Highlights
- No-shopping Ephesus and Virgin Mary shore excursion from Izmir Cruise Port.
- Start directly from Izmir Cruise Port for a ship-aware Biblical Ephesus route to the Selcuk area.
- Visit the House of Virgin Mary and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers.
- Explore Ephesus Ancient City, the main ancient landmark of the excursion.
- Pause for lunch near Selcuk and continue to St. John Basilica before returning to Izmir Cruise Port.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- The no-shopping structure keeps the shore excursion focused on sightseeing time.
- Cruise-port pickup and return make the route practical for travelers arriving by ship.
- You see the House of Virgin Mary, Seven Sleepers, Ephesus and St. John Basilica in one clear route.
- The day connects sacred history and ancient Ephesus without adding unrelated stops.
Overview
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Izmir Cruise Port Pick-up
Meet the group at Izmir Cruise Port and travel toward the Ephesus region.
Cruise-port pick-up and transfer toward House of Virgin Mary.
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House of Virgin Mary
Visit the hillside shrine associated with the final years of the Virgin Mary.
Guided visit to House of Virgin Mary.
Entrance FeesHouse of Virgin Mary , €13.5 IncludedHouse of Virgin Mary gives the Izmir Cruise Port shore route a quiet spiritual opening in the hills above Ephesus. The sanctuary is associated with Marian pilgrimage tradition and helps set the route within the wider sacred landscape of the region.
The stop is compact, so the atmosphere, chapel, votive wall and Mount Koressos setting are central to the visit. It works as a reflective first heritage point before the route continues toward early Christian memory and the ancient city.
Questions
Why is House of Virgin Mary included in this Izmir Cruise Port shore route?
House of Virgin Mary gives the route a calm spiritual beginning near Ephesus. It introduces the day through pilgrimage tradition and the Mount Koressos setting before the ancient city visit.What should cruise guests notice at House of Virgin Mary?
Notice the chapel, votive wall, shaded grounds and hillside atmosphere. The site is compact, so its meaning comes from tradition, setting and guide context.
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Cave of the Seven Sleepers
Continue to the Seven Sleepers site near Ephesus.
Visit Cave of the Seven Sleepers with a short walking section.
Cave of the Seven Sleepers adds a story-rich Christian heritage layer close to Ephesus. The tradition connected with the sleepers brings themes of faith, protection and awakening into the day before the main archaeological visit.
This is not a large ruins complex; it is best understood through its story and local setting. Guide explanation helps connect the stop with the religious memory surrounding Ephesus.
Questions
What does Cave of the Seven Sleepers add to the shore excursion?
Cave of the Seven Sleepers adds an early Christian story close to Ephesus. It connects the route with local religious memory before the main archaeological stop.Is Cave of the Seven Sleepers a long ruins visit?
No. It is mainly an interpretive heritage stop rather than a large ruins complex. The guide explanation is important for understanding the tradition attached to it.
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Ephesus Ancient City
Explore the marble streets, public spaces and monumental ruins of Ephesus.
Guided visit inside Ephesus Ancient City.
Entrance FeesEphesus Ancient City , €40 IncludedTerrace Houses of Ephesus , €15 Excluded OptionalEphesus Ancient City is the main archaeological focus of this Izmir Cruise Port shore route. Its marble streets, theatre, Library of Celsus facade, baths, fountains and public spaces show the structure of a major Roman city in Asia Minor.
For cruise guests, the ancient city gives the strongest sense of scale within the Ephesus region. Follow the route as a connected urban plan so the monuments, streets and civic spaces read as one historical landscape.
Questions
Why is Ephesus Ancient City the main stop on this shore route?
Ephesus is the main stop because it is the largest and most detailed ancient landscape on the route. Its streets, theatre, Library of Celsus facade and public spaces show the scale of Roman city life.How should I experience Ephesus during a cruise-port day?
Follow Ephesus as a connected city route. This makes the streets, public buildings, sacred spaces and major monuments easier to understand within the available shore-excursion structure.
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Lunch Stop (Selcuk)
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area.
L
Lunch break near Selcuk during the local route.
MealsLunch meal IncludedLunch Stop in Selcuk provides a practical regional pause near the main Ephesus sites. Local food culture in this part of the Aegean often reflects olive oil dishes, vegetables, herbs, salads, grilled choices and simple seasonal flavors.
The restaurant and menu can vary by operation and season. The stop supports the flow between Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica without turning the route into a fixed dining program.
Questions
What should I expect at the Selcuk lunch stop?
Expect a practical meal break near the Ephesus sites. The venue and menu can vary, but the regional food culture often reflects Aegean ingredients and simple local cooking.Why is lunch placed before St. John Basilica?
