Top 10 Daily Tours from Bodrum

Certainly the most popular tours of the Aegean area are from the water. Most towns around the Bodrum Peninsula have Daily Boats which take tourists out into the Aegean for day trips to sightsee from the water's perspective and allow for a wonderfullly refreshing dip in the sea, should you be so inclined ( and we highly recommend it.) . These tours usually include sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, island hops, lunch and music. It is a special experience and a "must do" on a visit to this area. 

In addition to boat trips, a variety of sightseeing activities exist on land.  Antiquities and natural wonders abound here--so be sure to get out and explore.  You won't be sorry!

Please read further to see all of the opportunities.

 

1. Daily Boat Trips

Purely for people who want to do nothing but swim, see beautiful natural wonders pass by, and top up their suntans. Daily boat tours leave from harbours in every resort of the Bodrum Peninsula and it is a distinctive way to explore the coastline as well as hidden coves and bays.
 
Eat a BBQ lunch on board and swim in well-known beautiful spots while gaining a golden suntan. This tour is our number one recommended activity for families.

2. Ferry to Kos    

Go from Turkey to Greece and back again in one day! The ferry to Kos allows you to mix artistic and laidback vibes of Bodrum with the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle of a quaint and authentic Greek island. Whether you want to explore the historical old town or complete shopping suicide in brand name boutiques, the island never fails to impress. Don’t forget your passport!
 
More ferry information at: Ferry Bodrum

3. Ephesus and Virgin Mary House

The ruins of Ephesus are the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Explore the agora, old terraced houses, Celsius library and large ampitheatre as you walk along the cities' well-preserved streets and peer into its longstanding houses and community centers.
 
St John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary are rumoured to have spent time in Ephesus and a quick hop over to neighboring Selcuk, a short distance away, will let walk around and see the actual church of St. John (with his baptismal that you can actually get inside of and take your picture) as well as the house where the Virgin Mary lived. Said to be her last resting place, this house is a peaceful environment run by nuns and monks. Don’t forget to taste the spring water from three taps nearby, revered to be the source of wealth, health and fertility.
 
Some tour choices from Bodrum: Ephesus

4. Jeep safari

Outside the main town and coastal resorts, the hills of the Bodrum Peninsula are worth exploring. A Jeep safari tour comes with your own driver, who has expert local knowledge of traditional villages and back roads.  Explore the fauna and flora in an open topped Jeep.
 
Stop off at small restaurant for a BBQ lunch and also pack your swimming costume for a refreshing swimming break.
 
Here is a local company providing safari services: JEEP TROPHY

5. Bodrum City Tours 

If it is your first time in Bodrum, a city tour will introduce you to all the major attractions in an efficient and economical way. Led by a local, this walking tour includes visits to the majestic Castle of Saint Peter, Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum ,and the remains of the Mausoleum, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Last on the agenda is a short drive to the antique theatre of Bodrum standing on a hillside overlooking the town.

6. Village Tours

Turkish village life is a mystery to anyone living in the bustle of a city or town. The small villages of the Bodrum Peninsula are a great way to learn about traditional and rural practices of a small Turkish community.
 
See the interior of a village house and mosque. Learn about the cultural importance of Turkish tea and join local women to make traditional dishes for lunch.
 
An excellent example of Village Tours can be found at: Bodrum Excursions

7. Bafa Lake

The largest lake of the Aegean coast is Bafa and it is a protected area because of unique flora and fauna species that exist there.  Surrounding the lake are small traditional villages and lakeside restaurants serving up delicious homemade Turkish food.
 
A guided tour will take you to visit monastery ruins, cave paintings in the Latmos hills and the village of Herakleia. Alternatively, travel independently and spend the day fishing, trekking or photographing the wildlife.
 

8. Didyma / Priene / Miletus

The three historical ruins of Didyma, Priene and Miletus stand proudly on the Aegean coast and although their sizes pale in significance to the ruins of Ephesus, they still provide impressive insight into history of the region and multiple generations of ancient Greek communities.
 
The temple of Apollo in Didim was an ancient oracle while Miletus and Prine were seaside trading ports. Their existence only ended when the sea edged back making it harder for incoming ships to reach them. 
 

9. Dalyan / Kaunos / Iztuzu Beach  

It is worth traveling the distance to see delights of the Dalyan delta. Including the ruins of Kaunos, sandy Iztu beach and Dalyan mud baths, this tour showcases Turkey’s natural landmarks. Iztu beach is home to the endangered Caretta Carretta turtle and the ruins of Kanuos date from the Carrion periods. The mud baths conclude a great way to combine history, beaches and natural spa treatments on a family holiday.

Dalyan tour example

 

10. Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Known as "Cotton Castle", the beauty of Pamukkale’s spring water pools are listed as a world heritage UNESCO site.

The natural landmark has stood for thousands of years and was a spa treatment centers for Roman soldiers recovering from battle. Pamukkale is one of the world’s top natural wonders, but its existence is easily explained by science that says large amounts of calcium in the water solidified while trickling down the hillside.

Historical Roman ruins are seen at the nearby ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Dating from the 2nd centry BC, this ancient Greco-Roman city showcases a large ampitheatre, martyrium, agora, temple of Apollo, and many ancient graves. It is also the site of the church ruins of the Apostle Phillip, who was martyred there.

You can find some good tour information at: go pamukalle