Highlights
- Private no-shopping Mytilene Port to Izmir Ephesus route: Cross to Ayvalik and 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 one-way port route: Keep Mytilene Port departure, ferry travel, Ephesus-area visits and final Izmir drop-off arranged around your party.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You get a private Ephesus and Basilica of St. John experience from Mytilene Port with the route finishing in Izmir.
- The private format gives your party more room for pacing and questions once the route reaches the Ephesus region.
- The no-shopping plan keeps attention on archaeology, Christian heritage and the essential Selcuk visit.
- It is a practical private option when you want a direct Mytilene Port start, Turkey-side sightseeing and organized Izmir drop-off.
Overview
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The private day begins at Mytilene Ferry Port, where guests meet for the ferry crossing toward Ayvalik.
TicketsFerry ticket (Mytilene Port to Ayvalik Ferry Port) Excluded -
After arrival at Ayvalik Ferry Port, the Turkey-side transfer continues toward the Ephesus region.
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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 same-day route from Mytilene Port to Izmir once the journey reaches 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 to Izmir 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.
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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 evening road journey toward Izmir.
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.
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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 transfer to Izmir. 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 transfer to Izmir.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.
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Sponsored
The lunch stop gives the day a natural break after the main archaeological visits.
MealsLunch meal Excluded -
The evening break supports the long Turkey-side road flow after the Ephesus and Selcuk visit.
MealsDinner meal ExcludedDinner Break on Route to Izmir makes the longer evening transfer more manageable after the Selcuk visits are complete. Depending on timing and operation, road-route meal stops may include soups, grilled dishes, simple local plates, breakfast-style options or other practical regional choices suited to an intercity pause.
This description is not a fixed restaurant or menu commitment. It is there to explain the role of the dinner break in the travel rhythm before final arrival in Izmir.
Questions
Why is a dinner break part of the route to Izmir?
The stop helps make the longer evening transfer more manageable after the Selcuk visits are complete.What food might be found at the route-to-Izmir dinner stop?
Depending on the stop, travelers may find soups, grilled dishes, simple local plates, breakfast-style items or other practical regional road-route options.Is the dinner stop linked to one fixed restaurant?
No. The stop is planned as part of the route, but the venue and menu can vary with the operation. -
The tour ends with the final drop-off in Izmir.
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What's Included
- Licensed professional tour guide.
- Air-conditioned tour vehicle.
- Local taxes.
What's Not Included
- Lunch meal.
- Dinner 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 (Mytilene Port to Ayvalik Ferry 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.
- This is a Turkey-ended one-way private product and does not return to Lesbos on the same day.
- 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.
- Final drop-off is in Izmir; Lesbos return ferry is not included in this same-day private product.
- Ferry ticket, 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 the private Mytilene Port to Ephesus day tour with Izmir drop-off include?
This private no-shopping route starts directly at Mytilene Ferry Port, crosses to Ayvalik Ferry Port, visits Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica privately, includes a Selcuk lunch stop and a dinner break on route, and finishes with private drop-off in Izmir.
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Is the private tour an Izmir drop-off route?
Yes. This private route starts at Mytilene Ferry Port and finishes in Izmir. It is useful if you want to leave Lesbos by ferry from Mytilene, visit Ephesus and St. John Basilica, and continue your trip from Izmir afterward.
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Are pickup areas available for this private Mytilene Port version?
No separate pickup areas are used for this port-based private version. The route starts with meeting at Mytilene Ferry Port and ends with private Izmir drop-off.
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Is this a private no-shopping Ephesus tour from Mytilene 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 final Izmir drop-off.
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Which ferry connection does the private route use?
The ferry section departs from Mytilene Ferry Port and arrives at Ayvalik Ferry Port. From Ayvalik, the private Turkey-side route continues toward Ephesus, Selcuk and Izmir.
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How long is this private Mytilene Port to Izmir route?
The route is planned as a full-day private tour with an average duration of about 20 hours, including ferry crossing, Turkey-side transfers, sightseeing, meal breaks and Izmir drop-off. Ferry and port procedures can affect the exact flow of the day.
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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.
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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, Mytilene Port start and Izmir drop-off details shown before confirmation.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Choose this route for a Turkey-ended private day
This private route starts at Mytilene Ferry Port and finishes in Izmir, so it is best for travelers who want a port departure, Ephesus sightseeing and onward travel from Turkey after the tour.
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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.
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Meet at the port and plan Izmir onward travel
This version starts directly at Mytilene Ferry Port and finishes in Izmir. Confirm the meeting instructions, ferry details and your next hotel or onward route from Izmir before travel.
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Keep ferry documents ready and pack light
Bring ferry travel documents, keep essentials close during port procedures and carry only what you need for the long day. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are helpful for Ephesus Ancient City.
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