Lunch gives the route a comfortable pause after Ephesus Ancient City and before the final Ayasuluk Hill visit. It helps balance sightseeing with the return structure to the cruise port. -
St. John Basilica
Visit the basilica remains on Ayasuluk Hill.
Guided visit to St. John Basilica.
Entrance FeesSt. John Basilica , €6 IncludedSt. John Basilica completes the shore route on Ayasuluk Hill above Selcuk. Traditionally connected with Saint John, the basilica links the Ephesus region with later Christian memory and Byzantine sacred architecture.
Look for the basilica plan, baptistery area, surviving columns, stonework and views across Selcuk. It gives the day a final heritage stop before the return structure toward Izmir Cruise Port.
Questions
Why does the route include St. John Basilica?
St. John Basilica connects the Ephesus region with Saint John tradition and later Christian heritage. It gives the route a strong final religious and historical layer before returning to Izmir Cruise Port.What are the main details at St. John Basilica?
The basilica plan, baptistery area, surviving columns, stonework and views over Selcuk are the main details. They help explain the sacred memory and archaeological setting together.
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Izmir Cruise Port Drop-off
Return to Izmir Cruise Port after the sightseeing route.
Different tour end?
Different tour end?
Final shared drop-off at Izmir Cruise Port.
Got a question about this tour?
Reach out to our travel experts.
What's Included
- Lunch meal.
- House of Virgin Mary.
- Ephesus Ancient City.
- St. John Basilica.
- Licensed professional tour guide.
- Air-conditioned tour vehicle.
- Transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- Parking fees.
- Pick-up from your hotel or meeting point.
- Drop-off at your hotel or meeting point.
- Harbour 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.
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.
- Cruise guests should keep ship boarding documents available for port security.
- 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.
- Full shore excursion routing depends on the ship staying in port long enough for the complete itinerary.
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 no-shopping Ephesus shore excursion from Izmir Cruise Port include?
This group shore excursion starts at Izmir Cruise Port and visits House of Virgin Mary, Cave of the Seven Sleepers, Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica in one guided route. It is marked no-shopping, so the shore time stays focused on sightseeing and heritage stops.
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Does this shore excursion return to Izmir Cruise Port on time?
The route is planned to return to Izmir Cruise Port after sightseeing, but ship docking time, last boarding time and port meeting details must be confirmed before accepting the full route. If port time is short, the route should be shortened instead of rushed.
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Is this a no-shopping shore excursion?
Yes. This tour is marked no-shopping, which is especially useful for cruise guests who want to protect limited shore time for House of Virgin Mary, Seven Sleepers, Ephesus and St. John Basilica.
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Is this a group or private Izmir Cruise Port tour?
This is the group version of the Izmir Cruise Port shore excursion. It follows a shared format while keeping the route focused on the full Biblical Ephesus sightseeing program.
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Which places are visited on this Izmir Cruise Port Ephesus tour?
The sightseeing route includes House of Virgin Mary, Cave of the Seven Sleepers, Ephesus Ancient City, a Selcuk-area lunch stop and St. John Basilica.
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How long is this Izmir Cruise Port shore excursion?
The tour is listed as a full-day route of approximately 10 hours. Exact timing depends on the ship schedule, port procedures, local traffic and the route flow, so fixed start or end hours should not be assumed.
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Where do we meet for this Izmir Cruise Port tour?
The tour starts with Izmir Cruise Port pick-up. The exact port meeting point should be confirmed according to the ship docking position and local port procedures.
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Is lunch included in this group shore excursion?
Yes. The group shore excursion includes the listed lunch stop in the Selcuk area unless a specific booking note states otherwise.
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Who is this Izmir Cruise Port Ephesus shore excursion best for?
It is best for cruise guests with enough shore time who want a richer faith and archaeology route without losing time to shopping stops.
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Can this route be shortened if my ship has limited port time?
Yes. If the ship schedule is tight, the route should be shortened manually before operation so return-to-port timing stays protected.
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Can I book this Izmir Cruise Port shore excursion online by credit card?
Yes. You can book this Ephesus shore excursion from Izmir Cruise Port online and pay by credit card through the booking system.
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Does this tour include Christian heritage sites?
Yes. House of Virgin Mary, Cave of the Seven Sleepers and St. John Basilica make this route especially relevant for cruise guests interested in Christian heritage around Ephesus.
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What is the House of Virgin Mary entrance fee, and is it included?
Yes. The House of Virgin Mary entrance fee is included in this no-shopping Ephesus group shore excursion from Izmir Cruise Port. House of Virgin Mary entry fee is €13.5.
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What is the Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee, and is it included?
