Highlights
- No-shopping Vathy Port ferry route: Cross from Samos to Kusadasi and keep the Turkey-side program focused on Ephesus and St. John sites.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk marble streets, public buildings and monumental spaces with your guide.
- St. John Basilica: Continue to Ayasoluk Hill for the early Christian heritage layer of the Ephesus region.
- Vathy return flow: Coordinate port formalities, Kusadasi arrival, guided visits and return ferry planning in one same-day route.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You can start from Samos Vathy Port and spend your Turkey-side time on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica without shopping stops.
- The group format keeps the route simple after Kusadasi Port arrival, with guided Selcuk sightseeing and a clear return to Vathy Port.
- The experience combines the monumental Roman setting of Ephesus with the quieter early Christian heritage of St. John Basilica.
- It suits Samos travelers who want a no-shopping ferry day focused on the core Ephesus and St. John route rather than a crowded list of stops.
Overview
-
Samos Vathy Port Meeting
Meet at Vathy Port for the ferry to Kusadasi.
Arrive at Samos Vathy Port in time for port formalities and board the ferry connection to Kusadasi.
TicketsFerry ticket (Samos Vathy Port to Kusadasi Port) IncludedKusadasi Port -
Kusadasi Port Arrival
Arrival at Kusadasi Port after the ferry crossing.
Meet the Turkey-side team at Kusadasi Port and continue toward the Ephesus and Selcuk route.
-
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 historical destination after the ferry crossing from Samos Vathy Port to Kusadasi. The guided route through Ephesus brings together Curetes Street, marble streets, agora spaces, fountains, theatre remains and the Library of Celsus.
The site is most rewarding when it is read as a connected Roman city. Streets, public squares and monumental facades show how civic life, trade, ceremonies and daily routines worked together. 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 stop on this Samos Vathy Port ferry tour?
Ephesus is the main archaeological site of the route, with Roman streets, public spaces, theatre remains and the Library of Celsus forming the core guided visit after arrival in Kusadasi.What should visitors notice inside Ephesus?
Curetes Street, marble streets, agora spaces, fountains, restored facades and the theatre help explain how Roman Ephesus functioned as a city.Are the Terrace Houses part of the standard visit?
No. Terrace Houses are optional and require a separate entrance fee if guests choose to visit them on site.Is Ephesus suitable for casual walking shoes?
Comfortable supportive shoes are recommended because Ephesus is an outdoor archaeological site with ancient paving and uneven surfaces.
-
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 gives the Vathy Port ferry route a meaningful Christian heritage stop after Ephesus Ancient City. The basilica stands on Ayasuluk Hill in Selcuk and is traditionally connected with St. John the Apostle.
The remaining church plan, arches, columns, baptistery area and traditional tomb area help explain the former hilltop complex. This stop adds a quieter layer to the day, connecting Roman Ephesus with Byzantine faith, pilgrimage and the later sacred landscape of Selcuk.
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 remains can visitors see at St. John Basilica?
The church outline, arches, columns, baptistery area and traditional tomb area are the main visible features on Ayasuluk Hill.Why does St. John Basilica add depth to the route?
It connects the Roman city story of Ephesus with the later Christian heritage of Selcuk and the sacred history of Ayasuluk Hill.
-
Lunch Stop (Selcuk)
A practical regional lunch break in the Selcuk area.
L
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before returning to Kusadasi Port for the ferry back to Samos.
MealsLunch meal IncludedLunch Stop in Selcuk gives the day a practical regional pause before returning to Kusadasi Port for the ferry back to Samos. Selcuk sits in an Aegean setting where olive oil dishes, seasonal vegetables, soups, salads, grilled plates or simple local meals may be available depending on operation.
The exact venue and menu can vary, so this text gives local food context rather than a fixed dining promise. The lunch stop helps balance the historical visits with the timing of the ferry return.
Questions
Why is lunch taken in Selcuk?
Selcuk is close to Ephesus and St. John Basilica, so lunch can be taken near the main sightseeing area before returning to Kusadasi Port.What type of food is common around Selcuk?
Aegean-style options may include olive oil dishes, seasonal vegetables, soups, salads, grilled plates or simple local meals depending on operation.Is the lunch menu guaranteed on this route?
