I am ashamed to say I have a graduate degree and, for the life of me, cannot figure out the ferry system in the Greek Islands. I am hoping someone can help me with this!

We want to leave the island of Symi on June 22 and arrive in Turkey that day at a port that will allow us to get to Ephesus and do the least amount of driving to get there. We would like to arrive as early in the day as we can. We are being met by a tour guide in Turkey, but he is as confused by the Greek ferry schedule as we are. Additionally, we are needing to get a visa when we arrive and would prefer a port where customs may be less of a hassle.

Do we try to sail into Bodrum, Datca, or Marmaris? Do we need to get to Kos first or can we sail directly from Symi?

Thanks for your help!!

Greece doesn't have a ferry system, any more than Paris, say, has a restaurant system. Greek ferries and their owners come in all shapes and sizes.
The local ferry operator for Simi is ANES (www.anes.gr). They used to serve Turkey, but don't seem to any more, so you'd need to go via Kos or Rodos (ww.anes.gr or www.12ne.gr). There are daily services from Kos to Bodrum, and from Rodos to Marmaris. Generally Greek boats leave in the morning and return from Turkey in the evening. Afternoon sailings from Greek ports are generally in Turkish boats, but Greek travel agents sell tickets. As examples, these are two Turkish operators: www.yesilmarmaris.com
www.bodrumexpresslines.com

Thank you SO much for your help, GeoffHamer. This has been quite an education!

GeoffHamer - - could you see a request for follow-up information, regarding your posting about night train, Florence to Paris?

on http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34982470

Thanks... and...

Best wishes,

Rex