Yes. The Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee is included in this group shore excursion for the standard sightseeing route. Ephesus Ancient City entry fee is €40.
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What is the St. John Basilica entrance fee, and is it included?
Yes. The St. John Basilica entrance fee is included in the group shore excursion for this Ephesus-region route. St. John Basilica entry fee is €6.
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Is the Terrace Houses entrance fee included in this group shore excursion?
No. Terrace Houses is optional and is not included in the standard group shore excursion. It should only be added if ship timing, local route flow and ticket conditions allow enough extra time inside Ephesus. Terrace Houses of Ephesus entry fee is €15.
General FAQs
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Is Ephesus a good shore excursion from Kusadasi port?
Yes. Ephesus is one of the most popular and efficient day trips from Kusadasi.
- The drive is usually short compared to many other ports.
- We plan the route around your ship timing and keep a safe return buffer.
- Early starts help avoid heat and heavy crowds in peak season.
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How do cruise shore excursions work (meeting point and return time)?
Shore excursions are built around your ships docking schedule.
- We confirm a clear meeting point close to the port exit.
- We recommend a comfortable buffer before all-aboard time.
- If your ship uses tender boats, allow extra time and tell us your tender details.
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Where is Ephesus located and what is it close to?
Ephesus is an ancient city near Selcuk on Turkeys Aegean coast.
- The closest main cruise port town is Kusadasi.
- Izmir is the nearest major city and transport hub.
- Many day tours combine Ephesus with nearby stops based on your available time.
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Can I visit Ephesus from Izmir port in one day?
Yes, but it is a longer drive than from Kusadasi.
- Timing must be planned carefully to avoid rushing.
- If your port stay is short, we may recommend an Izmir-focused program instead.
- Share your ship schedule and we will suggest the most realistic plan.
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What are the must-see highlights inside Ephesus?
Ephesus is a large open-air archaeological site with world-famous monuments.
- Library of Celsus and Curetes Street.
- Great Theatre and main marble streets.
- Key public areas such as agoras, baths, and temples depending on route and time.
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Should I add the Terrace Houses in Ephesus?
The Terrace Houses offer a closer look at Roman-era homes, mosaics, and frescoes.
- This visit usually requires extra time and is often a separate ticket.
- If you love details, art, and interiors, it is a great upgrade.
- For cruise days with limited time, we can advise if it fits comfortably.
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How much walking is there at Ephesus?
Ephesus involves a lot of walking on stone surfaces and open paths.
- Paths can be uneven and can feel slippery when wet.
- There are gentle slopes and limited shade in some areas.
- If you have mobility concerns, tell us and we can suggest the best route or alternatives.
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What should I wear for an Ephesus tour?
Comfort and sun protection make a big difference.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen in warm months.
- Carry water, especially in summer and on cruise days.
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When is the best time to visit Ephesus?
Ephesus can be visited year-round, but the experience changes by season.
- Spring and autumn are comfortable for long outdoor visits.
- Summer is hotter and busier, so early starts are recommended.
- Winter has fewer crowds but cooler weather and occasional rain.
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Is Ephesus crowded and how do we avoid peak crowds?
Ephesus is very popular, especially in summer and on cruise days.
- Starting early is the best way to reduce crowds and heat.
- We can adjust stop order based on ship traffic and site flow.
- Weekends and holidays can be busier.
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Do I need to buy Ephesus tickets in advance?
In peak season, planning helps avoid delays, but rules can change.
- Some areas may have separate tickets.
- Starting early is often more important than pre-buying.
- On guided tours, we plan entry timing to keep the day smooth.
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Should I add the House of Virgin Mary to my tour?
It is a meaningful stop for many visitors and can be added based on timing.
- It is a short drive from Ephesus.
- It can be busier at certain times, so we plan the order carefully.
- If your cruise time is limited, we will suggest a realistic priority list.
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Is Sirince village worth visiting from Ephesus?
Sirince is a small hillside village near Selcuk and is often added for variety.
- It is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, small cafes, and local products.
- It works well if you want something beyond ruins.
- We add it only when it fits safely with your return schedule.
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Can I combine Ephesus with Pamukkale in one day?
It is usually too long for a comfortable day, especially for cruise schedules.
- Pamukkale is a longer drive and needs more time on site.
- For a better experience, consider an overnight plan.
- If you share your exact timing, we can advise what is realistic.
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Can I combine Ephesus with Pergamon on the same day?
It is usually not recommended for a single day from Kusadasi.
- Pergamon is closer to Izmir than to Kusadasi.
- Doing both can feel rushed and increases return-time risk.
- If you have extra days, plan them on separate days for a better experience.
