Highlights
- No-shopping Mytilene Port to Izmir Ephesus route: Meet at the port, cross to Ayvalik and continue by road toward Selcuk.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk the Roman city route, marble streets and main archaeological landmarks with group guiding.
- St. John Basilica: Visit Ayasoluk Hill for early Christian heritage tied closely to ancient Ephesus.
- Port-start Turkey finish: Link Mytilene departure, Ayvalik arrival, Selcuk sightseeing, route breaks and final Izmir drop-off.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You can begin directly at Mytilene Port and finish in Izmir with the Ephesus visit built into the Turkey-side route.
- The no-shopping structure keeps the day focused on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica instead of commercial stops.
- The group plan connects ferry arrival, local guiding, Selcuk sightseeing and Izmir ending in one clear full-day flow.
- It suits travelers already meeting at Mytilene Port who want Ephesus and St. John highlights before continuing onward in Turkey.
Overview
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Mytilene Ferry Port
Meet directly at Mytilene Ferry Port.
The day begins at Mytilene Ferry Port, where guests meet for the ferry crossing toward Ayvalik.
TicketsFerry ticket (Mytilene Port to Ayvalik Ferry Port) Included -
Ayvalik Ferry Port Arrival
Arrive on the Turkish coast at Ayvalik.
After arrival at Ayvalik Ferry Port, the Turkey-side transfer continues toward the Ephesus region.
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Ephesus Ancient City
Explore 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 to Izmir same-day ferry route after arrival on the Turkish mainland through Ayvalik and transfer toward Selcuk. 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 to Izmir 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.
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St. John Basilica
Visit 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 evening road connection toward Izmir.
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.
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Lunch Stop (Selcuk)
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area.
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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 road segment toward Izmir. 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 evening road segment to Izmir.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
Includes a sponsored shopping/workshop stop.
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Sponsored
The lunch stop gives the day a natural break after the main archaeological visits.
MealsLunch meal Included -
Dinner Break on Route
A practical evening break before the final Izmir drop-off.
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The evening break supports the long Turkey-side road flow after the Ephesus and Selcuk visit.
MealsDinner meal IncludedDinner Break on Route to Izmir helps make the longer evening transfer more comfortable after the Selcuk sightseeing program is complete. Depending on timing and operation, this type of road-route meal stop may include soups, grilled dishes, simple home-style meals, breakfast-for-dinner plates or other practical regional options suited to intercity travel.
This note is not a guarantee of a fixed dinner venue or menu. Its role is to explain the return-meal stop as part of the day's travel rhythm before final arrival and drop-off in Izmir.
Questions
Why is a dinner break included before reaching Izmir?
The later road transfer is longer after the sightseeing route, so the dinner stop helps pace the evening journey more comfortably before final drop-off in Izmir.What kind of dinner may be available on the route to Izmir?
Depending on the stop, travelers may find soups, grilled dishes, simple local plates, breakfast-for-dinner items or other practical regional road-route meals.Is the route-to-Izmir dinner stop tied to a fixed restaurant?
No. The dinner break is part of the travel plan, but the exact venue and menu can change with the operation. -
Izmir Drop-off
Finish the Turkey-ended route in Izmir.
Different tour end?
Different tour end?
The tour ends with the final drop-off in Izmir.
Got a question about this tour?
Reach out to our travel experts.
What's Included
- Lunch meal.
- Dinner meal.
- Ephesus Ancient City.
- St. John Basilica.
- Ferry ticket (Mytilene Port to Ayvalik 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 Lesbos 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; Lesbos 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 the Mytilene Port to Ephesus group day tour with Izmir drop-off include?
This shared no-shopping day route starts directly at Mytilene Ferry Port, crosses to Ayvalik Ferry Port, visits Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica, includes a Selcuk lunch stop and a dinner break on route, and finishes with drop-off in Izmir. -
Is this an Izmir drop-off route from Mytilene Port?
Yes. This route starts at Mytilene Ferry Port and finishes in Izmir. It is designed for travelers who want to leave Lesbos by ferry from Mytilene, visit the Ephesus region and continue their trip from Izmir after the tour. -
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 ends with Izmir drop-off after the Turkey-side sightseeing route. -
Is this a no-shopping Ephesus tour from Mytilene Port?
Yes. This tour is marked as a no-shopping route, so the day is focused on ferry travel, Ephesus Ancient City, St. John Basilica, the Selcuk lunch stop and the final Izmir drop-off. -
Which ferry ports are used on this route?
The ferry section uses Mytilene Ferry Port for the crossing to Ayvalik Ferry Port. After arrival in Ayvalik, the Turkey-side route continues by land toward Ephesus, Selcuk and the final Izmir drop-off. -
How long is this Mytilene Port to Izmir day route?
The tour is planned as a full-day route with an average duration of about 20 hours, including ferry crossing, Turkey-side transfers, sightseeing, meal breaks and Izmir drop-off. Ferry and port procedures can affect the exact daily flow. -
What are the main sightseeing stops?
The main visits are Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica. The route also includes a practical lunch stop in Selcuk and a dinner break before the final Izmir drop-off. -
Can I book this group tour online by credit card?
Yes. You can reserve the group tour online by credit card, and the booking details show the selected date, no-shopping route type, Mytilene Port start and Izmir drop-off structure before confirmation. -
What is the Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee for this group tour?
Ephesus Ancient City has its own entrance fee. For this group route, 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 route?
St. John Basilica has its own entrance fee. For this group route, 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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Use this route if Izmir is your next stop
This route is best for travelers who can meet at Mytilene Ferry Port, cross to Ayvalik, visit Ephesus and St. John Basilica, and finish the day with drop-off in Izmir. -
Meet directly at Mytilene Ferry Port
There are no separate pickup areas for this version. Plan to meet at Mytilene Ferry Port according to the confirmed ferry and meeting instructions. -
Prepare for a long no-shopping day
The route combines ferry formalities, Turkey-side transfers, archaeological walking and final travel to Izmir. Because it is a no-shopping tour, the day stays focused on the main Ephesus and St. John sightseeing route. -
Bring documents and dress for Ephesus
Keep ferry travel documents easy to reach for the Mytilene and Ayvalik port sections. Comfortable shoes, sun protection and water are recommended for Ephesus Ancient City and its open archaeological surfaces.
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