Hafen
Bodrum

Enjoy one of Turkey’s most pristine lakes and havens for bird life and then embark a small boat to wander through ruins scattered about the ancient site of Herakleia.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely, circuitous drive north into the beautiful Besparmak Mountains surrounding Lake Bafa. In ancient times, the lake was part of the Aegean Sea until sediment eventually cut it off its entrance to the sea and isolated the lakeside city of Latmus (now Heraklia), as well.

Today, the relatively shallow lake is one of the country’s most unspoiled bodies of water and supports hundreds of species of birds, including pelicans, dwarf cormorants and sea eagles. The area is a haven for bird-watchers, nature-lovers and botanists, as trails wind through the countryside, much of which is a protected national park. Artists are also often seen painting and sketching the inspirational setting.

After a brief stop to take in the beauty, you will enjoy a short cruise to Heraklia to stroll through its historically important ruins. The Temple of Athena rises behind the harbor, and the remains of a two-story agora stand nearby. The first monastery was established here in the 7th century, and there were once as many as 13 nestled safely among the mountains.

While here, you will also have time for a refreshing swim in the lake, if you wish. A traditional Turkish lunch at a nearby restaurant follows, after which you will return to the pier in Bodrum.

Explore the Medieval beauty of the Bodrum Peninsula during this memorable visit to the Castle of St. Peter.

Few sights match those encountered along the Bodrum Peninsula. With rolling hills on both sides, and colorful yachts and sailing vessels docked right outside its walls, the seaside Castle of St. Peter is truly a sight to behold. The towers and battlements of the castle tower over the town, and serve as a reminder of its storied past.

Depart the pier for the walk to the Castle of St. Peter, and a guided tour of the Museum of Underwater Archaeology housed inside. The Castle was built in the 1400s by the Knights of St. John, a group of expatriates that began in the 11th century with a church and hospital in Jerusalem. Although the Knights observed the Catholic religion, they denied care to no one. When they decided to build the Castle of St. Peter, they instructed their builders to remove marble, stone and other usable material from the tomb of King Mausolos, or Halicarnassus Mausoleum, for use in the castle's construction.

Upon arrival at the castle, you will pass through its seven gates embellished with coats of arms and inscriptions. During your walking tour, you will visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The museum attracts hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, has earned an award for Museum of the Year and appeared in National Geographic magazine. You will marvel at the exhibits of submarine archaeology, including amphora and large, copper ingots recovered from a shipwreck just offshore.

Following your castle and museum tour, you will walk back to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Browse the traditional shops in a Bodrum bazaar and dozens of designer stores in an ultra-modern marina, an experience that will present both ends of the shopping spectrum. Winding your way through the bazaar’s seemingly endless stalls will be a sensory experience like no other. You can expect to hear friendly haggling between the locals and vendors, smell the aromas of exotic spices wafting through the air and see an array of handmade goods ranging from Turkish carpets and kilims to brass camel bells and tasty desserts. The contrast between the bazaar and the stores in the Yalikavak Marina will be instantly obvious. Soon after opening on the Aegean Sea, the luxurious marina gained a reputation for its superyacht facilities and exquisite shopping. The mall there offers more than 100 shops and boutiques, a number than increases each year. The brand-name stores read like a Who’s Who of designers, all offering the world’s most luxurious merchandise.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Shop in two vastly different venues: a traditional bazaar and an ultra-luxury shopping mall.
• Revel in the bazaar’s wonderfully chaotic atmosphere, where haggling is expected.
• Browse more than 100 designer stores in the mall at Yalikavak Marina.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover Bodrum’s rich history by visiting ancient landmarks such as a 2,400-year-old amphitheater, an imposing castle and the city’s shop-lined Old Town. Travel through enchanting Bodrum to reach an ancient 4th-century BC amphitheater, built during the reign of the Persian governor Mausolus to hold 13,000 people and remarkably still in use today. At the imposing 15th-century Castle of Saint Peter, you’ll pass through the citadel’s seven gates, each embellished with intriguing coats of arms. You’ll discover the castle was constructed using marble, stone and other material salvaged from the tomb of Mausolus. Within the citadel, see the austere cells where prisoners were chained to the dungeon walls, awaiting their fate. Explore the award-winning Museum of Underwater Archaeology, whose exhibits include amphora, jewelry and large copper ingots recovered from ancient shipwrecks found just offshore. Relish time on your own in Bodrum’s Old Town, a delightful warren of narrow streets lined with inviting shops and cafes. Perhaps you’ll try a roasted kebab or minced lamb meatball, known as a kofte, and appreciate why enchanting Bodrum is a feast for all the senses.

