Exploring the Aegean Shores and Cultural Delights in Bodrum

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30 P.M. to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV).

Ease in and settle into the beauty of Bodrum. Today is a free day at your leisure to shake off any jet lag, explore the area, and head out to enjoy the stunning beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters and golden sands.

After breakfast, your day begins with a transfer to visit Bodrum Castle, a medieval fortress in the heart of Bodrum, Turkey. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, the castle's impressive architecture and historical significance provides a captivating start to the day. Following the castle exploration, the journey continues with a short transfer to the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This monumental tomb, built for Mausolus in the 4th century BCE, showcases a blend of Greek, Egyptian, and Lycian influences, offering a glimpse into ancient architectural marvels. You’ll then transfer into the bustling streets of Bodrum for a walking tour and a visit to its bustling market, providing a vibrant experience of local culture and offering a chance to explore the city's lively atmosphere and diverse offerings. You'll be able to grab lunch on your own anywhere around the streets and markets during your free time in Bodrum City Center. Conclude the day with a fresh seafood dinner overlooking the harbor before heading back to the hotel. For today's activities, you'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note that cash, as well as Visa/Mastercard, are widely accepted throughout the Bodrum city center and markets.

• Bodrum Castle

  From the hotel, you'll take a 20-minute private transfer to Bodrum Castle. Bodrum Castle, also known as the Castle of St. Peter, is a historic fortress located in the heart of Bodrum, Turkey. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, the castle is a magnificent example of medieval architecture and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history. There you can explore its well-preserved chambers, halls, and towers, which house the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, showcasing artifacts from ancient shipwrecks. The castle's imposing structure provides panoramic views of Bodrum and the Aegean Sea, making it a popular destination for both cultural enrichment and scenic beauty. The imposing walls, moats, and medieval elements create an atmospheric setting, transporting visitors back in time.

  09:30· 90 min· Bodrum City Center
• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

  From Bodrum Castle you'll take a 5-minute transfer to Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was a monumental tomb built in the city of Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey). It was constructed in the 4th century BCE for Mausolus, the Persian satrap of Caria, and his sister-wife Artemisia II. Designed by Greek architects Satyros and Pythius, the mausoleum was a marvel of classical architecture, featuring a mix of Greek, Egyptian, and Lycian influences. The structure stood approximately 45 meters in height, adorned with intricate sculptures and friezes depicting mythological scenes. Unfortunately, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was partially destroyed by a series of earthquakes in the Middle Ages, and today, only remnants of the once grand structure remain. Despite its partial destruction, the mausoleum's architectural innovations and artistic achievements have left an enduring legacy in the history of ancient monumental tombs.

  11:15· 60 min· Bodrum City Centre
• Bodrum City Walk

  Next, you'll take a 15-minute private transfer to Bodrum's city center to begin your orientation city walk. You'll start at the Bodrum Maritime Museum (only viewing from the outside), which houses a rich collection of maritime artifacts including ancient shipwrecks, navigation tools, and exhibits, highlighting the region's significant maritime history. Then you'll walk 10 minutes to a tea house, where you can try Turkish tea or coffee at your own expense. Walk 10 minutes to Yunuslar Karadeniz Pastry's, where there will be a variety of Turkish pastries to try at your own expense. You'll have some free time after your orientation walk to explore the small streets of Bodrum that are filled with shops and fresh produce. Both cash and Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted. You'll be walking around 1-2 miles on mostly flat city terrain.

  14:00· 120 min· Bodrum City Centre

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then the day is to spend at your leisure! Later, walk to a nearby restaurant with your group for dinner.

Today you will spend a full day on a gulet in Bodrum, sailing Aegean's bays. After breakfast you'll take a transfer to the dock to board the gulet. A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden sailing vessel, often characterized by its broad beam and distinctive shape. These boats have been used historically for fishing and transportation along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. In recent times, gulets have gained popularity as recreational vessels for cruising and chartering. On today's cruise, you'll get the opportunity to visit and swim at various bays such as Kara Ada, Meteor Hole, Aquarium Cove, and Borealis Bay. You'll also enjoy lunch aboard the gulet as well. In the early evening, you'll return to the dock and take a transfer back to the hotel to relax and enjoy your evening at leisure. For today's activities, you'll want to have a swim suit, towel, hat, sandals, and sun screen.

• Gulet Sailing

  ***Subject to seasonal availability*** After breakfast, you'll take a 30-minute private transfer to the dock where you will board the gulet boat for a full day of exploring the southern bays of the Aegean Sea. You'll make stops at Kara Ada, Meteor Hole, Aquarium Cove, and Borealis Bay. Kara Ada is known for its healing thermal waters and the "Black Island" due to the volcanic rocks that cover parts of its shoreline. You'll then head to Meteor Hole, a bay formed by a large meteor hole. You'll have lunch aboard the boat before the next stop, the secluded Aquarium Cove, where there is an abundance of marine life and crystal clear aqua waters to swim in. Your final stop is Borealis Bay. You'll have the opportunity to stop and swim at some of these spots. Life jackets are included.

  11:00· 420 min· Bodrum

What a better way to spend your last full day in Bodrum than with a wine tasting! In the early afternoon, you'll take a transfer to Garova Vineyards to sample a variety of local Turkish wines, accompanied with some cheese and crackers. Then, you'll head back to Bodrum for an early evening at leisure before meeting up and walking to a local restaurant for a final farewell dinner with the group.

• Garova Vineyards Wine Tasting

  Around brunch, you'll arrive at Garova Vineyards for a tasting of local Turkish wines. Turkey has a long history of wine production, and the country is home to several indigenous grape varieties that contribute to its diverse wine culture. Today, you'll sample 5 different varieties of wine, with crackers and cheese included. You'll have the chance to learn about the local wine and grapes, and spend time in the vineyards. Additional wines and snacks will be at your own expense.

  14:00· 120 min· Bodrum
• Transfer · Bodrum → Garova Vineyards

  Take a private transfer from the hotel to Garova Vineyards.

  private · 60 min
• Transfer · Garova Vineyards → Bodrum

  Take a private transfer back to the hotel after wine tasting.

  private · 60 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV).