Highlights
- No-shopping Kos Port to Izmir ferry route: Meet directly at Kos Port, cross to Bodrum and continue to the Ephesus and St. John 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 Port meeting, ferry routing, Bodrum transfer, focused visits and final Izmir drop-off.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You can start directly at Kos Port and spend your Turkey-side day on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica without shopping stops.
- The group format keeps the one-way route 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 by ferry who want a no-shopping Ephesus and St. John experience and a planned continuation to Izmir.
Overview
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Kos Ferry Port Meeting Point
Meet directly at Kos Port for the ferry connection.
Arrive at Kos Port at the confirmed meeting time and complete boarding formalities for the ferry to Bodrum.
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Kos to Bodrum Ferry
Board the ferry from Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port.
Board the ferry connection from Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port.
TicketsFerry ticket (Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port) IncludedBodrum Ferry Port Arrival -
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 Port 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 Port 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 Port to Izmir 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.
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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 Port 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
- 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 full-day tour cover?
This small-group full-day tour focuses on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica. The wording is based on the confirmed route for Ephesus and St. John Basilica Group Day Tour from Kos Port by Ferry with Izmir Drop-off, with the experience kept around Ephesus and the listed Selcuk-area heritage stops.
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Where does this Ephesus tour start and finish?
The tour is arranged from Kos Port and is planned to finish at Izmir, unless your selected booking option confirms a different supported drop-off. Final meeting details are confirmed after booking.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Does this tour include St. John Basilica?
Yes. St. John Basilica is part of this route when shown in the tour program, giving the day a stronger early Christian and Selcuk heritage angle alongside Ephesus.
Good to Know
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Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this Ephesus route.
The route includes archaeological and heritage sites such as Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica, where surfaces can be uneven and exposed to sun.
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Check the confirmed meeting and drop-off details before travel.
This small-group tour is arranged from Kos Port and planned toward Izmir, with final timing and meeting instructions confirmed in your booking details.
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Bring modest clothing for religious heritage stops.
Some route stops carry religious or pilgrimage importance, so respectful clothing and calm visitor behavior are recommended.
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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.
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