No. The restaurant and menu can vary by operation, so the lunch note gives regional context rather than a fixed menu promise. -
Lunch & Sponsored Shopping/Workshop Stop
Includes a sponsored shopping/workshop stop.
L
Sponsored
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before returning to Kusadasi Port for the ferry back to Samos.
MealsLunch meal Included -
Kusadasi Port
Board the ferry from Kusadasi Port to Samos Vathy Port.
Complete port formalities and board the ferry connection from Kusadasi to Samos Vathy Port.
TicketsFerry ticket (Kusadasi Port to Samos Vathy Port) IncludedSamos Vathy Port -
Samos Vathy Port Drop-off
End the day tour at Samos Vathy Port.
Different tour end?
Different tour end?
Arrive back at Samos Vathy Port and finish the group ferry day trip at the port.
Got a question about this tour?
Reach out to our travel experts.
What's Included
- Lunch meal.
- Ephesus Ancient City.
- St. John Basilica.
- Ferry ticket (Samos Vathy Port to Kusadasi Port).
- Ferry ticket (Kusadasi Port to Samos Vathy 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.
- Ferry schedules must allow a morning Samos departure and evening Samos return for the same-day model.
- 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 same-day ferry product and finishes back at Samos Vathy Port.
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 no-shopping Ephesus and St. John Basilica tour from Vathy Port cover?
This group ferry day tour starts with a direct meeting at Samos Vathy Port, crosses to Kusadasi Port and continues on the Turkey side to Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica. The route includes a Selcuk lunch stop, Kusadasi Port return and ferry connection back to Vathy Port when same-day ferry timing supports the program.
-
Is this a no-shopping tour from Vathy Port?
Yes. This route is marked as a no-shopping version and keeps the Turkey-side sightseeing focused on Kusadasi Port, Ephesus Ancient City, St. John Basilica, a Selcuk lunch stop and return to Kusadasi Port for the ferry connection.
-
Is the Vathy Port route available every day?
No. This route depends on same-day morning ferry service from Samos Vathy Port to Kusadasi Port and evening ferry service from Kusadasi Port back to Vathy Port. If the same-day ferry window is not suitable, a package alternative may be needed.
-
How long does the Vathy Port ferry day tour usually take?
The full route is planned as an approximately 12-hour day. Total timing can vary with ferry schedules, port formalities, border procedures, Turkey-side transfer timing, sightseeing pace and the return ferry connection.
-
Are ferry tickets automatically included in this group tour?
Do not assume ferry tickets are included unless the confirmed booking or quote states that clearly. Ferry ticket status, sailing times and port procedures must be checked before the tour is finalized.
-
Do guests need passports or entry documents for this ferry route?
Yes. Guests must carry valid passports and any required visa or entry documents for both the Greece to Turkey and Turkey to Greece ferry crossings. Document responsibility should be checked before booking.
-
Are there pickup areas for this Vathy Port tour?
No. This physical tour uses a direct Samos Vathy Port meeting and Vathy Port finish. Island pickup transfers are not added as pickup areas for this route.
-
Does this ferry tour include House of Virgin Mary or Temple of Artemis?
No. This Ephesus and St. John ferry route 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 Vathy Port route.
-
Is the Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee included in this group tour?
Yes. The required Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee is included in this group tour from Vathy Port. The linked fee information is shown separately so travelers can also understand the attraction cost. Ephesus Ancient City entry fee is €40.
-
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 Vathy Port departure. St. John Basilica entry fee is €6.
-
Is the Terrace Houses entrance fee included on this ferry 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
-
Same-day ferry timing decides availability
The Vathy route works only when morning and evening ferry schedules support the full Ephesus and St. John Basilica day.
-
Meet directly at Vathy Port
This tour has no island pickup areas. Guests meet at Samos Vathy Port and finish back at the same port.
-
Travel documents are essential
Passports and any required visa or entry documents are needed for the Greece to Turkey and Turkey to Greece ferry crossings.
-
No-shopping route with site walking
The route is focused and no-shopping, but Ephesus still involves open-air walking on uneven marble surfaces, so comfortable shoes, water and sun protection are useful.
Want to read it later?
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline
Similar Tours
Private Ephesus and St. John Basilica Day Tour from Samos Vathy Port by Ferry
From: Vathy Port - End: Vathy Port
12 Hours (Full-Day)
View Tour
This tour also has a private tour version.
