Jewels of Bodrum: Ancient Cities, Village, Underwater Museum Tour

Departures from Cruise Port : Your private guide will meet you at the exit gate of Bodrum cruise port at your scheduled meeting time, holding a signboard with "YOUR NAME" on it.

Departures from Yalıkavak Yacht Marina : Your private guide will meet you at the Yalıkavak Yacht Marina at your scheduled meeting time, holding a signboard with "YOUR NAME" on it.

Departures from hotels in Bodrum : Your private guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Stratonikeia, which hosted many civilizations from antiquity to modern times, is one of the significant archaeological sites in Asia Minor and has unique characteristics. The city continuously developed during the Classic, Hellenistic and Roman Imperial periods and gradually became a center of trade, art and culture. Stratonikeia has been known as the city of eternal love and gladiators throughout the ages. It was a center where gladiators were trained, did demonstrations and spent their life after retirement. Sport was clearly important to Stratonikeans, who built what might be the largest gymnasium in antiquity in the 2nd century B.C. just west of the north gate.

Lagina was connected to the ancient city of Stratonikeia by a sacra via, approximately 8.5 km long and 3-3.5 meter wide. Regular festivities were held every year in Lagina, and grand festivities were held every four years on behalf of Hecate. How these festivities would take place and what to do were arranged according to certain rules. During the annual festivities, there were "Key Carrying" ceremonies that were held regularly and lasted for a few days. Thus, the ceremonies continued annually in a certain order. In the key-carrying ceremony, a choir of young girls was singing hymns, leaving Lagina, reaching Stratonikeia, declaring their devotion to the city, and coming back to the sanctuary. After this choir entered the sanctuary, religious ceremonies in the place began. The gates of the temple were opened by the attendant girl carrying the key. People who came to the sanctuary sat on the steps arranged along the western edge of the sanctuary and watched the ceremony.

As part of your tour, you will enjoy a short scenic drive to Etrim Village, where you will experience the authentic rural life of Bodrum. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of nature and the sea, making the journey just as memorable as the destination.

Discover the authentic charm of Etrim Village, where you can experience real daily life in a traditional Turkish village. Nestled in nature, Etrim offers visitors a rare opportunity to connect with local culture as it is lived today. During your private tour, you'll explore the village streets, observe the rhythms of rural life, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch made with local ingredients. Also, you will continue for weaving is a significant aspect of Turkish culture, with roots that trace back to Central Asia. This ancient tradition is still alive in this village today. During our tour, we’ll take a brief visit to a cooperative where world-renowned Turkish carpets are crafted, offering you the chance to learn about the intricate details of this age-old art form.

After immersing yourself in both the traditional and contemporary rural life of Bodrum, you will set off towards Bodrum town to visit the fascinating Underwater Archaeology Museum. This unique museum offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich maritime history and ancient treasures, perfectly complementing your authentic village experience.

The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum, housed within the historic Bodrum Castle, is regarded as one of the world’s leading underwater museums. Showcasing artifacts recovered from shipwreck excavations in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, the museum offers valuable insights into maritime history. Some of the most remarkable exhibits include the Uluburun Shipwreck—one of the oldest known shipwrecks, dating back to the 14th century BC—the Glass Wrecks Collection, ancient amphorae, maritime-related jewelry and tools, as well as shipwrecks from the Roman and Ottoman eras.

At the end of your private tour, we will drop you back at the Bodrum cruise port or Yalıkavak yacht marina or your hotel in Bodrum, depending on your pick-up location. We hope to welcome you back to Turkey soon for more unforgettable tours.