Bodrum

Day Trips

After being picked up from the port in Kos, take a stunning boat cruise across the Aegean Sea to Bodrum. Once you have passed through passport control and customs, enjoy a full day to explore this incredible ancient city on your own.  When you arrive in the port, gaze in awe at the beautiful white houses built amphitheatrically on the hillside, dozens of sailboats and yachts, plus one of the most imposing castles in the world. Take a walk along the picturesque streets and admire the architecture. Take in the historical sights and ancient ruins, including the Castle and the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus, the Windmilles, and the ancient Greek Theatre with 13,000 seats. If you are not a history lover, take a stroll through the small streets and get to know the local cuisine instead. Enjoy a Turkish coffee or tea at a traditional coffee shop, or try 'kebab' and other traditional 'mezedes' and sweet 'kazandibi' - some of the most popular Turkish specialties. After that, head into the really big bazaar for a chance to practice your bargaining skills. Shop for all kinds of souvenirs, folk art, crafts, and clothing. Soak up the incredible lively atmosphere and enjoy the aromas of the spices and local produce. Many stallholders accept euros and almost everyone speaks Greek or English. For a truly Turkish experience, visit a Turkish bath for a little relaxation. Discover how Turkish bathhouses have held a special place in the Turkish culture for hundreds of years. Relax in the steam roam while a highly skilled masseur works away the stresses and strains that have built up in your body during the year. At the end of your incredible day trip, take the boat back to Kos Port in time for your onward journey. 

The Orak Island Boat Tour departs from Halikarnas harbor at 11:00 AM, and makes its first stop at Red Bay, where you’ll be able to enjoy a short swim. Continue to Orak Island, and one of the most beautiful bays in the region. You’ll have about 2 hours to swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the white sand beach. After leaving Orak Bay, there will be 2-3 additional stops at different bays, where you’ll also be able to swim and snorkel. The exact itinerary will depend on sea conditions the day of your boat tour. You can be sure of stopping at a number of beautiful sheltered bays on the Bodrum peninsula. Midway through the tour you’ll have lunch on board, which is freshly prepared by the staff. Meals can vary, but usually include fresh salad, grilled chicken and rice or a pasta dish. In the afternoon, enjoy melon and Turkish tea with biscuits. Admire views of the picturesque coastline of the Bodrum peninsula on the return trip to Bodrum. The tour ends at 07:00 PM, when you arrive back in Halikarnas harbor.

Explore the unique travertine terraces of Pamukkale (literally “Cotton Castles” in Turkish), and enjoy a full-day trip to one of Turkey’s most popular attractions. Depart Bodrum and transfer by air-conditioned coach to Pamukkale, known as the “8th Wonder of the World” to those in the know. Explore the natural landscape of limpid pools, hot springs and travertine, terraces of carbonate minerals left by flowing water. Inscribed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1988, Pamukkale attracts some 2 million visitors every year. Get a view of the terraces from the hills on the opposite side of the valley in the town of Denizli. Then, go to the ruins of the ancient Greek-Roman city of Hierapolis, built on top of the “Cotton Castles” in the 2nd century BC. See the remains of the Roman amphitheater, and visit the former Turkish Bath, now converted to an archaeological museum. Discover where Cleopatra used to swim, and the monumental tomb of the Christian apostle St. Philippe. Marvel at the Necropolis of Anatolia, filled with sarcophagi, most notably that of Marcus Aurelius Ammianos.

There are more than 15 dive points around Bodrum with typical Aegean and Mediterranean flora and fauna. Shallow water diving points offer dives without currents but full of fish for first timers, while some deeper points have small currents for experienced divers. At times visibility reaches up to 40 meters meaning that you are now diving in crystal clear waters, literally! Rock formations in the dive points offer shelter for groupers, octopuses, learfish, barracudas and other different creatures. You also may see amphoras and antique anchors which are more than 2000 years old. There are two reefs with depths ranging from 7 to 40 meters. They are full of fish with good chances for photography. There are two caverns, the first at 12 meters, a bubble cavern. The second is at 6 meters with air in it, and walls reflecting different shades of deep blue. Drop-offs allows you to discover something different.

