Highlights
- Private Kos to Ephesus 2-day ferry package: Cross to Bodrum and continue with private Turkey-side guiding.
- 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 focus near Ephesus.
- Private Kos return plan: Keep island pickup, ferry routing, overnight-paced planning, guided visits and final Kos drop-off arranged around your party.
Why You Will Love This Tour
- You get a private Ephesus and Basilica of St. John package from Kos with personal guide attention during the Turkey-side route.
- The 2-day ferry-return structure makes the distance more manageable while keeping the sightseeing focused on the two Ephesus and St. John highlights.
- Your guide can connect the Roman city of Ephesus with the early Christian story of Ayasoluk Hill in one clear narrative.
- It works well for travelers staying on Kos who want a private Ephesus experience and a planned return to the island.
Overview
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Day 1
Kos to Kusadasi / Selcuk Region
Private island pickup, ferry crossing and overnight stay in the Ephesus region.
Start with private Kos island pickup, continue to Kos Port and cross to Bodrum by ferry before the overnight stay near Kusadasi or Selcuk.
This Day Physical Rating: Easy This Day Intensity: Full DayPsalidi Pick-upPrivate pickup from Psalidi before the Kos Port ferry connection.
Meet in Psalidi and transfer privately to Kos Port for the ferry connection to Bodrum.
Breakfast Break / Kos Port Area BEarly breakfast break before the ferry connection.
Pause around the Kos Port area before boarding formalities for the ferry to Bodrum.
MealsBreakfast meal ExcludedBreakfast Break near Kos Port gives the private ferry package a useful early pause before boarding from Kos to Bodrum. The stop may involve a simple breakfast or light refreshment around the port area depending on timing, venue and operation.
No fixed venue or menu should be assumed from this destination text. The break supports the route by making the first travel morning more comfortable before the private Turkey-side journey toward the Ephesus region.
Questions
What is the purpose of the breakfast break on the private Kos package?
It gives the early private island departure a useful pause before the ferry crossing from Kos to Bodrum.Can the breakfast venue change?
Yes. The stop and menu can vary by timing and operation, so it should be treated as a flexible port-area break.Kos Ferry PortBoard the ferry from Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port.
Complete port formalities at Kos Port and board the ferry connection to Bodrum.
TicketsFerry ticket (Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port) ExcludedBodrum Ferry Port ArrivalArrival at Bodrum Ferry Port after the ferry crossing.
Meet the private Turkey-side team at Bodrum Ferry Port and continue by road toward the overnight area.
Hotel Check-in / Overnight Stay (Kusadasi / Selcuk Area)Overnight stay near the Ephesus region.
Check in to the overnight hotel in the Kusadasi or Selcuk area and rest before the privately guided Ephesus route on the next day.
Accommodation & Hotel MealsOvernight accommodation ExcludedHotel dinner Excluded -
Day 2
Ephesus / Selcuk Region and Kos Return
Privately guided Ephesus and St. John Basilica route with return to Kos.
Different tour end?
Visit Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica with a Selcuk lunch stop before returning to Kos through Bodrum Ferry Port.
This Day Physical Rating: Moderate This Day Intensity: Long Day
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 / DepartureStart the privately guided route after hotel check-out.
Leave the overnight hotel and begin the Ephesus and Selcuk route.
Ephesus Ancient CityThe 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 2-day package from Kos by ferry. After the overnight stay near Kusadasi or Selcuk, the private 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?
Ephesus gives the private ferry package 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 BasilicaA 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 return package. 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 return toward Bodrum 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) LA practical regional lunch break in the Selcuk area.
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before continuing to Bodrum Ferry Port for the return ferry.
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 returns to Bodrum Ferry Port for the ferry to Kos.
Questions
Why is lunch taken near Selcuk on the private Kos return package?
Selcuk keeps the meal break close to Ephesus and St. John Basilica before the private route returns toward Bodrum Ferry Port.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 L SponsoredA practical regional lunch break in the Selcuk area.
Pause for lunch in the Selcuk area before continuing to Bodrum Ferry Port for the return ferry.
MealsLunch meal ExcludedBodrum Port Return TransferArrive back at Bodrum Ferry Port for the return ferry.
Continue from the Selcuk area to Bodrum Ferry Port and prepare for the return ferry to Kos.
Bodrum to Kos FerryBoard the return ferry from Bodrum Ferry Port to Kos Port.
Complete port formalities and board the return ferry from Bodrum Ferry Port to Kos Port.
TicketsFerry ticket (Bodrum Ferry Port to Kos Port) ExcludedKos Port ArrivalArrival at Kos Port after the return ferry crossing.
Arrive back at Kos Port and meet the local private transfer for the final hotel drop-off.
Psalidi Drop-off Different tour end?Private return transfer to Psalidi after the ferry back to Kos.
After returning by ferry to Kos Port, continue with the private transfer back to Psalidi.
Different tour end?Accommodation & Hotel MealsHotel breakfast Excluded
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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 (Kos Port to Bodrum Ferry Port).
- Day 2: Ferry ticket (Bodrum Ferry Port to Kos 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 Kos-return package; the same-day Kos-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
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What does this 2-day package cover?
This private 2-day package focuses on Ephesus Ancient City and St. John Basilica. The wording is based on the confirmed route for Private 2-Day Ephesus and St. John Basilica Tour from Kos by Ferry, 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 and is planned to finish at Kos, 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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Which pickup areas can be selected for this tour?
Active pickup variants include Lambi, Psalidi, Tigaki / Tingaki, Marmari, Mastichari, Kardamena, Kefalos, Agios Fokas and Therma Beach. Pickup-area selection can affect the final route context or displayed price when distance and transfer setup change.
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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 and planned toward Kos, 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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Package routes need careful booking review.
Hotel, transfer, ticket and meal handling can vary by selected package option, so review the booking summary before payment.
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