus region with the early Christian heritage of Selcuk.
Entrance FeesSt. John Basilica , €6 IncludedSt. John Basilica adds the Christian and Byzantine layer to the Kos-to-Turkey route after Ephesus Ancient City. Located on Ayasuluk Hill in Selcuk, the basilica is traditionally associated with St. John the Apostle and remains an important sacred landmark near ancient Ephesus.
The church outline, arches, columns, baptistery area and traditional tomb area help visitors understand the former hilltop complex. This quieter stop connects Roman Ephesus with later belief, pilgrimage and Selcuk history.
Questions
What is the importance of St. John Basilica?
St. John Basilica is traditionally associated with St. John the Apostle and represents an important Christian and Byzantine layer near Ephesus.What can be seen at St. John Basilica?
Visitors can see the church outline, arches, columns, baptistery area and traditional tomb area on Ayasuluk Hill.Why is St. John Basilica included after Ephesus?
It connects the Roman city story of Ephesus with the later Christian heritage of Selcuk and Ayasuluk Hill.
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Lunch Stop (Selcuk)
A practical regional lunch break in the Selcuk area.
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Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before continuing toward Izmir.
MealsLunch meal IncludedLunch Stop in Selcuk gives the Turkey-side route a practical regional pause near Ephesus and St. John Basilica. Around Selcuk, Aegean-style meals may include olive oil dishes, seasonal vegetables, soups, salads, grilled plates or simple local options depending on operation.
The exact restaurant and menu can vary, so this destination text gives food context rather than a fixed dining promise. The stop helps balance the sightseeing route before the onward road section toward Izmir.
Questions
Why is lunch planned in Selcuk?
Selcuk is close to Ephesus and St. John Basilica, so lunch can be taken near the main sightseeing area before continuing toward Izmir.What type of food is common around Selcuk?
Aegean-style options may include olive oil dishes, seasonal vegetables, soups, salads, grilled plates or similar local meals depending on operation.Is the Selcuk lunch menu fixed?
No. The restaurant and menu can vary by operation, so the lunch note gives regional food context rather than a fixed menu promise. -
Lunch & Sponsored Shopping/Workshop Stop
Includes a sponsored shopping/workshop stop.
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Sponsored
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before continuing toward Izmir.
MealsLunch meal Included -
Dinner Break on Route
Dinner break before the final Izmir drop-off.
D
Take a dinner break on the route toward Izmir before the final drop-off.
MealsDinner meal IncludedDinner Break on Route helps pace the one-way journey toward Izmir after the Ephesus and Selcuk visits. Depending on the stop and operation, travelers may find simple road-meal choices such as soups, salads, grilled dishes, vegetables or local-style plates.
This dinner break is not tied to a guaranteed restaurant or fixed menu. Its role is to make the final Turkey-side road section more comfortable before the confirmed Izmir drop-off.
Questions
Why is there a dinner break before Izmir drop-off?
The route continues toward Izmir after the Selcuk visits, so a dinner break helps pace the final road section before drop-off.Is the dinner break tied to a guaranteed menu?
No. The exact stop and menu can vary, so the dinner information should be read as practical route context rather than a fixed dining promise. -
Izmir Drop-off
End the Turkey-ended day tour in Izmir.
Different tour end?
Different tour end?
Finish the one-way Kos to Ephesus group day tour with drop-off at the confirmed Izmir city point.
Got a question about this tour?
Reach out to our travel experts.
What's Included
- Breakfast meal.
- Lunch meal.
- Dinner meal.
- Ephesus Ancient City.
- St. John Basilica.
- Ferry ticket (Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry 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.
- This is a Turkey-ended one-way product and does not return to Kos on the same day.
- 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.
- Final drop-off is in Izmir; Kos return ferry is not included in this same-day product.
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 this no-shopping Ephesus and St. John Basilica group tour from Kos cover?
This no-shopping group day tour starts from the Kos hotel or island meeting area, continues to Kos Port for the ferry to Bodrum, and then follows a Turkey-side road route to Ephesus and Selcuk. The guided sightseeing covers Ephesus Ancient City, St. John Basilica, a Selcuk lunch stop and a dinner break on route before the final Izmir drop-off.
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Is this Kos to Ephesus tour a shared group tour?
Yes. This is the shared group version from Kos by ferry with Izmir drop-off. Guests follow coordinated island pickup, Kos-Bodrum ferry crossing, Turkey-side shared transfer, guided Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica visits, and final drop-off in Izmir.
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How long does the Kos to Ephesus ferry tour usually take?
The group route is planned as a full-day tour of approximately 12 hours. Timing can vary with Kos pickup flow, port formalities, ferry schedule, Bodrum-side transfer timing, sightseeing pace, meal stops and the final transfer to Izmir.
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Is this Kos ferry tour no-shopping?
Yes. This tour is marked as no-shopping, so the focus stays on the Kos-Bodrum ferry connection, Ephesus Ancient City, St. John Basilica, Selcuk lunch and the one-way route ending in Izmir.
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Which Kos pickup areas can be used for this tour?
The Kos route can be shown with pickup versions such as Lambi, Psalidi, Tigaki or Tingaki, Marmari, Mastichari, Kardamena, Kefalos, Agios Fokas and Therma Beach. The sightseeing route stays the same, while the island pickup wording changes according to the selected Kos area.
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Where does this Kos route finish?
This specific Ephesus and St. John route is a Turkey-ended day tour. It starts from Kos by ferry, continues through Bodrum and the Ephesus region, and finishes at the confirmed Izmir drop-off point.
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What documents are needed for the Kos to Turkey ferry route?
Because the route crosses from Greece to Turkey, guests should carry the passport and any visa or entry document required for their nationality. Port formalities and reporting details should be checked before travel.
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Can I book this Kos group tour online?
Yes. This group tour can be booked online, and online credit card payment is available through the website. The confirmed reservation should show the selected date, Kos pickup details, ferry-related status, document readiness and Izmir drop-off plan.
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Is the Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee included in this group tour?
Yes. The required Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee is included in this Kos group tour. The linked fee information is shown separately so travelers can also understand the attraction cost. Ephesus Ancient City entry fee is €40.
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Is the St. John Basilica entrance fee included in this group tour?
Yes. St. John Basilica is part of the main sightseeing route, and its required entrance fee is included in the group tour structure for this Kos departure. St. John Basilica entry fee is €6.
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Is the Terrace Houses entrance fee included on this route?
No. Terrace Houses are not part of the standard route. They remain optional under the Ephesus visit when timing allows, and the separate Terrace Houses entrance fee is not included. Terrace Houses of Ephesus entry fee is €15.
Good to Know
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This is a no-shopping one-way ferry route
The route starts in Kos, crosses to Bodrum by ferry, visits Ephesus and St. John Basilica, and finishes in Izmir rather than returning to Kos.
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Passport and entry documents matter
The route crosses from Greece to Turkey, so passport, visa or entry-document requirements should be checked before the travel date.
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Ferry schedule shapes the day
Port reporting, ferry timing, document checks, Bodrum-side transfer and the final Izmir drop-off shape the overall operation.
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Prepare for Ephesus walking
Ephesus is an open-air archaeological site with marble streets, uneven sections and limited shade. Comfortable shoes, water and sun protection are recommended.
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