Highlights
- Private no-shopping Kos Port to Izmir ferry route: Cross to Bodrum and continue with private 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 Turkey-ended flow: Keep Kos Port meeting, ferry routing, Bodrum transfer, focused visits and final Izmir 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 Kos Port with personal guide attention in Turkey.
- The direct port-start format 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 moving from Kos Port to Izmir who want a private, focused Ephesus day with the correct final drop-off.
Overview
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Kos Ferry Port Meeting Point
Meet directly at Kos Port for the ferry connection.
Arrive at Kos Port at the confirmed meeting time and complete boarding formalities for the ferry to Bodrum.
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Kos to Bodrum Ferry
Board the ferry from Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port.
Board the ferry connection from Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port.
TicketsFerry ticket (Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port) ExcludedBodrum Ferry Port Arrival -
Bodrum Ferry Port Arrival
Arrival at Bodrum Ferry Port after the ferry crossing.
Meet the private Turkey-side team at Bodrum Ferry Port and continue by road toward the Ephesus and Selcuk route.
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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 private 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 Kos Port by ferry. After arriving at Bodrum 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 connect the famous landmarks with smaller details of daily movement, public architecture and civic identity. 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 Kos Port?
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.
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St. John Basilica
A key early Christian landmark on Ayasoluk Hill.
Continue privately 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 Kos Port to Izmir route. Set on Ayasuluk Hill, the basilica is traditionally linked with St. John the Apostle and represents the Christian importance of the Ephesus region in the Byzantine period.
The remaining church plan, arches, columns, baptistery area and traditional tomb area help visitors picture the former sacred complex. Its quieter atmosphere adds depth after Ephesus and before lunch and the final transfer toward Izmir.
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.
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Lunch Stop (Selcuk)
A practical regional lunch break in the Selcuk area.
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Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before continuing toward Izmir.
MealsLunch meal ExcludedLunch Stop in Selcuk offers a useful regional 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 local 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 continues toward Izmir.
Questions
Why is lunch taken near Selcuk before the private Izmir drop-off?
Selcuk keeps the meal break close to Ephesus and St. John Basilica before the private route continues toward Izmir.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.
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Sponsored
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before continuing toward Izmir.
MealsLunch meal Excluded -
Dinner Break on Route
Dinner break before the final Izmir drop-off.
D
Take a dinner break on the route toward Izmir before the final drop-off.
MealsDinner meal ExcludedDinner Break on Route gives the private one-way route toward Izmir a practical evening pause after the Selcuk sightseeing program. Depending on the stop and operation, travelers may find simple road-meal choices such as soups, salads, grilled dishes or local-style plates.
The exact restaurant and menu can vary, so this text should be read as route context rather than a fixed dining statement. The stop helps make the final road section before Izmir drop-off more comfortable.
Questions
Why is there a dinner break on the private route to Izmir?
The route continues to Izmir after the Selcuk visits, so a dinner break helps pace the final road section before drop-off.Is the dinner restaurant fixed?
No. The dinner venue and menu can vary by operation, so the destination text gives route context rather than a fixed restaurant promise. -
Izmir Drop-off
End the Turkey-ended day tour in Izmir.
Different tour end?
Different tour end?
Finish the one-way Kos Port to Ephesus private day tour with drop-off at the confirmed Izmir city point.
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
- 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 (Kos Port to Bodrum 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 product and does not return to Kos 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; Kos return ferry is not included in this same-day 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 this full-day tour cover?
This private full-day tour focuses on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica. The wording is based on the confirmed route for Private Ephesus and St. John Basilica Day Tour from Kos Port by Ferry with Izmir Drop-off, 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 Kos Port and is planned to finish at Izmir, 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.
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 Kos Port and planned toward Izmir, 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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