Things to do in Bodrum

Dalyan riverboat tour with lunch and Iztuzu Beach visit

Surrounding yourself with natural beauty on a river cruise from Dalyan is a great way to unwind. One of Turkey's most pristine beaches is the destination, with stops at mud baths and a riverside restaurant en route. Ceren, one of our local guides, says, "Iztuzu Beach is also known as Turtle Beach because endangered loggerhead turtles nest here. It's a magical spot with very little human interference. The beach was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but luckily conservation was prioritised."Sail down the Dalyan River on an eco-friendly boat – which doesn't harm marine life – and have fun smoothing on the anti-ageing clay at the mud baths. It's great for glowing skin, and it's believed that Cleopatra visited for a pampering soak in the mineral-rich liquid mud. Finish with a dip in the warm sulphur pool before gliding across the river for a freshly prepared lunch of local dishes. You'll then add a little history and culture to the mix, as you continue on the riverboat past Lycian Rock Tombs – dating back to 400BC – carved into the cliffs.As the river widens into a lagoon, you'll have the chance to spot birdlife before docking at Iztuzu Beach. This four-kilometre-long sweep of golden sand divides the river from the sea, a natural oasis that's a true haven for wildlife. Sheltered by mountains, the beach shelves gently into a calm bay, where an afternoon of pure relaxation beckons. Round off your day with the return relaxing river cruise to Dalyan.What is the itinerary for this experience? The itinerary for this experience is...- 7:45am to 8:30am – pick-up from your hotel - 8:30am to 9:30am – travel to Dalyan - 9:45am to 10:00am – river boat ride to mud baths and sulphur pool - 10:00am to 11:30am – free time at the mud baths - 11:30am to 11:45am – another short boat ride back to the other side of the river - 11:45am to 12:45pm – lunch at Paradise Restaurant (drinks cost extra)- 12:45pm to 1:45pm – river boat ride to Turtle Beach - 1:45pm to 3:00pm – free time at Turtle Beach - 3:00pm to 3:45pm – river boat ride back to Dalyan - 5:15pm to 5:30pm – arrive back at your accommodation Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day

Bodrum Peninsula highlights tour with bazaar visit

The west coast of the Bodrum peninsula is packed with hidden gems, rustic villages and romantic seafront promenades. Discover the treasures of this varied coastal region on a full-day tour including a local market visit. Esra, one of our expect local guides, says, "this tour is a perfect way to see more of the local area, shining a spotlight on those places favoured by the peninsula's visitors and locals alike." Your journey begins in Turgutreis, where the silver-domed mosque and spice-scented bazaar offer a sensory delight.Our next stop is Gümüşlük, a village so picturesque you won't be able to resist snapping plenty of photos. Take some time to meander through the narrow streets, with free time to explore and find somewhere to eat lunch. As Esra says, "Gümüşlük is such a pretty place with a laid back and lazy atmosphere. We'll head there just in time for you to find somewhere to grab a bite to eat – don't miss out on trying the fresh fish and meze the village is famous for." In the afternoon, you'll venture to Yalikavak, a seaside town boasting an ultra-luxurious marina. This Bodrum peninsula tour offers an authentic glimpse into Turkish life, from bustling bazaars to tranquil seaside towns.

Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary tour with lunch in Sirince

Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites from the classical era. Highlights include the Celsus Library and the Great Theatre. You'll also discover the House of the Virgin Mary and stop by Sirince for a spot of lunch. Gökhan, one of our local guides, says, ‘During the time of Emperor Tiberius, Ephesus was the most important city in Europe apart from Rome. It was wealthy due to its flourishing commercial activity, home to 250,000 people and culturally very advanced. The site is truly impressive – so much detail remains.'Let your expert your guide transport you back in time, learning about the living past of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Celsus Library, built with double walls to protect its scrolls from the heat. Peek into houses still decorated with frescoes, and nose around the public baths, brothel and shops. Walk down Marble Street to see the Great Theatre, a spectacular 24,000-seater dug into the hillside, which once rang with the cries of gladiators and the sermons of St Paul. There's a museum at Ephesus, too, which you'll walk through during your visit. It's digital exhibits are designed to show off what Ephesus might've looked like when it was at its peak. Next, we'll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic and Muslim shrine. There's a wishing wall, where you can leave written prayers, and a fountain whose waters are believed by some to have miraculous powers. We'll round off the day in Sirince – a little less ancient but still with a sense of yesteryear. Here, you'll have lunch at a family-run restaurant before tasting the local fruit wine and enjoying free time to stroll along the town's cobbled streets.

Full-day Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour with thermal pool stop

One of Mother Nature's masterpieces, Pamukkale, which translates as Cotton Castle, is a spectacle of water-filled terraces that've been slowly sculpted over thousands of years. You'll head out from Bodrum to check out this UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Mehmet, one of our local expert guides, says, “people travelled for weeks to bathe in the waters of Pamukkale, believing they brought strength, clarity and even a bit of luck. The same springs that drew ancient travellers are still flowing today, shaping the terraces day by day. The landscape never stops evolving.”You'll arrive at Pamukkale with time to explore at your own pace, taking in the mountainside terraces where natural springs have solidified into snowy-white stalactites, ripples and cliffs. Just above the terraces sit the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city that once drew visitors from across the empire. Its grand theatre, necropolis and old bathhouses are spread across the plateau, giving you plenty to explore beyond the white pools below.Pick-up will be in the early morning so that you can set off in time to reach Pamukkale for early afternoon, with a comfort break in the town of Mugla along the way. After your visit to the terraces and ruins, you'll stop to recharge at the Pam Thermal Hotel. There's a lunch included, too, and there's even time for a dip in the hotel's thermal pool if you fancy it – the perfect way to wrap up a day spent checking out one of Turkey's most iconic natural wonders.

