Bodrum

We are in Bodrum from 8 am - 7 pm in August. I'm guessing it's not a popular cruise port cause I'm not finding much on it. Any suggestions on what to do for the day? Thanks

I've stayed on holiday several years near Bodrum, which is a really nice town. I've only noticed some of the smaller cruise ships there; I know Thomson from the UK go to Bodrum. There's a lovely waterfront you can walk right along, with numerous gulets (traditional wooden boats), some of which can be hired for trips. At the far end of the waterfront is the castle complex, which is well worth a visit. It also contains an interesting underwater archaeological museum. There are plenty of cafes and shops everywhere.

I've stayed on holiday several years near Bodrum, which is a really nice town. I've only noticed some of the smaller cruise ships there; I know Thomson from the UK go to Bodrum. There's a lovely waterfront you can walk right along, with numerous gulets (traditional wooden boats), some of which can be hired for trips. At the far end of the waterfront is the castle complex, which is well worth a visit. It also contains an interesting underwater archaeological museum. There are plenty of cafes and shops everywhere.

Agree above and let me add my "photo proof/evidence that Bodrum is wonderful and charming. Be very thankful that this historic town is not overrun by the giant and/or mega cruise ships. That is a real blessing. Below are a few of my visual sample for what we saw and enjoyed here.

Bodrum has become a chic, "hot" and popular tourist destination with its warm but not humid climate. It has a wonderful combination of the ancient past with all the current tourist attractions, shops and restaurants, including modest cafes to exquisite Turkish cuisine. Having this holiday/entertainment image, it can offer sea, natural beauty and history, as well as for its modern nightlife. The area carries the imprint of many cultures and civilizations, including Persian, Helen, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Lots of interesting history and excitement here.

You might consider e-mailing to one or both this address and ask for their suggestions on potential tour providers:

info@bodruminfo.org

info@bodrumpages.com

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 101,446 views for this posting.

Here is Bodrum Castle and next is a view from the Castle to our cruise ship. Also called the Castle of St. Peter, it was built from 1402 by the Knights Hospitaller during the crusades of the middle ages and is considered the most prominent landmark in Bodrum. It operates as a museum, with the focus on the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Its collection has finds from underwater excavations along the Turkish coast including the famous Uluburun Shipwreck. This was one of the earliest and richest wrecks discovered. This castle is considered one of the world's best preserved monuments dating back to medieval times.:

Bodrum harbor and city views, including showing some of the gullet yachts. These are typically of pine wood and styled with pointed fore and round raft. Many are chartered and then used to anchor in one of many fabulous, nearby coves; offer other sea activities, etc.:

At Bodrum along the Turkish Coast, here's a religious tower and view of the town in background. Bodrum has a population of about 35,000.:

Historic ruins at Mausoleum site in Bodrum. It was known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, This Mauseloum was built by Artemisia, the sister and the wife of King Mausolos, B.C. 355. It stood on a 21-stepped pyramid, 46 meters high and carried a horse car symbolising victory. It had 36 marble columns in Ionian style. The Mauseloum was destroyed in an earthquake. Many statues and reliefs from the Mauseloum were carried to the British Museum in 1856.:

Fantastic port and ever so easy to do on your own. We took the free ferry from where our ship docked across the bay to the area near the castle. The castle is nothing special after seeing many in Europe, but the underwater archaeology museum is interesting. Then we meandered along the waterfront, stopped at a place for pizza. We watched men playing backgammon there and they gestured that we could join them if we wished. (If only we could play decently!).

Later we followed the path up the the ruins of the original ancient mausoleum. We saw a sign pointing up a road to an ancient theatre so we walked up some more. The theatre was not in great shape and was behind a fence, but the view of the town was spectacular. Then we walked back down via another path and back along the wonderful waterfront to our ship.

This was a great day, late in November, but sunny and warm.

We are headed there in June and I have pre-booked a day cruise with Ozzlife private boat tours. They are out of Gumbet but will pick you up at port. Found them on TripAdvisor.

There seems to be quite a few of these day long "gulet" cruises that will take you to various swimming areas and provide lunch.