Highlights
- Private Lesbos 2-day Ephesus ferry return package: Cross through Ayvalik and continue to Selcuk with private Turkey-side guiding.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Explore Roman streets, civic monuments and archaeological spaces at a private guided pace.
- Basilica of St. John: Continue to Ayasoluk Hill for Christian heritage tied to Apostle John and ancient Ephesus.
- Private Lesbos return route: Keep island pickup, ferry travel, Ephesus-region visits, Ayvalik return stage and final Lesbos drop-off arranged around your party.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You get a private Ephesus and Basilica of St. John experience from Lesbos while the route returns to the island.
- The private format gives your party more flexibility during the Turkey-side visit while the ferry and return flow stay organized.
- Your guide can connect the Roman city of Ephesus with the Christian heritage of Ayasoluk Hill in one focused route.
- It is a practical private option when you want Ephesus and St. John highlights from Lesbos with the final route returning to the original island area.
Overview
-
Day 1
Lesbos to Kusadasi / Selcuk Region
Private Skala Eressos Hotel / Meeting Point Pick-up
Private pickup from Skala Eressos for the Lesbos ferry package route.
Begin with private local pickup from the confirmed Skala Eressos hotel or meeting point and continue to Mytilene Ferry Port for the ferry connection to Ayvalik.
Breakfast Break / Mytilene Port Area BEarly breakfast break before ferry formalities.
A practical breakfast break is planned around the Mytilene Port area before ferry check-in and boarding.
MealsBreakfast meal ExcludedBreakfast Break near Mytilene Port gives this private Lesbos departure a useful pause before the ferry crossing and the overnight route toward the Kusadasi or Selcuk region. Around the Mytilene Port area, practical travel breakfasts may include tea, coffee, bread, eggs, cheese, olives, tomatoes, pastries or simple hot items depending on the day's operation and stop selection.
This description does not promise a fixed venue or exact menu. It is meant to set practical expectations for the start of the day while giving regional food context before the ferry segment and the overnight program in Turkey.
Questions
Why is a breakfast break useful on this private Lesbos departure?
The day begins with a ferry connection from the island, so the breakfast break adds comfort before the overnight mainland program starts.What breakfast options may appear near Mytilene Port?
Depending on operation, breakfast stops may include tea, coffee, bread, eggs, cheese, olives, tomatoes, pastries or similar simple travel foods.Is a specific breakfast venue guaranteed on this private route?
No. The stop is planned into the route, but the exact venue and menu can vary according to the day's operation.Mytilene Ferry PortBoard the ferry from Mytilene to Ayvalik.
Ferry check-in and boarding are completed at Mytilene Ferry Port before crossing to Ayvalik.
TicketsFerry ticket (Mytilene Port to Ayvalik Ferry Port) ExcludedAyvalik Ferry Port ArrivalArrival in Ayvalik and Turkey-side transfer.
After arrival at Ayvalik Ferry Port, the private route continues by road toward the Kusadasi or Selcuk accommodation area.
Hotel Check-in / Overnight Stay (Kusadasi / Selcuk Area)Check in for the overnight stay.
The overnight stay is arranged in the Kusadasi or Selcuk region according to package availability and the operating date.
Accommodation & Hotel MealsOvernight accommodation ExcludedHotel dinner Excluded -
Day 2
Ephesus / Selcuk Region and Lesbos Return
Different tour end?
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 / DepartureDepart privately for the Ephesus and Selcuk route.
After hotel breakfast and check-out, depart privately from the Kusadasi or Selcuk accommodation area for the guided Ephesus route.
Ephesus Ancient CityExplore the ancient city of Ephesus.
Walk through the main monuments, marble streets and archaeological layers of Ephesus Ancient City with the licensed guide.
Entrance FeesEphesus Ancient City , €40 ExcludedTerrace Houses of Ephesus , €15 Excluded OptionalEphesus Ancient City is the main archaeological focus of this private Lesbos 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 Lesbos 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 the Basilica of St. John.
Visit St. John Basilica on Ayasoluk Hill, one of the key Christian heritage landmarks 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 Lesbos.
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) LLunch break in the Selcuk area.
Take a lunch break in the Selcuk area after the Ephesus and St. John Basilica 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 Lesbos.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 SponsoredLunch break in the Selcuk area.
Take a lunch break in the Selcuk area after the Ephesus and St. John Basilica visits.
MealsLunch meal ExcludedAyvalik Ferry Port Return TransferReturn transfer toward Ayvalik Ferry Port.
After the Selcuk route, continue by road toward Ayvalik Ferry Port for the return ferry to Mytilene.
Ayvalik to Mytilene FerryReturn ferry from Ayvalik to Mytilene.
