Highlights
- Kos to Ephesus 2-day ferry package: Cross to Bodrum and continue into the Ephesus region with overnight-paced planning.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk marble streets, public buildings and monumental spaces with your guide on the sightseeing day.
- St. John Basilica: Visit Ayasoluk Hill for the early Christian heritage layer connected with Ephesus.
- Kos return flow: Combine island pickup, ferry routing, Bodrum transfers, guided Ephesus and St. John visits and final Kos hotel drop-off.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You can visit Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica from Kos with a 2-day structure that returns you to the island.
- The group package gives the ferry crossings, Turkey-side road transfers and Selcuk sightseeing a clear rhythm instead of rushing the route.
- The experience pairs the monumental Roman setting of Ephesus with the early Christian heritage of St. John Basilica.
- It suits Kos-based travelers who want the core Ephesus and St. John route with practical return planning back to their hotel or island meeting area.
Overview
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Day 1
Kos to Kusadasi / Selcuk Region
Island pickup, ferry crossing and overnight stay in the Ephesus region.
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Start with Kos island pickup, continue to Kos Port and cross to Bodrum by ferry before the overnight stay near Kusadasi or Selcuk.
This Day Physical Rating: Easy This Day Intensity: Full DayMarmari Pick-upShared pickup from Marmari before the Kos Port ferry connection.
Meet in Marmari 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.
Breakfast Break / Kos Port Area BEarly breakfast break before the ferry connection.
Pause around the Kos Port area before boarding formalities for the ferry to Bodrum.
MealsBreakfast meal IncludedBreakfast Break near Kos Port gives the first travel day a practical pause before the ferry crossing from Kos to Bodrum. Depending on timing and operation, 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 overnight journey to the Ephesus region.
Questions
Why is there a breakfast break near Kos Port?
The ferry package 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 PortBoard 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) IncludedBodrum Ferry Port ArrivalArrival at Bodrum Ferry Port after the ferry crossing.
Meet the Turkey-side team at Bodrum Ferry Port and continue by road toward the overnight area.
Hotel Check-in / Overnight Stay (Kusadasi / Selcuk Area)Overnight stay near the Ephesus region.
Check in to the overnight hotel in the Kusadasi or Selcuk area and rest before the guided Ephesus route on the next day.
Accommodation & Hotel MealsOvernight accommodation IncludedHotel dinner Included -
Day 2
Ephesus / Selcuk Region and Kos Return
Guided Ephesus and St. John Basilica route with return to Kos.
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Different tour end?
Visit Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica with a Selcuk lunch stop before returning to Kos through Bodrum Port.
This Day Physical Rating: Moderate This Day Intensity: Long 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 / DepartureStart the guided route after breakfast and hotel check-out.
Leave the overnight hotel and begin the Ephesus and Selcuk route.
Ephesus Ancient CityThe 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 experience of the second day after the Kos ferry crossing and overnight stay near Kusadasi or 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 return package?
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.
St. John BasilicaA 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 return package 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.
Lunch Stop (Selcuk) LA practical regional lunch break in the Selcuk area.
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before continuing to Bodrum Port for the return ferry.
MealsLunch meal IncludedLunch Stop in Selcuk gives the second-day route a practical regional pause near Ephesus and St. John Basilica before continuing toward Bodrum Port for the return ferry. 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 road and ferry return to Kos.
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 returning toward Bodrum Port.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 L SponsoredA practical regional lunch break in the Selcuk area.
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before continuing to Bodrum Port for the return ferry.
MealsLunch meal IncludedBodrum Port Return TransferArrive back at Bodrum Ferry Port for the return ferry.
Continue from the Selcuk area to Bodrum Ferry Port and prepare for the return ferry to Kos.
Bodrum to Kos FerryBoard the return ferry from Bodrum Ferry Port to Kos Port.
Complete port formalities and board the return ferry from Bodrum Ferry Port to Kos Port.
TicketsFerry ticket (Bodrum Ferry Port to Kos Port) IncludedKos Port ArrivalArrival at Kos Port after the return ferry crossing.
Arrive back at Kos Port and meet the local transfer for the final hotel drop-off.
Marmari Drop-off Different tour end?Shared return transfer to Marmari after the ferry back to Kos.
After returning by ferry to Kos Port, continue with the shared transfer back to Marmari.
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 (Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port).
- Day 2: Ferry ticket (Bodrum Ferry Port to Kos 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 Kos-return package; the same-day Kos-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 this 2-day Ephesus and St. John Basilica group tour from Kos cover?
This 1-night, 2-day group package starts with Kos island pickup, continues to Kos Port for the ferry to Bodrum, and includes an overnight stay near Kusadasi or Selcuk. Day 2 focuses on Ephesus Ancient City, St. John Basilica and a Selcuk lunch stop before the return ferry route through Bodrum and final Kos hotel or meeting-point drop-off.
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Is this Kos to Ephesus package a group tour?
Yes. This is the group package version from Kos by ferry. Guests follow coordinated island pickup, Kos-Bodrum ferry crossing, Bodrum-side transfer, overnight plan near the Ephesus region, guided Ephesus and St. John sightseeing route and the return ferry connection back to Kos.
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Why is this Kos route planned as a 2-day package?
The 2-day structure gives the ferry crossing, Turkey-side road transfer and overnight stay their own space before the Ephesus and St. John Basilica sightseeing day. This keeps the main guided route focused instead of forcing every step into one long day.
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How are the Kos and Bodrum ferry details handled?
Kos Port reporting time, ferry timing, ticket status, port formalities, Bodrum arrival transfer and return ferry timing must be confirmed before operation. Ferry and port flow shape both travel days.
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Which Kos pickup areas can be used for this package?
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 main ferry and Ephesus route stays the same, while island pickup wording changes according to the selected Kos area.
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Where does the 2-day Kos package finish?
This specific package returns to Kos after the Ephesus and St. John Basilica sightseeing day. The route continues from Selcuk to Bodrum Ferry Port, crosses back to Kos Port and finishes with drop-off at the confirmed Kos hotel or island meeting point.
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Does this Kos package include House of Virgin Mary or Temple of Artemis?
No. This Ephesus and St. John package from Kos focuses on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica. House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Isa Bey Mosque, Ephesus Museum and Sirince are not part of this specific package route.
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Can I book this 2-day Kos group package online?
Yes. This package 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, overnight area and return drop-off plan.
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Is the Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee included in this group package?
Yes. The required Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee is included in this Kos group package. 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 package?
Yes. St. John Basilica is part of the main sightseeing route, and its required entrance fee is included in the group package 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 package?
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 Kos return package
The route starts in Kos, crosses to Bodrum, stays overnight near Kusadasi or Selcuk, visits Ephesus and St. John Basilica, and returns to Kos on Day 2.
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Ferry and port details shape both days
Kos Port reporting, Bodrum Ferry Port flow, document checks, ferry timing and return crossing details should be confirmed before operation.
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Overnight near Ephesus supports the route
The Kusadasi or Selcuk overnight area keeps Day 2 focused on Ephesus Ancient City, St. John Basilica, lunch and the return route to Kos.
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Prepare documents and walking gear
Bring the documents required for the Greece-Turkey ferry route, plus comfortable shoes, water and sun protection for the open-air Ephesus visit.
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