Highlights
- 2-day Rhodes to Ephesus ferry package: Cross to Marmaris, continue to the Ephesus region and return to Rhodes the next day.
- Overnight Ephesus-region pacing: Give the long Rhodes-to-Turkey route room for the guided Selcuk visit and return ferry connection.
- House of Virgin Mary: Visit the peaceful pilgrimage site on the slopes above Ephesus during the guided route.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk through one of Turkey's most important Roman archaeological sites with guide-led context.
- Temple of Artemis: Add a concise stop at the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Isa Bey Mosque: Complete the Selcuk heritage route with a Seljuk-era landmark before the overnight stage.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- It makes the Rhodes to Ephesus route more realistic by spreading the ferry travel and sightseeing over two days.
- The overnight pacing keeps the guided Selcuk visit separate from the return connection to Rhodes.
- You see Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque in one classic Ephesus heritage route.
- The return-to-Rhodes structure suits travelers who want the Ephesus experience while closing the package back on the island.
Overview
-
Day 1
Rhodes to Ephesus and Overnight Route
Ferry crossing, Ephesus tour and overnight stay.
L
D
Start from Rhodes, cross to Marmaris, visit the Ephesus region and stay overnight in the Kusadasi / Selcuk area.
This Day Physical Rating: Easy This Day Intensity: Full Day
Scholarly Memory at the Celsus Library 
Architectural Language of the Celsus Library 
Corinthian Stone Detail at Celsus Library 
Carved Stonework of the Celsus Library 
Courtyard Angle Toward the Library of Celsus 
Elegant Roman Facade at the Celsus Library 
Temple of Hadrian on the Curetes Street Walk 
Nativity Display at the Virgin Mary Shrine 
Archaeological Site of the Temple of Artemis 
Three-Arched Approach to Isa Bey Mosque Pickup from KiotariMeet from the Kiotari pickup area and continue to Rhodes Port.
Your pickup is arranged from the confirmed Kiotari hotel or meeting point. From there, the route connects with the Rhodes parent ferry package at Rhodes Port for the crossing to Marmaris.
Rhodes Ferry PortCheck-in for the Rhodes to Marmaris ferry.
Port formalities and ferry boarding are completed at Rhodes Port.
Ferry to MarmarisFerry crossing from Rhodes to Marmaris.
Travel by ferry from Rhodes Port to Marmaris Cruise Port.
TicketsFerry ticket (Rhodes Port to Marmaris Cruise Port) IncludedMarmaris Port ArrivalMeet the Turkey-side vehicle at Marmaris Port.
After arrival in Marmaris, meet the vehicle and continue by road to the Ephesus region.
House of Virgin MaryVisit the pilgrimage site near Ephesus.
A guided visit to the House of Virgin Mary before continuing to Ephesus Ancient City.
Entrance FeesHouse of Virgin Mary , €13.5 IncludedHouse of Virgin Mary gives the Rhodes overnight route a quiet spiritual beginning after the ferry arrival and transfer from Marmaris. The site is associated with the Christian tradition that Mary spent her later years near Ephesus, adding a meaningful pilgrimage layer before the main archaeological visit.
The chapel and wooded hillside are modest, but the atmosphere is calm and reflective. It helps visitors connect with the sacred side of the region before continuing toward the ancient city landscape.
Questions
Why is House of Virgin Mary included on the Rhodes overnight route?
It gives the Ephesus region visit a quiet spiritual stop connected with Christian tradition before the main archaeological sites.What should visitors expect at House of Virgin Mary?
Visitors should expect a modest chapel, wooded hillside surroundings and a respectful pilgrimage atmosphere rather than a large monument.Is House of Virgin Mary described as confirmed archaeology?
No. It should be described carefully as a respected Christian tradition and pilgrimage site associated with Mary and Ephesus.
Ephesus Ancient CityGuided walking tour inside Ephesus.
Explore the main streets, monuments, theatre and public spaces of Ephesus Ancient City with your guide.
Entrance FeesEphesus Ancient City , €40 IncludedTerrace Houses of Ephesus , €15 Excluded OptionalEphesus Ancient City is the main archaeological experience of this Rhodes to Ephesus overnight route. Its marble streets, theatre, agora spaces, gates, inscriptions and Library of Celsus show how a major ancient city organized worship, commerce, civic life and public identity.
The site is best followed as a connected urban landscape. The former harbor explains the wealth and influence of Ephesus, while the surviving monuments help visitors imagine the scale of daily life in antiquity.
Questions
Why is Ephesus Ancient City the main destination?