HIGHLIGHTS
• View a 4th-century BC amphitheater that seated up to 13,000 spectators and is still in use today.
• Explore the striking 15th-century Castle of Saint Peter, a stronghold of the Knights of Saint John.
• Study amphora, jewelry and maritime artifacts at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
• Enjoy free time to wander Bodrum’s narrow streets, visit charming shops or savor a traditional meal.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Carry bottled water, as you may require hydration.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfie photo in Bodrum, Instantly and share your experience with family and friends on your favorite social media site. Our Selfie experts tutor will teach you how to take the best selfie photo including composition, posing and lighting. Capture the spirit of this incredible destination.

Your tour will start with a scenic drive from the ship to Bodrum Castle and include designated selfie stops at:
• Bodrum Castle
• Windmills
• Gümbet Sahil Beach
• Ancient Theater
• Cumhuriyet Caddesi

To make this experience even more fun, you will also have some free time to enjoy shopping along the street Cumhuriyet Caddesi to end your picture-perfect day.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the most epic spots in Bodrum to snap your selfies while learning about its history and architecture.
• Learn from a selfie tutor tips and tricks on how to take the perfect selfie.
• Enjoy a deep dive into the culture of Bodrum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

OVERVIEW

Revel in scenic vistas of the Bodrum Peninsula during this relaxing cruise along its stunning coastline. You’ll set sail for the small bays and coves around the harbor in a gulet, a traditional Turkish wooden-hulled boat sporting two or three masts. Discover the picturesque island of Kara Ada, also known as Black Island, across from the approach to Bodrum. In calm weather, you’ll notice bubbles rising to the surface from a submerged spring in a seaside cave along Kara Ada’s shore. Learn that the island’s hot springs are thought to have therapeutic qualities, which were reputedly incorporated into luxurious skincare treatments by beauty guru Elizabeth Arden. During your coastal exploration, relish an opportunity to swim in the transparent waters of Poyraz Limani, a cozy, crystalline bay. Find serenity as you glide through idyllic coves and inlets, soaking up the magnificent scenery of the azure Aegean Sea and enjoying revitalizing refreshments and local wine along the way.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail the Bodrum Peninsula in a gulet, a classic Turkish two- or three-masted wooden boat.
• Explore the alluring coastline of Kara Ada, an island renowned for its therapeutic hot springs.
• Swim in the translucent waters of the intimate bay of Poyraz Limani.
• Sip cooling beverages and wine as you glide in and out of the peninsula’s inviting inlets.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen and athletic shoes with a non-slip sole are required.
• Bring swimwear, a cover-up and a towel from the ship, if you wish to swim.

Visit one of the 5-star hotel for some relaxing time during this full-day tour, including lunch.

Kempinski Barbaros Bay Hotel

Meet your guide at the pier and drive for approximately 30-minutes to the luxurious Kempinski Barbaros Bay Hotel. This wonderful 5-star hotel has amazing services for a relaxing day in luxury. Its location on a private bay with an exclusive beach and the most fabulous views of the Aegean Sea is perfect for a day to remember. Upon entering the hotel you will be greeted and receive your complimentary welcome drink. Choose the perfect location within the hotel complex to locate your lounge chair/umbrella/towel and bottle of water. A lunch will be served in the Beach Restaurant Bar area including the opportunity to try a glass of local wine. The hotel has one of the best spas in Turkey - The Sanitas Spa & Wellness, at guests' expenses. After your relaxing day, your transportation will take you back to the port to embark the ship.

Enjoy the sea breeze and scenic coastal beauty of Turkey during this half-day cruise aboard an authentic 'Gulet'.

Turkish Coast

Living in Bodrum between the two World Wars, Turkish writer Cevat Sakir Kabaagac wrote an account of his idyllic sailing excursions along the Turkish coast, an area completely untouched by tourism at the time.  Kabaagac entitled his book Mavi Yolculuk (Blue Voyage), and any cruise along this coast now shares that name.

