Things to do in Bodrum

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.

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, we venture to Derekoy, an artistic haven off the tourist radar. Learn about a local craft made by artisans who use dried gourds to create decorative ornaments, before heading 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.

Dalyan Riverboat Tour with Lunch and Iztuzu Beach

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 4km-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.

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!

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 4x4 Nature Fun Tour

The pine-clad hills above Bodrum will be your playground for the day as you set off on a 4x4 off-road adventure to in the Anatolian countryside. You'll drive to sensational viewpoints, have great fun at mudbaths and learn a little about local olive oil production.

Dalaman River Rafting Tour

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.

Bodrum Airport VIP Lounge & Service for Bodrum hotels

Enjoy a more relaxed way to end your holiday with the Bodrum Airport VIP Lounge. You'll have up to two hours to enjoy all-inclusive hot and cold snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi. This will help ensure you'll keep the post-holiday blues at bay until the very last moment.On arrival at Bodrum Airport, you'll be greeted and assisted with check-in, security clearance and passport control. Then, once you're in departures, you'll be able to take advantage of the VIP lounge.Make use of the free Wi-Fi and let the children play in the kids' corner – it's a great way to pass the time before your flight. What's more, depending on the time of day, there's breakfast, hot and cold starters, or soup, bread and salads. And with a selection of drinks available too, you're sure to feel those holiday vibes until the moment you take off.

Bodrum Turkish Bath with Transport

Turkish baths are synonymous the world over with relaxation and rejuvenation. On this excursion to a premier Turkish bathhouse, you'll detox in the steam room, receive a body scrub on a stone slab and receive a foam massage.

Bodrum 4x4 Safari & Boat Cruise

You'll explore the best of both worlds with a tour into the mountains and a boat trip along the coastline. Travel by 4x4 to find quaint mountain villages and panoramic views across the mountaintops then hop aboard for a cruise to secluded bays and islands just a short distance away from Bodrum.The tour starts with an adventure into the mountains by 4x4. We'll drive along forest trails and up Camlık mountain to enjoy panoramic vistas across the entire countryside, and along the way you'll visit some of the most unspoiled areas in the Aegean. Get to know authentic Turkey as you head further inland to tranquil, mountain villages such as Camlik.Then you'll hop aboard the boat for lunch and head out into the open Aegean Sea to islands, inlets and secluded bays. We'll stop for swimming and snorkelling in the refreshing crystal clear water and you'll have enough time to sit back, relax and take in the passing scenery.

Bodrum Gulet Boat Cruise by Outback Yachting

With turquoise seas beckoning you to discover more of Bodrum's beautiful coastline, this 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 sunbathing on deck, swimming and tucking into an al fresco lunch. Step aboard tour traditional gullet, and discover a vessel that's all polished masts, lacquered decks and bright white sails. You'll set sail along the crimped coastline of Bodrum, where chilling out, sunbathing 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.

Day Trip to Greek Island of Kos from Bodrum

Just across the water from Turkey is the Greek island of Kos. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and classical antiquities, a catamaran 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. It shores are laced with sandy sweeps perfect for getting in some sunbathing and swimming before your catamaran 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 valid passport or photo ID is needed.