Ephesus is the main destination because it preserves the streets, monuments, public spaces and inscriptions of a major ancient city.Which Ephesus details are most important to notice?
The Library of Celsus, theatre, marble streets, agora areas, gates and inscriptions are especially useful for understanding city life.Why does the former harbor matter at Ephesus?
The former harbor explains how Ephesus gained trade, wealth and influence before natural changes moved the coastline away.How should reconstructed areas in Ephesus be understood?
They help visitors imagine the ancient city, but they should be read together with original remains and modern conservation work.
Lunch Stop (Selcuk) LLunch break in the Selcuk area.
Enjoy a lunch break in the Selcuk area during the local Ephesus route.
MealsLunch meal IncludedLunch Stop in Selcuk adds a regional Aegean food pause during the Ephesus-area visit. Around Selcuk, meals may include olive oil dishes, seasonal vegetables, herbs, grilled foods, soups, salads and yogurt-based flavors.
The exact lunch depends on the venue and arrangement, so it should be understood as a local meal break rather than a fixed menu. It also gives guests time to rest between the main heritage stops.
Questions
What food culture may appear during lunch in Selcuk?
Selcuk reflects Aegean Turkish food culture, including olive oil dishes, seasonal vegetables, herbs, grilled foods, soups, salads and yogurt flavors.Is lunch in Selcuk always the same menu?
No. The exact lunch may vary by venue, day and arrangement, so it should be understood as a regional lunch break.Why is lunch useful during this route?
Lunch gives guests time to rest and adds a local food culture moment between the main Ephesus-area visits.Lunch & Sponsored Shopping/Workshop Stop L SponsoredLunch break in the Selcuk area.
Enjoy a lunch break in the Selcuk area during the local Ephesus route.
MealsLunch meal IncludedTemple of ArtemisShort guided stop at the Temple of Artemis.
See the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Temple of Artemis connects the route with one of the most famous sacred sites of the ancient world. Although only limited remains are visible today, the sanctuary was once counted among the Seven Wonders and was closely tied to the identity of Ephesus.
This is a short but important contextual stop. The fragments on the site help visitors imagine a lost monumental temple whose reputation once reached far beyond the region.
Questions
Why is Temple of Artemis famous?
It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a major sacred site connected with ancient Ephesus.Why are only limited remains visible at Temple of Artemis?
Centuries of damage, reuse of stone and landscape change left only fragments visible today.What does Temple of Artemis add to the tour?
It connects the visible fragments with the memory of a once monumental sanctuary known across the ancient world.
Isa Bey MosqueVisit the historic mosque in Selcuk.
A short guided visit to Isa Bey Mosque before hotel check-in.
Isa Bey Mosque adds the Seljuk and Islamic layer of Selcuk to a route shaped by ancient and Christian heritage. Its setting near Ayasuluk Hill shows how the area continued to carry religious and cultural importance after ancient Ephesus changed.
The mosque is best appreciated through its courtyard atmosphere, stonework and balanced proportions. Visitors should keep a respectful manner because it is both a historical monument and a religious place.
Questions
What does Isa Bey Mosque add to the route?
It adds the Seljuk and Islamic layer of Selcuk, showing that the region remained important after ancient Ephesus.What should guests notice at Isa Bey Mosque?
Guests should notice the courtyard atmosphere, stonework, proportions and setting near Ayasuluk Hill.What behavior is appropriate at Isa Bey Mosque?
Respectful behavior is appropriate because the mosque is both a historical monument and a religious place.
Hotel Check-in / Overnight Stay (Kusadasi / Selcuk Area)Check in for the overnight stay.
The group checks in at the hotel in the Kusadasi / Selcuk area and keeps the evening relaxed.
Accommodation & Hotel MealsOvernight accommodation IncludedHotel dinner Included -
Day 2
Return to Rhodes via Marmaris
Return transfer and ferry back to Rhodes.
B
Different tour end?
Check out from the hotel, transfer back to Marmaris Port and return to Rhodes by ferry.
This Day Physical Rating: Easy This Day Intensity: Half DayHotel Check-out / DepartureCheck out from the hotel.
After breakfast, check out and start the return transfer toward Marmaris Port.
Selcuk Transfer ConnectionRoad connection toward Marmaris.
The return road transfer continues via the Selcuk connection toward Marmaris Port.
Marmaris Cruise PortArrival at Marmaris Cruise Port for the return ferry.
Arrive at Marmaris Cruise Port and complete ferry formalities for the Rhodes crossing.
Ferry to RhodesFerry crossing from Marmaris to Rhodes.
Travel by ferry from Marmaris Cruise Port back to Rhodes Port.