Wooden Gulet

From the Bodrum pier, a short walk brings you to the pier where you board the traditional Turkish 'Gullet.'  The locally crafted gulet's are built of pinewood and feature pointed bows and rounded sterns.  

Karaada/ Black Island

Admire Karaada, or Black Island, which is the large hump-backed island you will see, leaving Bodrum. In calm weather you will see bubbles rising up into a sea-cave in the rocks, where a hot spring said to have therapeutic qualities and fine grey mud is reputed to have been used by beauty guru Elizabeth Arden for some very expensive facial mudpacks.

Swimming

During the tour there are also two opportunities for a swimming break in the Poyraz Limani, a small green bay and the  around Karaada. Swimming will be approximately 1 hour at each location. On the way back you will cruise through a series of mysterious coves, inlets and small islands pitching out into the clear turquoise water of the Aegean.

Refreshments

Two glasses of local wine or beer and soft drinks, tea and coffee will be served along with light snacks during your scenic coastal cruise on the gullet.

Discover the splendid ruins of the ancient city of Stratonikeia during this captivating, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Bodrum, Ancient City of Stratonikeia, Guided Walking Tour, Cobbled Streets

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the ancient city of Stratonikeia, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient city of Stratonikeia is an important settlement among the cities in the interior-Caria region, and on the passageway connecting the sea and the inner-regions. The Carians gathered here before the Hellenistic Period. Upon arrival, take a guided and narrated walking tour through the cobbled streets of this enthralling ancient city, whose oldest finds date from the 3rd millennium B.C. Along the way, it is possible to see nine different periods in the city, layered on top of each other.

Ancient, Ottoman & Republic Period Ruins, Village Cafés, Cobbled Streets

Due to this multi-culturalism, a different period is protected in each area according to the ruins found as result of the studies carried out. One of few rare, historical settlements, Stratonikeia features structures from each of the Ancient, Ottoman, and Republican periods; a living city with a 2,200-year span of history beneath your feet. Stroll through the stone-paved, historical streets of the Ottoman Period, take a break in the village cafés of the early-Republican Period, and explore the ruins of the Ancient Period, as if walking through a time tunnel.  

Ancient Theatre, Gym, Library, Columns, Baths, Churches, Mosques, Fountains, Village Squares

In the ancient city, stroll past Hellenistic and Roman Period structures such as a theatre, gymnasium, bouleuterion, library, streets with columns, and baths, as well as churches, houses, roads, arched structures, etc. See works from the Byzantine and Turkish periods, along with baths, mosques, shoppes, fountains, and village squares where stone-paved roads are intertwined. Following your tour, proceed for a refreshment stop at a local café. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the castle and it's many treasures during this half-day tour.

Bodrum (or ancient Halicarnassus) is situated on a peninsula facing the Island of Kos, which was the hometown of Herodutus. Today, it is a very popular resort town, which draws millions of people every year.

Castle of St. Peter

Meet your guide at the pier and drive for approximately 20-minutes to  the Castle of St. Peter. The striking Crusader's castle, with its tall, well-preserved towers, was built by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John between 1402 and 1437. Later, other buildings were erected within the precincts of the castle. During the Ottoman period, it was used as a place of exile. Today some of the buildings have been turned into a prominent museum. As you tour the castle complex, there are spectacular views of Bodrum and the surrounding area.

Museum of Underwater Archaeology

The inner castle, which houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology, is reached after passing through seven gates embellished with coats of arms and inscriptions. The museum is recognized as one of the finest of its kind in the world. It contains many objects discovered by submarine archaeology, including amphora and large copper ingots recovered from a ship, which sank by Cape Gelidonya. Some of the relics once belonged to ancient vessels that foundered off Bodrum. In the Shipwreck Hall there is an outstanding collection of hundreds of colorful, almost phosphorescent glass jars, bottles and vases, salvaged from shipwrecks.

Following your visit, re-join your transport for the return drive to the pier and your awaiting ship.

Experience the panoramic beauty of Bodrum and its surrounds in a healthy new way during this scenic and invigorating, half-day e-bike excursion.

Bodrum, Camlik Village , Meet Your Guide, E-Biking Safety & Riding Instructions

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the e-bike meeting-point at Camlik village. Upon arrival, meet your experienced guides, receive your safety briefing and instructions on how to use your e-bike's on/off switch, controller, gears, brakes, etc., and have your bike adjusted to your size. E-bikes are provided for each guest to assist with pedalling, and a great way to stretch your legs but not feel like you've spent the entire day on a bicycle. Following your safety briefing and instructions, begin your scenic and invigorating e-biking tour, which includes a total riding time of approximately 2.5 hours.  

