Highlights
- Private 2-day Ephesus ferry package from Mytilene Port: Cross to Ayvalik and continue with private Turkey-side routing near Selcuk.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Explore the Roman city remains, marble streets and major archaeological spaces at a private guided pace.
- Basilica of St. John: Add the early Christian story of Ayasoluk Hill and Apostle John to the Ephesus-focused route.
- Private ferry-return flow: Connect Mytilene Port, Ayvalik, the Kusadasi or Selcuk overnight area, the Ephesus visit and final Mytilene Port drop-off.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- Your party can use the 1-night, 2-day structure to make the Mytilene to Ephesus route feel less rushed.
- The private format gives more space for questions and pacing during the Ephesus Ancient City and Basilica of St. John visits.
- The route balances ferry travel, Turkey-side transfer planning and the essential Selcuk-area sights without adding unrelated stops from other Ephesus tour routes.
- It is a practical private choice when you want to begin at Mytilene Port, see the Ephesus and St. John highlights and return to Mytilene Port.
Overview
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Day 1
Mytilene Port to Kusadasi / Selcuk Region
Begin the private port-to-Turkey connection and continue toward the overnight area.
The first day is reserved for the Mytilene Port ferry crossing, Ayvalik arrival and the transfer toward the Kusadasi or Selcuk accommodation area.
This Day Physical Rating: Easy This Day Intensity: Full DayMytilene Ferry PortMeet directly at Mytilene Ferry Port.
The private package begins at Mytilene Ferry Port, where guests meet for the ferry crossing toward Ayvalik.
TicketsFerry ticket (Mytilene Port to Ayvalik Ferry Port) ExcludedAyvalik Ferry Port ArrivalArrive on the Turkish coast at Ayvalik.
After arrival at Ayvalik Ferry Port, the Turkey-side transfer continues toward the Kusadasi or Selcuk accommodation area.
Hotel Check-in / Overnight Stay (Kusadasi / Selcuk Area)Check in near the Ephesus route area.
The overnight is planned in the Kusadasi or Selcuk region so the next day can focus on the Ephesus and St. John Basilica route before the Mytilene return ferry.
Accommodation & Hotel MealsOvernight accommodation ExcludedHotel dinner Excluded -
Day 2
Ephesus / Selcuk Region and Mytilene Port Return
Visit the Ephesus route and return to Mytilene Port.
Different tour end?
The second day combines the private local Ephesus route with the Ayvalik to Mytilene return ferry connection.
This Day Physical Rating: Easy This Day Intensity: Full Day
Heritage Scene at the Celsus Library 
Street Approach to the Celsus Library 
Ancient City View with the Celsus Library 
Close Study of the Celsus Library Facade 
Celsus Library in Ancient City Context 
Archaeological View of Celsus Library 
Marble Niche Detail at Celsus Library 
Temple of Hadrian Heritage View 
Temple of Hadrian Along Curetes Street 
St. John Basilica Ruins in Selcuk Hotel Check-out / DepartureCheck out and start the Ephesus route.
After hotel check-out, depart toward Ephesus Ancient City for the guided sightseeing day.
Ephesus Ancient CityExplore 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 ExcludedTerrace Houses of Ephesus , €15 Excluded OptionalEphesus Ancient City is the main archaeological focus of this private Mytilene Port 1-night 2-day ferry route once the journey continues from the overnight stay into Selcuk. The visit follows Curetes Street, marble paving, agora spaces, theatre remains, fountains and the Library of Celsus while keeping the wider urban logic of Roman Ephesus in view.
A more flexible pace can make it easier to connect the famous monuments with the smaller architectural details that explain everyday life, ceremony, trade and movement across the city. 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
What makes Ephesus the key stop on this private Mytilene Port 1-night 2-day route?
Ephesus gives the day its main archaeological focus, with Roman streets, civic spaces, theatre remains and the Library of Celsus at the center of the visit.Which Ephesus features help explain the ancient city best?
Curetes Street, marble paving, agora areas, fountains, theatre remains and facade lines help visitors understand how Roman Ephesus functioned.How does a more flexible pace help at Ephesus?
A more flexible pace can help connect major monuments with smaller details that explain everyday life, ceremony, trade and public movement through the city.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.Does Ephesus require walking preparation?
Yes. The visit takes place outdoors on uneven archaeological surfaces, so supportive shoes, water and sun protection are recommended.
St. John BasilicaVisit 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 ExcludedSt. John Basilica brings a reflective Christian and Byzantine dimension to the Selcuk route after Ephesus Ancient City. Standing on Ayasuluk Hill and traditionally linked with St. John the Apostle, the basilica broadens the story of the region beyond the Roman layer represented by Ephesus.
