Bodrum Ancient Wonders Private Shore Excursion, 7 Hours
Overview
Bodrum Ancient Wonders Private Shore Excursion, 7 Hours
Ancient Halicarnassus is easy to explore, with well-preserved monuments and a beautiful seafront. This tour is designed for cruise guests with a short stop in Bodrum: when you step off the ship, a licensed guide is already waiting to begin your private tour.
St Peter's Castle and the Mausoleum
Stops include St. Peter's Castle with its Museum of Underwater Archaeology and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There is also time to shop in local stores.
The route takes you clearly through the key landmarks and what remains of the ancient city, with no preparation needed. The hours pass quickly as you explore at your own pace.
A Shore Excursion at Your Pace
You discover small details you would never find on a map, and even in a short time it feels like a complete visit to the ancient world.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Private Ancient Wonders of Bodrum Tour for Cruisers
Bodrum is one of the most beautiful cruise ports on the Aegean, and a private shore excursion is an excellent way to see ancient Halicarnassus. When your ship docks, your private guide is waiting to welcome you and begin the tour.
Our first stop is the Museum of Underwater Archaeology inside St. Peter's Castle. The castle was built in 1402 by the Knights of St. John to control the harbour, and it is one of the few well-preserved examples of Crusader architecture from that period in the eastern Mediterranean.
We then visit the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in the centre of today's Bodrum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your guide tells you the story of King Mausolus and the monument that gave us the word "mausoleum".
Later we visit the Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus, built in the 4th century BC for 5,000 spectators. From the top you have wonderful views over Bodrum. You then have some time to shop before returning comfortably to the port in your private vehicle.
After the tour you are taken back to your cruise ship.
This is the end of our service. We look forward to welcoming you on another journey along the beautiful Turkish coast.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Private Tour
- ✓Licensed Tour Guide
- ✓Transportation by Private Van
- ✕Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
- ✕Meals & Drinks
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are not refundable. All times are local time.
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Travel guides
Bodrum ancient wonders private shore excursion: what you need to know
This private shore excursion is designed for cruise guests with a short stop in Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, from $550. When you step off the ship, a licensed guide is already waiting. You visit St. Peter's Castle with its Museum of Underwater Archaeology, the site of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the ancient theatre, with time to shop in local stores. A private van is included.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 7 hours |
| Price | from $550 |
| Type | Private shore excursion |
| Start and end | Bodrum Port |
| Highlights | St. Peter's Castle, Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, ancient theatre |
| Included | Licensed private guide, private van |
| Not included | Museum tickets and attraction fees, meals and drinks, tips |
What is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus?
It was the monumental tomb of Mausolus, a 4th-century BC ruler, so famous that it gave us the word "mausoleum" and was counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Earthquakes later destroyed it, and many of its stones were reused to build the castle by the harbour. At the site today you see the foundations and fragments, and your guide brings its story to life.
What do you see on the tour?
| Site | What it is |
|---|---|
| St. Peter's Castle | The medieval castle built by the Knights of St. John on the harbour |
| Museum of Underwater Archaeology | Shipwrecks and finds from the seabed, housed inside the castle |
| Mausoleum of Halicarnassus | The site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World |
| Ancient theatre | The Theatre of Halicarnassus on the hillside, with views over the bay |
| Local shops | Free time for shopping in Bodrum |
Which Bodrum shore excursion should you choose?
| Bodrum shore excursion | Focus | Duration | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| This tour | Bodrum's own history, close to the port | About 7 hours | $550 |
| Bodrum peninsula tour | Windmills, Gumusluk, Turkbuku and a village lunch | 6 to 7 hours | $650 |
| Didyma, Priene and Miletus | Three ancient Ionian cities | 8 to 9 hours | $750 |
| Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary | The great Roman city | 8 to 9 hours | $750 |
This is the best choice when your ship's stop is short or you prefer not to spend hours on the road: everything is in or near Bodrum town.
Is Bodrum Castle worth visiting?
Yes. The castle itself is a fine example of crusader-era fortification, with towers named after the knights' home countries, and its Museum of Underwater Archaeology is one of the most important of its kind, with ancient shipwrecks and cargoes recovered from the Aegean.
Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes. It is private and flexible, the distances are short, and the castle's towers, ships and treasures appeal to children. Tell us the ages of your group when you book.
When is the best time to go?
The cruise season from spring to autumn. Summer is hot, so plan the castle in the morning; spring and autumn are the most comfortable.
What should you bring?
Comfortable shoes for the castle's stone steps, a hat, sunscreen, water, your ship card and ID, and cash or a card for entrance fees and shopping.
How do you book?
Choose your port date on this page and send the form, or message us on WhatsApp with your ship's name, arrival time and all-aboard time. We confirm in writing and you pay only after confirmation. For more ideas see our Bodrum tours and our Turkey tour packages.
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