Guided E-Biking Tour, Village Roads, Alazeytin, Local Villages, Forest, Ciftlik, Camlik

On the first leg of your guided, approximately 11.2-mile (about 18-kilometre) e-biking tour, your guides escort you from Camlik to Alazeytin along picturesque village roads at an altitude of approximately 853 feet (about 260 metres) above sea level. A brief snack and refreshment stop at a local café at a village. The second leg of your e-biking tour continues through charming local villages towards Ciftlik, with short-and-easy uphill sections though the forest en route. Your e-bike excursion concludes back at Camlik  the starting point of your journey. Upon arrival, return your e-bike and gear and then, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience a taste of Turkish's cuisine in one of its more picturesque village, on this full-day local culinary exploration.

Local farmers market

Depart the pier for an approximately 45-minutes drive and your excursion will start with a visit to a local market where you will shop, together with a local chef, for the ingredients you will use when cooking. At the market, you will encounter local food purveyors who offer all manner of self-harvested olives, wild seasonal greens, and vegetables, as well as homemade noodles, jams, pickles, breads, and a delicious array of cheeses.

Cooking Class & Lunch

From the market, you will drive to Karaova affectionately known as the "Tuscany of Bodrum", where small farmers and vineyards supply fresh produce to food lovers. In the kitchen, Chef Asli will guide you through the delicious secrets of regional Aegean cooking with its accent on olive oil and fresh herbs, a very special and particularly healthy branch of Turkish cuisine. Lunch will be served at the cooking class including the recipes you have cooked with your own hands.

Wine Tasting

Then, you will experience a Wine Tasting at Karnas Vineyards. In Bodrum, there is an award winning vineyard in magical grounds, at ancient Karia where wine making was a tradition even in the Roman Times.

After your experiences, you will return to the port with wonderful memories of your day with the locals.

Depart the pier for the scenic drive to Yalikavak Marina.

Yalikavak Marina

The most famous district of the peninsula is Yalikavak, historically famous with its spongers. Yalikavak is a special location with its windmills, beaches, famous marina, fish restaurants, for both habitants and tourists. You will visit the Yalikavak Marina for shopping, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful seaside atmosphere full of restaurants, cafes, and wonderful shops. Yalikavak Marina, voted the 2022 World's Best Superyacht Marina, 2020-2021 International Marina of the Year & 2018-2019 World's Best Superyacht Marina and a holder of the British Yacht Harbor Association's (TYHA) 5 Gold Anchors rating, is Turkey's first high-capacity superyacht marina.

Yalikavak Marina Shopping Alley is the epicenter of luxury shopping in Turkey represented by more than 100 brands including boutiques operating in a variety of areas ranging from shoes to accessories, jewelry to furniture and more. Chanel, Dolce&Gabbana and Gucci are opening doors to the marina guests this summer in addition to the exquisite brands such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Valentino, Bvlgari, Chopard, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Balmain, Loro Piana, Moncler, Missoni, Rolex and Beymen.

Fish Restaurant, Dinner

Following your visit, proceed for a sumptuous dinner at one of the most famous fish restaurants at Yalikavak. After dinner, board a coach for approximately 45-minute drive back to the ship.

Explore Bodrum at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Bodrum at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Combines two of Bodrums' highlights; its castle and a cruise in the surrounding bays during this full-day tour.

Castle of St. Peter

The striking Crusader's castle, with its tall, well-preserved towers, was built by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John between 1402 and 1437. Later, other buildings were erected within the precincts of the castle. During the Ottoman period, it was used as a place of exile. Today some of the buildings have been turned into a prominent museum. As you tour the castle complex, there are spectacular views of Bodrum and the surrounding area.

Gulet

Returning to the pier you board one of the local gulets or boats for a leisurely cruise in the bays surrounding Bodrum. During your relaxing cruise enjoy a lunch of local specialties. As you cruise through the idyllic waters, view the many beaches and marinas that have made the area famous. Sip unlimited cool local beverages while plying these tranquil and ancient waters. Conditions permitting, time is available for a swim in the clear waters.  The tour concludes back at the pier.