Bodrum all-inclusive gulet boat cruise by Outback Yachting

With turquoise seas beckoning you to discover more of Bodrum's beautiful coastline, this all-inclusive cruise is the ultimate mix of exploration and relaxation. You'll sail out on a gulet operated by Outback Yachting to while away the hours on your guaranteed sunbed, with swimming stops, drinks and al fresco lunch. Step aboard tour traditional gulet, and discover a vessel that's all polished masts and lacquered decks. You'll set sail along the crimped coastline of Bodrum, where chilling out, sunbathing, enjoying drinks from the bar and taking in the ever-changing views are the order of the day. Your captain will drop anchor from time to time, so you can cannonball into the Aegean. It's idyllic snorkelling territory, so don't forget to bring your snorkelling gear along. When the lunch bell rings, you'll find an array of Turkish treats including meatballs, meze and salad laid out on the captain's table – all complete with local wine, beer and soft drinks from the bar.

White water rafting experience on the Dalaman River

This full day tour is a chance for thrill-seekers to conquer the bubbling whitewater rapids of the River Dalaman. You'll head out in a raft with an expert guide, so no experience is required. Then after the action, you'll sit down to lunch and the chance to pick out some top photos and videos from your day.

ATV or buggy off-road tour from Bodrum

Rev up for an off-road adventure on this guided tour. Choose your ride – an ATV or a buggy – and get ready to tear through rugged terrains, splash through muddy trails and zoom through forests. Perfect for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike, there's pure excitement in store as you cruise through the Turkish countryside. With top-notch safety gear and an expert guide leading the way, you're in for an adrenaline-packed adventure. Just remember, this is no place for your Sunday best – it's going to get muddy!

Day trip to the Greek island of Kos

Just across the water from Turkey is the Greek island of Kos. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and classical antiquities, a catamaran or ferry ride will take you to its capital, Kos town, where you'll have the day to explore on your own.Prepare to be charmed by the town, where ancient and modern sit side by side. Dip into the shops and boutiques in the streets behind the harbour or sip coffees in the square, admiring the huge plane tree – it's said that Hippocrates held lessons under it 2,400 years ago. And admire the sea views from the battlements of the 15th-century Knights' fortress. History lovers will also want to see nearby Asklepieion. One of Greece's most important classical sites, its marble temples mark where the world's first hospital once stood.Or if you fancy some R&R, take your pick of the town's beaches. Its shores are laced with sandy sweeps perfect for getting in some sunbathing and swimming before your ride back. And remember, you'll need to cross the borders – sometimes with lengthy security and passport checks – between Turkey and Greece in this tour, so a valid passport or photo ID is needed.

Pamukkale Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience & Hierapolis Visit

Pamukkale is spectacular seen from the ground – but even better with bird's eye views. See one of Turkey's top natural treasures from above with this hot air balloon experience. You'll need to rise and shine well before sunrise, but it's all worth it. Soar over the cotton-white calcium terraces before touching down to visit the Roman ruins of Hierapolis, too.

Bodrum Turkish Bath with Transport

Turkish baths are synonymous the world over with relaxation and rejuvenation. The bath house, or hammam, has been a central part of life in Turkey for centuries, and with good reason – they're a serious refresher for the mind, body and soul. Change into your swimwear in a cubicle, wrap yourself in a towel and step into the marble-tiled hammam or steam room. Relax on a heated marble bench and let the warm steam open your pores and ease the toxins from your skin. Then lie on a warm stone slab for an exfoliating body scrub, receive a bubbly foam massage, before rounding off your pampering with a 20-minute massage with essential oils – bliss (the oil massage is optional and can be selected by guests via modality). Once you've cooled off, you'll come away feeling utterly refreshed.

Bodrum 4x4 and boat cruise tour with optional buggy safari

Ready to dive into Bodrum's wild side? In Torba, you'll hop into a 4x4 after a quick briefing before heading up to Omerli Tepe for views over the peninsula. Then, it's on to the Tomato Eco Village for a coffee break, where you can try the zip-line or relax by the pool. If you're up for more adrenaline, you can join the optional buggy safari instead for an off road ride through the hills. Afterwards, you'll make your way to Yaliciftlik Pier and board a traditional gulet for an afternoon sailing with lunch and stops for swimming and snorkelling at three different bays.

Bodrum sights and shopping tour

This Bodrum tour delivers a great mix of sights and activities. Highlights include the Gumbet Windmills, Myndos Gate, the ancient theatre – and even leaves time for a gold centre visit and a while to explore the old town at your own pace.Start things off with a visit to the stately Gumbet windmills, which overlook the bay, before heading on to the Myndos Gate – which dates back to the 4th century BC. The ruins of the gate are all that remains of a wall that once encircled ancient Halicarnassus, as Bodrum was known in ancient times. Next, you'll swing by a jewellery centre for the chance to barter your way to a great deal on gold, silver and more. When the expert jewellers dazzle you with theie items, be sure to haggle for the best price. Or if you'd prefer not to buy, just let them know.Then you'll have a guided visit to Bodrum's theatre, which is a wonderfully preserved example of an ancient Greek public arena architecture. The rest of this Bodrum city excursion is dedicated to retail therapy, as you hunt for bargains at local leather and Turkish delight shops, before enjoying some free time to explore the city and browse the shops on your own.