Highlights
- Private no-shopping Chios ferry route: Cross to Cesme and continue with private guided Ephesus and St. John sightseeing in Turkey.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Explore marble streets, public buildings and archaeological spaces at a private guided pace.
- Basilica of St. John: Continue to Ayasoluk Hill for the early Christian heritage layer near Ephesus.
- Private Chios return flow: Keep hotel-area pickup, ferry routing, Cesme transfer, focused visits and return drop-off arranged around your party.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You get a private no-shopping Ephesus and Basilica of St. John route from Chios with personal guide attention in Turkey.
- The ferry-connected day protects your Turkey-side time by focusing on the two Ephesus and St. John highlights instead of shopping stops.
- Your guide can connect the Roman city of Ephesus with the early Christian story of Ayasoluk Hill in one compact route.
- It works well for travelers staying on Chios who want a private, ferry-linked Ephesus day with a clear return plan.
Overview
-
Kambos Pick-up
Private pickup from Kambos before the Chios Port ferry connection.
Meet in Kambos and transfer privately to Chios Port for the ferry connection to Cesme.
-
Chios Ferry Port
Board the ferry from Chios Port to Cesme Port.
Complete port formalities at Chios Port and board the ferry connection to Cesme.
TicketsFerry ticket (Chios Port to Cesme Port) Excluded -
Cesme Ferry Port Arrival
Arrival at Cesme Ferry Port after the ferry crossing.
Meet the Turkey-side driver at Cesme Ferry Port and continue privately 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 ExcludedTerrace Houses of Ephesus , €15 Excluded OptionalEphesus Ancient City is the central historical stop of the private day tour from Chios by ferry. After arriving at Cesme and continuing inland, the route reaches Ephesus, where Curetes Street, marble paving, agora areas, fountains, gates, theatre remains and the Library of Celsus reveal Roman urban life.
A private guided pace can make the site easier to read by connecting the famous monuments with smaller details of daily movement and civic architecture. Terrace Houses are not part of the standard route, but they may be visited optionally with a separate entrance fee on site if timing allows.
Questions
What makes Ephesus the key private stop from Chios?
Ephesus gives the private ferry route its main archaeological focus, with Roman streets, public spaces, theatre remains and the Library of Celsus at the center of the visit.Which Ephesus features help explain the ancient city?
Curetes Street, marble paving, agora spaces, fountains, gates, theatre remains and facade lines help visitors understand how Roman Ephesus worked.Can Terrace Houses be added during the private visit?
Terrace Houses are not part of the standard route, but guests may visit them optionally by paying the separate entrance fee on site if timing allows.Why is a private guide useful at Ephesus?
A private guide can adjust the pace and connect famous monuments with smaller details of daily life, public movement and civic architecture.
-
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 ExcludedSt. John Basilica brings a reflective sacred stop to the private Chios ferry route. Set on Ayasuluk Hill in Selcuk, the basilica is traditionally linked with St. John the Apostle and represents the Christian importance of the Ephesus region in the Byzantine period.
The church plan, arches, columns, baptistery area and traditional tomb area help visitors picture the former sacred complex. Its quieter atmosphere contrasts with Ephesus Ancient City and adds depth before lunch and the return toward Cesme Port.
Questions
What is the main story of St. John Basilica?
The basilica is traditionally linked with St. John the Apostle and shows the Christian importance of the Ephesus region in the Byzantine period.What should visitors look for at St. John Basilica?
The church plan, arches, columns, baptistery area and traditional tomb area are the main visible features of the hilltop complex.How does St. John Basilica complement Ephesus Ancient City?
Ephesus shows the Roman urban layer, while St. John Basilica adds the later Christian and Byzantine story of Selcuk.
-
Lunch Stop (Selcuk)
A practical regional lunch break in the Selcuk area.
L
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before returning privately to Cesme Port for the ferry back to Chios.
MealsLunch meal ExcludedLunch Stop in Selcuk offers a useful local break during the private Ephesus and St. John Basilica route. Selcuk food culture reflects the Aegean setting, with olive oil vegetables, fresh salads, soups, pide, grilled dishes or similar regional plates possible depending on operation.
No specific restaurant or fixed menu is guaranteed by this destination note. It explains the stop as a practical meal break near the historical sites before the private route returns to Cesme Port for the ferry to Chios.
Questions
Why is lunch taken near Selcuk on the private ferry route?
Selcuk keeps the meal break close to Ephesus and St. John Basilica before the private route returns toward Cesme Port for the ferry to Chios.What can travelers expect from lunch around Selcuk?
The meal may reflect Aegean food culture, with olive oil vegetables, soups, salads, grilled dishes, pide or similar local plates depending on operation.Is a specific lunch venue guaranteed?
No. The exact restaurant and menu can change by operation, so this destination note gives practical context rather than a fixed restaurant statement. -
Lunch & Sponsored Shopping/Workshop Stop
Includes a sponsored shopping/workshop stop.
