Bodrum, Turkey – Friday, October 9 – docked 8am-5pm
National language: Turkish Currency accepted: Turkish Lira & Euros
Greek Islands & Cyprus Cruise itinerary
Our Cruise Landings/stopovers
Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodrum, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover at Bodrum on the southwest coast of Turkey.
Introducing Bodrum, Turkey
The historic port city of Bodrum on the southwest coast of Turkey is a booming year-round getaway for Turks and foreigners. The charming town is full of white-washed buildings, cafes, and restaurants – all engulfed by beautiful waters and the commanding presence of the towering Bodrum Castle.
A Brief history of Bodrum
Bodrum was founded by the ancient Greeks and later fell under Persian rule. The city eventually passed to successive Hellenistic rulers and then came under Roman rule. The city lost its importance by the Byzantine era. The Knights Hospitaller arrived in 1402 and built the Castle of St. Peter. Bodrum was a quiet town of fishermen and sponge divers until the early 20th century. It was part of the Ottoman Empire 1867-1922.
Top Attractions
- Bodrum Castle and the Underwater Archeologial Museum
- Bodrum Ancient Theatre – Greek theatre from 4th century BC
Bodrum Castle – Listed on UNESCO Tentative list of World Heritage Sites in Turkey. A historical fortification built from 1402 onward, by the Knights of St. John (Knights Hospitaller) as the Castle of St. Peter. It has four towers known as the English, French, German, and Italian towers, bearing the names of the nations responsible for their construction. Ottoman additions of a minaret and Turkish bath (hamam) were made later. The Underwater Archaeological Museum is currently housed in Bodrum Castle – https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?sectionId=BSA01&distId=MRK The history of the castle was taken from the UNESCO World Heritage website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6121/
Bodrum Ancient Theatre – https://bodrumantiktiyatro.com.tr/en/ – The Greek theatre, with its commanding views of the Bodrum Castle, the town of Bodrum, and the sparkling sea, was built in the 4th century BC during the Hellenistic period. Alterations were made later during the Roman period. Live performances take place there now. Visiting hours vary depending on performances (generally open 8:30-5:30pm). Visiting hours and the route to walk there have dedicated pages on the website. (Walk straight up from the center of town – no vehicles). Visiting the theatre is free.
Suggested Activities
Bayside and Tora Boat trips – www.baysidebodrum.com This company offers afternoon boat tours of some of Bodrums beautiful bays and beaches which include swimming and snorkeling, if you choose. Visit http://www.Getyourguide.com for tours. Suggestion: Turkish Maldives boat trip with cruise port pickup – 7 hours – $45 swimming, snorkeling, lunch
Hamams (traditional Turkish baths) There are numerous hamams in and around Bodrum. Some are only a short walk from the port, others are incorporated into tours in which you can be picked up in the port. Prices range from $18 – $45 (for spa treatment). Several choices of hamam visits are offered on the following link: www.viator.com/Bodrum-tours/Hammams-and-Turkish-Baths/d4292-g5335-c5337 For more ideas visit www.TripAdvisor.com
Etrim Village Turkish Rug Weaving Experience – Discover Anatolia’s skilled carpet masters in nearby Etrim Village https://gyg.me/2CKpAVVV
Bodrum Bazaar and/or Turgutirus Market – There are several open air markets on the Bodrum Peninsula. Following are two of them.
- Bodrum Market – https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298658-d2292248-Reviews-Bodrum_Bazaar-Bodrum_City_Bodrum_District_Mugla_Province_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html
- Turgutreis Market – https://www.getyourguide.com/en-au/bodrum-l846/bodrum-turgutreis-market-tour-t641905/?ranking_uuid=b8b3e1eb-4306-403a-bd33-3e32d9232cf5&q=Markets%2C+bazaars%2C+%26+souks%2C+Bodrum
Helpful links
Bayside and Tora Boat trips – www.baysidebodrum.com/
Currency/money
Turkish Lira – The following link has lots of useful information (9 pages!) about currency usage in Bodrum (Euros & Turkish Lira): https://www.revolut.com/blog/post/can-you-use-euro-in-turkey/
For the other stopovers on our cruise visit separate postings, which are listed in the column to the right