Visit a Chateau Vinery opened 18 years ago by the Ismen family in Bodrum, which has been a wine region since ancient times.  Learn about the family's perfectionist attitude as they research the ancient grapes varieties, climate and all other aspects of wine producing. Discover how they began producing the first Zinfadel and Syrah vineyard in Turkey.  Enjoy an unforgettable farm-to-table 5-course meal, accompanied by matching wines at this great location.

Enjoy a relaxing full-day tour of Dalyan on Turkey’s Lycian coast, sailing by boat across the turquoise sea to Turtle Beach. The boat leaves from Bodrum, and you’ll be able to admire the remarkable rock-cut tombs of the Kings of Kaunos along the way. Founded around the 9th century BC on the border of the Kingdom of Lycia, Kaunos became an important Carian city by 400 BC and its culture reflected aspects of both kingdoms. The tombs were designated for the kings and other powerful persons, and filled with food, money, jewelry, and other valuable items. Marvel at the Dalyan Canal as it weaves its way from Köyceğiz Lake to the beach, a peninsula jutting out from the mainland. Famous for the endangered loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs in the sand, as well as blue crabs, the beach is now protected to help conserve the turtles. It is out of bounds to the public from May through September. Experience a mud bath for an indulgent and therapeutic treat before your return transfer to Bodrum.

Explore the picturesque coastline around Bodrum on this 6-hour boat tour. Visit Black Island and enjoy a mud bath or a dip in the warm thermal waters. Continue to other idyllic coves and stop to swim and snorkel. This tour has been designed especially for Mein Schiff cruise passengers, and is timed to coincide with the cruise ship’s arrival and departure times. Relax on board, enjoy the gentle breezes and admire the views of sheltered bays and beaches. Savor a delicious buffet lunch, and enjoy fresh melon and traditional Turkish tea in the afternoon. The tour ends back in the Halikarnas harbor.

Experience a 20-minute jet ski adventure with this great package. Enjoy this unique activity as jet skiing is ranked as the most popular of all watersports.  Feel free to travel long distances in a short period of time, or take a smooth trip along the coast. Discover the landscapes of the coast of Bodrum, from the comfort of your own jet ski and at your own pace. Share the jet ski with a friend or family member on board, or enjoy the serene feeling of being alone on the water. Don't worry if you are a beginner, controlling a jet ski is simple and does not require any experience. Jet Skis are powerful and stable, allowing you a safe and confident ride.

Just 12 miles off the coastline of Bodrum, the Greek island of Kos is near enough for a pleasant day trip. A speedy hydrofoil departs Bodrum at 09.00 AM, taking just 20 minutes to reach the island. On this day trip you’ll have the full day to explore Kos on your own. Take a walk along the picturesque streets and admire the architecture. Take in historical sights and ancient ruins, including the 14th-century Castle of the Knights, numerous temples and ancient Roman ruins. The major attraction of the island is Asklepion, one of the largest and oldest healing centers of the ancient world. Kos is said to be the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and just behind the castle is the famous tree of Hippocrates. According to legend, Hippocrates taught his students the art of medicine under the shadow of this tree. Enjoy some time relaxing on a sandy beach, lapped by the calm waters of the Aegean Sea. Be sure to return to the harbor before the departure time of 4:00 PM.

Cruise on the beautiful Aegean Sea on a 5.5-hour boat tour in a group of up to 15 people. Take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters and explore hidden coves and beaches along the coastline. Sit back and relax in the sun on the front deck or cool off in the shade. The boat is equipped with a changing cabin, a bathroom, and an outdoor shower to ensure maximum comfort for all guests. Benefit from the services of friendly crew members throughout the tour, who are fluent in both English and Turkish. Enjoy a freshly-cooked lunch on board and Turkish tea and fruits in the afternoon. Alcoholic and soft drinks are available to purchase on board. The tour is specially designed for Cruise ship passengers as the timings match with the cruise schedule, but anyone is welcome to join this fantastic boat trip.