L
Sponsored
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before returning privately to Cesme Port for the ferry back to Chios.
MealsLunch meal Excluded -
Cesme Ferry Port
Board the ferry from Cesme Port to Chios Port.
Complete port formalities and board the ferry connection from Cesme to Chios.
TicketsFerry ticket (Cesme Port to Chios Port) Excluded -
Chios Ferry Port Arrival
Arrive back at Chios Port and continue to the Chios hotel area.
Arrive back at Chios Port and continue with the private return transfer toward the Chios hotel or meeting area.
-
Kambos Drop-off
Private return transfer to Kambos after the ferry back to Chios.
Different tour end?
Different tour end?
After returning by ferry to Chios Port, continue with the private transfer back to Kambos.
Got a question about this tour?
Reach out to our travel experts.
What's Included
- 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
- 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.
- Ferry ticket (Chios Port to Cesme Port).
- Ferry ticket (Cesme Port to Chios Port).
- 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.
- Chios parent operation uses Chios Port as the standard ferry connection and should be reconfirmed against same-day ferry schedules.
- 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 private ferry product and finishes back in the Chios hotel or central meeting area.
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 no-shopping Ephesus and St. John Basilica tour from Chios include?
This private no-shopping day tour starts from the Chios hotel or island meeting area, continues privately to Chios Port for the ferry to Cesme, and then follows a private Turkey-side route to Ephesus and Selcuk. The sightseeing plan covers Ephesus Ancient City, St. John Basilica and a Selcuk lunch stop before the ferry connection back to Chios.
-
Is this Chios to Ephesus tour private during sightseeing?
Yes. This is the private version from Chios by ferry, arranged for your own party with private guiding in the Ephesus and Selcuk region and private local transfer service where supported by the operation.
-
How long does the private Chios to Ephesus ferry tour usually take?
The private route is planned as a full-day tour of approximately 13 hours. Timing can vary with island pickup flow, port formalities, ferry schedule, Cesme transfer timing, private sightseeing pace, lunch stop and return ferry procedures.
-
Is the private Chios ferry tour no-shopping?
Yes. This private tour is marked as no-shopping, so the route focuses on the Chios-Cesme ferry connection, Ephesus Ancient City, St. John Basilica and the Selcuk lunch stop rather than shopping stops.
-
Which Chios pickup areas can be used for the private tour?
The private Chios route can be shown with pickup versions such as Karfas, Kambos, Agia Ermioni, Megas Limnionas, Agia Fotini or Agia Fotia, Vrontados, Mesta, Pyrgi, Olympi or Olympoi, Emporios or Emborios and Volissos. The sightseeing route stays the same, while private island pickup and drop-off wording changes according to the selected area.
-
Are ferry tickets and meals included in the base private Chios tour?
No. Ferry ticket costs and meals are normally separate in the base private tour unless a selected package option or custom quote adds them. Ferry timing, ticket status and port reporting details should be confirmed before operation.
-
Does the private Chios route include House of Virgin Mary or Temple of Artemis?
No. This Ephesus and St. John private route is built around Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica. House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Isa Bey Mosque, Ephesus Museum and Sirince are separate route choices and are not included in this tour.
-
Can I reserve the private Chios tour online?
Yes. You can reserve this private tour online and pay by credit card through the website. The booking should include the correct Chios pickup details, party size, ferry-related status, travel document readiness and selected package details.
-
Is the Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee included in the private tour price?
No. In the base private tour, the Ephesus Ancient City entrance fee is not included unless you choose a package option that adds entrance fees. The linked fee information helps you plan the separate attraction cost. Ephesus Ancient City entry fee is €40.
-
Is the St. John Basilica entrance fee included in the private tour price?
No. St. John Basilica is part of the sightseeing route, but its entrance fee is not included in the base private tour unless a selected package option includes entrance fees. St. John Basilica entry fee is €6.
-
Can Terrace Houses be added to this private Ephesus route?
Terrace Houses may be considered only as an optional Ephesus-area addition when timing allows. They are not part of the standard route, and the Terrace Houses entrance fee is not included in the base private tour. Terrace Houses of Ephesus entry fee is €15.
Good to Know
-
Private route is still ferry-based
The private format improves local pacing, but the Chios-Cesme ferry schedule, port formalities and document checks still shape the day.
-
Base private pricing has exclusions
Ferry ticket costs, meals and entrance fees are normally separate in the base private tour unless a selected package option or custom quote adds them.
-
Check passport and entry requirements
Guests cross between Greece and Turkey, so passport, visa or entry-document requirements should be reviewed before confirming the travel date.
-
Plan for port flow and Ephesus walking
The day combines port procedures, road transfers and open-air archaeological walking, so documents, 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
This tour also has a group tour version.
