Highlights
- Private no-shopping Chios Port to Ephesus ferry tour: Cross to Cesme, then continue with private Turkey-side guiding near Selcuk.
- 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 connected with Apostle John and Ephesus.
- Private Chios Port return route: Keep ferry crossings, Cesme transfer, Selcuk visits and final Chios Port return arranged around your party.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You get a private Ephesus and Basilica of St. John experience from Chios Port with the route returning to the same port.
- The private format gives your party more room for pacing and questions during the Ephesus Ancient City and basilica visits.
- The no-shopping plan keeps the Turkey-side day centered on archaeology, Christian heritage and the essential Selcuk route.
- It is a practical private choice for Chios travelers who want a focused Ephesus ferry day through Cesme.
Overview
-
Meet at Chios Ferry Port and complete port formalities before boarding the ferry connection to Cesme.
TicketsFerry ticket (Chios Port to Cesme Port) Excluded -
Meet the Turkey-side driver at Cesme Ferry Port and continue privately toward the Ephesus and Selcuk route.
-
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 main archaeological focus of this private same-day ferry route from Chios after arrival through Cesme and transfer toward 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 Chios day ferry route?
Ephesus gives the route 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 guided pace help at Ephesus?
A more flexible guided pace can help connect major monuments with smaller details that explain daily life, ceremony 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.
-
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 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 Cesme for the ferry back to Chios.
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.
-
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 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 Chios.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
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 -
Complete port formalities and board the ferry connection from Cesme to Chios.
TicketsFerry ticket (Cesme Port to Chios Port) Excluded -
Chios Ferry Port Drop-off End the ferry day trip at Chios Port. Different tour end? Different tour end?
Finish the private ferry day trip with drop-off at Chios Ferry Port.
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 Port operation does not include island-side hotel pickup; guests meet directly at Chios Ferry Port.
- 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 at Chios 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 the private Chios Port to Ephesus ferry day tour include?
This private no-shopping route starts at Chios Ferry Port, crosses to Cesme Ferry Port, continues privately to Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica, includes a Selcuk lunch stop, and returns by ferry from Cesme to Chios Port. It is arranged for travelers who want a private Ephesus route from Chios.
-
Does the private tour finish at Chios Port?
Yes. This private route begins at Chios Ferry Port and finishes back at Chios Ferry Port after the return ferry from Cesme. The Turkey-side private route is completed between the two ferry sections.
-
Is this a private no-shopping Ephesus tour from Chios Port?
Yes. The tour is marked as a no-shopping private route, so the day is centered on ferry travel, Ephesus Ancient City, St. John Basilica, Selcuk lunch and the return to Chios Port.
-
Which ferry connection does the private route use?
The route uses the Chios Ferry Port to Cesme Ferry Port connection on the outbound section. After the private sightseeing route, it uses the Cesme Ferry Port to Chios Port connection for the return.
-
How long is this private Chios Port Ephesus route?
The route is planned as a full-day private ferry tour with an average duration of about 19 hours, including ferry crossings, Turkey-side transfers, sightseeing, lunch and Chios Port drop-off. Ferry and port procedures can affect the exact flow of the day.
-
What is visited during the private sightseeing part?
The private sightseeing route focuses on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica, with a Selcuk lunch stop included in the daily flow. The private format gives your party a more flexible guided pace than the shared group version.
-
Are ferry costs, meals and entrance fees included in the base private price?
In the base private setup, ferry costs, meals and entrance fees are separate unless your selected package option or custom quote adds them. Review the booking summary before payment so the final inclusions are clear.
-
Can I reserve this private tour online by credit card?
Yes. You can reserve the private tour online by credit card, with the selected date, no-shopping route type and Chios Port return 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 focused Chios ferry day
This route is useful if you want the Chios to Cesme ferry connection, Ephesus and St. John Basilica sightseeing and a same-day finish at Chios Port with your own party rather than a shared group.
-
Review private-route exclusions before payment
For the base private setup, ferry costs, meals and entrance fees are separate unless a package option or custom quote adds them. Check the final booking summary before confirming payment.
-
Prepare for ferry and port procedures
Bring the documents required for ferry travel and keep essentials close during the Chios and Cesme port sections. A small day bag is easier to manage during transfers and sightseeing.
-
Wear comfortable shoes at Ephesus
Ephesus Ancient City has stone streets, exposed areas and uneven ground. Comfortable shoes, sun protection and water are helpful for the private sightseeing part of the route.
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.