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What if my ship docks late or departs earlier than planned?
Ship schedules can change, and we plan with buffer time.
- If you receive an updated schedule, message us immediately.
- We can shorten or adjust the route while keeping key highlights.
- Our priority is always a safe, on-time return to port.
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Private tour or group tour: what is better for Ephesus?
For cruise travelers, private tours are often the most comfortable option.
- Private tours allow flexible pace, timing, and photo stops.
- Group tours can be good value, but timing is less flexible.
- We can recommend the best option based on your ship schedule and preferences.
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Is Ephesus suitable for seniors or limited mobility?
It depends on comfort level, as the site is large and mostly outdoors.
- There are uneven stones and some slopes.
- We can select a route that reduces walking where possible.
- Please tell us about mobility needs in advance so we can plan correctly.
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Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
Visa requirements depend on your passport and may change.
- Please check the latest official entry rules for your nationality before travel.
- Many visitors use an e-Visa when eligible for short tourist stays.
- If you share your passport country, we can guide you to the correct official source to verify.
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What currency is used in Turkey?
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY).
- ATMs are common in Kusadasi, Selcuk, and Izmir.
- Cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful for small purchases and tips.
- Keep small bills for convenience.
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Are credit cards accepted in Kusadasi and around Ephesus?
Cards are accepted in many restaurants, shops, and hotels.
- Small vendors and some taxis may prefer cash.
- For markets and quick purchases, cash is helpful.
- Keep a backup payment option, especially on busy port days.
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Is tap water safe to drink in Turkey?
Many travelers prefer bottled water.
- Bottled water is easy to find and inexpensive.
- If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid ice in unknown places.
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Is tipping common in Turkey?
Tipping is common and appreciated for good service.
- Restaurants: rounding up or leaving a small amount is typical.
- Guides and drivers: optional and based on service quality.
- Carry small notes for convenience.
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What plug type and voltage are used in Turkey?
Turkey typically uses Type C and Type F plugs (220V, 50Hz).
- Bring an adapter if your plug type is different.
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How can I get a SIM or eSIM in Turkey?
SIM and eSIM options are available from major operators.
- Official stores usually require passport registration.
- If you only need data, compare short-term packages.
- Download offline maps if you plan to explore independently.
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Do Ephesus and museums have closure days or seasonal hours?
Opening hours can change by season and some venues may have weekly closure days.
- Public holidays can also affect schedules.
- Some venues have different winter and summer hours.
- We plan visits based on current opening information.
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Can I take photos inside Ephesus and museums?
Photography rules vary by venue.
- Outdoor ruins usually allow photos.
- Some museums restrict flash or photography in certain areas.
- Always follow posted rules and staff instructions.
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What is ship time vs local time and why does it matter?
Some cruise ships keep ship time different from local Turkey time.
- Always confirm whether your port schedule is in ship time or local time.
- Tell us what your cruise line uses so we plan pickups correctly.
- This helps avoid confusion on meeting points and return timing.
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Is Turkey safe for cruise travelers and day tour guests?
Tourist areas like Kusadasi and major sites are used to international visitors.
- Use normal precautions in crowded places near the port and markets.
- Stick to licensed transport and agreed meeting points.
- Keep valuables secure and avoid carrying unnecessary cash.
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What can I do in Kusadasi if I skip Ephesus?
If you prefer a lighter day, there are good alternatives.
- Explore Kusadasi town and waterfront.
- Consider local food stops and shopping areas.
- We can suggest a shorter cultural route depending on your time in port.
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Should I carry my passport during port days?
We recommend keeping your passport safely on the ship or at your accommodation and carrying a copy if needed.
- A phone photo plus a printed copy is usually enough for day trips.
- For buying a SIM, you may need the original passport at the store.
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What is the emergency number in Turkey?
Dial 112 for emergencies (medical, police, fire, and urgent situations).
- If you are on a guided day, inform your guide so we can help quickly.
Good to Know
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Good to know: Ship timing comes first
Docking time, last boarding time and the port meeting point must be checked before confirming this full-route shore excursion.
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Good to know: This is a no-shopping shore route
The tour is marked no-shopping, so limited cruise-port time should stay focused on House of Virgin Mary, Seven Sleepers, Ephesus and St. John Basilica.
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Good to know: The route may need shortening
If the ship schedule is tight, the full route should be adjusted before operation instead of risking return-to-port timing.
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Good to know: Ephesus is open-air
Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica include marble streets, steps, uneven ground and sunny open areas. Comfortable shoes, water and sun protection are recommended.
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Good to know: Keep the group together
At Ephesus and the Christian heritage stops, keeping the group together helps protect the port return schedule.
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