TicketsFerry ticket (Marmaris Cruise Port to Rhodes Port) IncludedRhodes Ferry Port ArrivalArrive back at Rhodes Port.
After arrival in Rhodes, continue to the final drop-off point.
Drop-off in Kiotari Different tour end?Return to Kiotari after the ferry back to Rhodes.
After the ferry arrives back at Rhodes Port, drop-off is completed in Kiotari at the confirmed pickup 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: Lunch meal, Hotel Dinner meal.
- Day 2: Hotel Breakfast meal.
- House of Virgin Mary.
- Ephesus Ancient City.
- Day 1: Ferry ticket (Rhodes Port to Marmaris Cruise Port).
- Day 2: Ferry ticket (Marmaris Cruise Port to Rhodes Port).
- Licensed professional tour guide.
- Air-conditioned tour vehicle.
- Transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- Parking fees.
- Harbour transfers.
- Arrival and departure transfers.
- 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.
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
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.
- Please bring your passport or ID card.
- 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.
- Rhodes ferry schedules must be reconfirmed before sale; Marmaris road transfer timing affects Turkey-ended and return products.
- Passport, visa and border document readiness must be checked before confirming the ferry product.
- This tour involves walking on uneven and cobblestone surfaces.
- 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.
- The Turkey-side visit order focuses on House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus Ancient City, Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque according to the itinerary.
- The 2-day return product includes the Marmaris to Rhodes ferry segment after the Turkey-side overnight rhythm.
- New Town / Mandraki, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, Faliraki, Kolymbia, Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos and Kiotari are pickup variants under Rhodes, not separate physical tours.
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 this 2-day package cover?
This small-group 2-day package focuses on Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque. The wording is based on the confirmed route for 2-Day Rhodes to Ephesus Group Tour by Ferry with Rhodes Return, with the experience kept around Ephesus and the listed Selcuk-area heritage stops.
-
Where does this Ephesus tour start and finish?
The tour is arranged from Rhodes and is planned to finish at Rhodes, unless your selected booking option confirms a different supported drop-off. Final meeting details are confirmed after booking.
-
Is this a private or small-group tour?
This is a small-group Ephesus tour. The route content stays focused on the confirmed sightseeing program, while the service style follows the selected small-group tour structure.
-
Is this route connected with ferry travel?
Yes. This version is ferry-connected, so travelers should keep travel documents ready and follow the confirmed meeting instructions for the port and Turkey-side transfer flow.
-
How much walking should I expect?
Expect steady walking at Ephesus and the other heritage stops. Ancient paving, steps and open sunny areas can be part of the visit, so comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.
-
Can I book this Ephesus tour online?
Yes. The tour can be booked online through the website, and your selected date, traveler details and available route options should be reviewed before payment.
-
Is this a no-shopping Ephesus tour?
Yes. This tour is marked as no-shopping, so the visitor-facing route is planned around the confirmed heritage stops and travel flow rather than forced shopping visits.
-
Which pickup areas can be selected for this tour?
Active pickup variants include New Town / Mandraki, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, Faliraki, Kolymbia, Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos and Kiotari. Pickup-area selection can affect the final route context or displayed price when distance and transfer setup change.
-
What should I expect at Ephesus Ancient City?
Ephesus Ancient City is the main archaeological focus of the route, with ancient streets, public spaces and visible city remains that help explain the scale of Roman-period Ephesus.
-
Does the route visit the House of Virgin Mary?
Yes. The route includes the House of Virgin Mary when it appears in the confirmed tour program, adding an important religious and pilgrimage context to the Ephesus day.
Good to Know
-
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this Ephesus route.
The route includes archaeological and heritage sites such as Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque, where surfaces can be uneven and exposed to sun.
-
Check the confirmed meeting and drop-off details before travel.
This small-group tour is arranged from Rhodes and planned toward Rhodes, with final timing and meeting instructions confirmed in your booking details.
-
Bring modest clothing for religious heritage stops.
Some route stops carry religious or pilgrimage importance, so respectful clothing and calm visitor behavior are recommended.
-
Keep passport and ferry documents accessible.
This ferry-connected route can involve international travel flow, so travel documents should be ready before departure and again during return or onward transfer checks.
-
Package routes need careful booking review.
Hotel, transfer, ticket and meal handling can vary by selected package option, so review the booking summary before payment.
Want to read it later?
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline
Similar Tours
Private 2-Day Rhodes to Ephesus Tour by Ferry with Rhodes Return
From: Rhodes - End: Rhodes
1 Night/2 Days
View Tour
This tour also has a private tour version.