The visible church plan, arches, columns, baptistery area and traditional tomb area help visitors imagine the former hilltop sacred complex. Its calmer atmosphere balances the scale of Ephesus before lunch and the private return toward Ayvalik for the ferry back to Mytilene.
Questions
Why is St. John Basilica part of the Selcuk route?
It expands the day beyond Roman Ephesus and introduces the Christian and Byzantine importance of Ayasuluk Hill.What can be seen at St. John Basilica?
Visitors can see the church plan, arches, columns, baptistery area and traditional tomb area of the former basilica complex.How does St. John Basilica complement Ephesus?
Ephesus presents the Roman urban layer, while St. John Basilica adds the later sacred and Byzantine layer of the same broader region.
Lunch Stop (Selcuk) LPause for lunch in the Selcuk area.
The lunch stop gives the day a natural break after the main archaeological visits.
MealsLunch meal ExcludedLunch Stop in Selcuk creates a comfortable regional break during the private sightseeing day before the later return toward the ferry connection. Food around Selcuk often reflects Aegean habits, with olive oil vegetables, soups, fresh salads, grilled dishes, pide or similar local plates appearing depending on the operation and restaurant choice.
This text is not a promise of a fixed venue or exact menu. It gives local food context for the day while keeping the planning flexible around the historical route.
Questions
Why is lunch taken in Selcuk during the private sightseeing day?
Selcuk keeps the meal stop close to the main historical visits and supports a smoother route before the later return ferry connection to Mytilene.What kind of food may travelers expect around Selcuk?
Meals may reflect Aegean food culture, with olive oil vegetables, soups, fresh salads, grilled dishes, pide or similar local plates depending on operation.Is a specific lunch venue guaranteed in Selcuk?
No. The venue and menu can change, so the note gives local context rather than a fixed restaurant commitment.Lunch & Sponsored Shopping/Workshop Stop L SponsoredPause for lunch in the Selcuk area.
The lunch stop gives the day a natural break after the main archaeological visits.
MealsLunch meal ExcludedAyvalik Ferry Port Return TransferArrive at Ayvalik Ferry Port for the return crossing.
The return transfer reaches Ayvalik Ferry Port with time reserved for port formalities and boarding.
Ayvalik to Mytilene FerryCross back from Ayvalik to Mytilene.
The return ferry connects Ayvalik with Mytilene before the final port drop-off.
TicketsFerry ticket (Ayvalik Ferry Port to Mytilene Port) ExcludedMytilene Ferry Port Drop-off Different tour end?Finish at Mytilene Ferry Port.
The package ends at Mytilene Ferry Port after the return ferry crossing.
Different tour end?Accommodation & Hotel MealsHotel breakfast Excluded
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What's Included
- Licensed professional tour guide.
- Air-conditioned tour vehicle.
- Local taxes.
What's Not Included
- Day 1: Overnight accommodation (Hotel Check-in / Overnight Stay (Kusadasi / Selcuk Area)).
- Day 1: Hotel Dinner meal.
- Day 2: Hotel Breakfast meal, Lunch meal.
- Drinks.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses.
- Ephesus Ancient City, €40.
- Terrace Houses of Ephesus, €15.Optional
- St. John Basilica, €6.
- Day 1: Ferry ticket (Mytilene Port to Ayvalik Ferry Port).
- Day 2: Ferry ticket (Ayvalik Ferry Port to Mytilene Port).
- Transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- Pick-up from your hotel or meeting point.
- Drop-off at your hotel or meeting point.
- Parking fees.
- 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 Mytilene Port-return package; the same-day Lesbos-return format is not used for this route.
- Ferry tickets, accommodation, meals and entrance fees are excluded unless a custom private quote confirms them as included.
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 package cover?
This private 2-day package focuses on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica. The wording is based on the confirmed route for Private 2-Day Ephesus and St. John Basilica Tour from Mytilene Port by Ferry, 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 Mytilene Port and is planned to finish at Mytilene Port, 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 private Ephesus tour. The route content stays focused on the confirmed sightseeing program, while the service style follows the selected private 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.
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How should I prepare for the package format?
For package-style routes, keep overnight, station, port or airport details close at hand and review your selected booking summary carefully before travel.
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 private tour is arranged from Mytilene Port and planned toward Mytilene Port, 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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Package routes need careful booking review.
Hotel, transfer, ticket and meal handling can vary by selected package option, so review the booking summary before payment.
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