Board the return ferry from Ayvalik Ferry Port to Mytilene Ferry Port according to the confirmed sailing.
TicketsFerry ticket (Ayvalik Ferry Port to Mytilene Port) ExcludedMytilene Ferry Port ArrivalArrival back at Mytilene Ferry Port.
After arrival at Mytilene Ferry Port, continue with the final island-side drop-off transfer.
Private Skala Eressos Hotel / Meeting Point Drop-off Different tour end?Final private drop-off in Skala Eressos after the return ferry route.
After the return ferry arrives at Mytilene Ferry Port, continue with the final private local transfer to the confirmed Skala Eressos hotel or meeting point.
Different tour end?Accommodation & Hotel MealsHotel breakfast Excluded
Got a question about this tour?
Reach out to our travel experts.
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: Breakfast meal, 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 Lesbos-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
-
What does the private 2-day Lesbos to Ephesus ferry package cover?
This private package starts from the confirmed Lesbos hotel or pickup area, continues through Mytilene Ferry Port to Ayvalik, and reaches the Kusadasi or Selcuk hotel area for one overnight stay. On the second day, the private route visits Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica, includes a Selcuk lunch stop, and returns by ferry from Ayvalik to Mytilene before final Lesbos drop-off. -
Does the private package finish back in Lesbos?
Yes. This private itinerary is arranged as a Lesbos return ferry route. It starts from the confirmed Lesbos hotel or meeting area and finishes back in Lesbos after the Ayvalik to Mytilene ferry and private island drop-off. -
Which Lesbos pickup areas are available for the private tour?
Private pickup can be arranged from Molyvos / Mithymna, Petra, Anaxos, Skala Kallonis, Skala Eressos, Plomari, Agios Isidoros, Vatera and Sigri. Your selected area is used for the Lesbos-side start and final island drop-off plan. -
Which ferry connection does the private route use?
The outbound ferry departs from Mytilene Ferry Port and arrives at Ayvalik Ferry Port. After the private Ephesus and St. John Basilica route, the return ferry departs from Ayvalik Ferry Port and arrives back at Mytilene Ferry Port. -
Where is the overnight stay planned?
The overnight stay is planned around Kusadasi or Selcuk so the private sightseeing day can focus on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica. In the base private setup, overnight hotel costs are separate unless your selected package option or custom quote adds them. -
What is visited during the private sightseeing day?
The private sightseeing route focuses on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica, with a Selcuk lunch stop during the daily flow. After the route, your party continues toward Ayvalik Ferry Port for the ferry back to Mytilene. -
Are ferry costs, overnight costs, meals and entrance fees part of the base private price?
In the base private setup, ferry costs, overnight hotel costs, meals and entrance fees are separate unless a selected package option or custom quote adds them. Review the booking details before payment so the final inclusions are clear. -
Can I reserve this private package online by credit card?
Yes. You can reserve the private package online by credit card, with the selected date, pickup area, Lesbos return structure and package details shown before confirmation. -
What is the Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee for the private tour?
Ephesus Ancient City has its own entrance fee. In the base private setup, this entrance fee is separate unless your selected package option or custom quote includes entrance fees. Ephesus Ancient City entry fee is €40. -
Is Terrace Houses included in the private route price?
Terrace Houses are optional inside Ephesus Ancient City and have a separate entrance fee. In the base private setup, this optional visit is paid separately if you choose to add it during the route. Terrace Houses of Ephesus entry fee is €15. -
What is the St. John Basilica entrance fee for this private tour?
St. John Basilica has its own entrance fee. In the base private setup, this fee is separate unless your selected package option or custom quote adds entrance fees to the booking. St. John Basilica entry fee is €6.
Good to Know
-
Use the private format for a calmer return route
This route is useful if you want Lesbos pickup, one overnight stay near the Ephesus region, the Ephesus and St. John Basilica route, and a final return to Lesbos with your own party rather than a shared group. -
Review private-route exclusions before payment
For the base private setup, ferry costs, overnight hotel costs, meals and entrance fees are separate unless a package option or custom quote adds them. Check the final booking summary before confirming payment. -
Confirm pickup and final island drop-off
Private pickup areas include Molyvos / Mithymna, Petra, Anaxos, Skala Kallonis, Skala Eressos, Plomari, Agios Isidoros, Vatera and Sigri. The selected area helps shape the practical pickup and final drop-off plan on Lesbos. -
Pack for one overnight stay and ferry procedures
Bring ferry travel documents, keep essentials close during port procedures and pack lightly for one overnight stay. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are helpful for Ephesus Ancient City.
Want to read it later?
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline
Similar Tours
This tour also has a group tour version.
