Bodrum Shore Excursion from the Cruise Port, Private
A private day ashore from the Bodrum cruise port: the Castle of Saint Peter and its underwater archaeology museum, the site of the Mausoleum and the windmills above the bays.
Photo: Horvat / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
- Duration
- Half day or full day (about 4 to 6 hours)
- Region
- Aegean, Bodrum
- Walking
- Easy
- Starts
- When you leave the ship
Best for First-time visitors · Cruise passengers
Tour code BOD-S01
The essence
A private Bodrum shore excursion starts at the cruise port, about 1.5 kilometers from the center. Your guide takes you to the Castle of Saint Peter, built by the Knights of Saint John and now the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Then you see the site of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders, and drive up to the old windmills above the bays. We plan the whole day around your all-aboard time. For the day in detail, read our Bodrum cruise stop guide.
Highlights
- Pick-up and drop-off at the cruise port
- The Castle of Saint Peter
- The Uluburun shipwreck hall
- The site of the Mausoleum
- The windmills above the bays
Program
-
Morning
The port on the Bodrum shore excursion
Your guide meets you as you leave the ship.
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Late morning
The Castle of Saint Peter
The castle and its museum of underwater archaeology.
Opening hours & dress code -
Midday
The Mausoleum
The site of one of the Seven Wonders, closed on Mondays.
Opening hours & dress code -
Afternoon
The windmills
The hill between Bodrum and Gümbet.
Opening hours & dress code -
Late afternoon
Back to the ship
Your driver takes you back to the port.
In depth
When your ship docks in Bodrum, the castle is already in view across the harbor. A private Bodrum shore excursion takes you there and beyond with your own guide and driver, and brings you back to the ship.
The Port on the Bodrum Shore Excursion
First, your guide meets you at the Bodrum cruise port, about 1.5 kilometers from the center of Bodrum. From there, your driver takes you to the harbor.
The Castle of Saint Peter
Then you walk into the Castle of Saint Peter. The Knights of Saint John built it between 1406 and 1523, and today it houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Restoration work keeps some halls shut, while the hall of the Uluburun wreck, a ship of the 14th century BC, stays open. Visiting status can change, so we confirm it before your date.
The Mausoleum on the Bodrum Shore Excursion
Next, you visit the site of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. An earthquake brought it down in 1304, and the Knights later used its stones for their castle. The site does not open on Mondays.
The Windmills
After that, you drive up to the windmills on the hill between Bodrum and Gümbet. They date from the 18th century, and from the hill you look down on both bays.
From our guides
Our suggestion Keep the windmills for last: from the hill between Bodrum and Gümbet, you see both bays before you go back to the ship.
Back to the Ship
We drive you back to the port. We plan the whole day around your all-aboard time. For the day in detail, read our Bodrum cruise stop guide. Staying on in Bodrum? Our Ephesus tour from Bodrum takes a long day to Ephesus from your hotel. For more ports, see our shore excursions, or read our guide on choosing a shore excursion or a ship tour. For all three Turkish ports, read our Turkey cruise ports 2027. Is your ship coming to Bodrum? Tell us the date and the hours in port, and we will plan it.
Before you go
-
- Entry
- Ticketed castle and museum
-
- Entry
- Ticketed site with a small museum
-
Hours: your guide confirms them locally.
Hours can change on religious holidays. Your guide confirms them the day before.
What’s included
Included
- A professional licensed guide, in the language you ask for
- A private vehicle and driver, with pick-up and drop-off at the cruise port
- A 10 GB eSIM for one traveler in your group, our gift, valid for 30 days (data only)
Not included
- Entrance tickets, unless agreed in your program
- Meals and drinks
- Tips
“Everything was well organized, and Soner was always available whenever we needed anything.”
From your guide
What to wear
Comfortable shoes and a hat; the castle has many steps.
Best time
Any cruise day. The Mausoleum site is closed on Mondays.
Photos
From the windmills, you see both Bodrum and the bay of Gümbet.
Practical
Updated:
- Starts
- When you leave the ship
- Ends
- The cruise port
- Meeting point
- Bodrum Cruise Port
- Walking
- Easy: steps and ramps inside the castle.
- Accessibility
- The castle has many steps. Tell us your needs.
- Cancellation
- Visiting status can change; we confirm it before your date.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Bodrum shore excursion start?
At the Bodrum cruise port, about 1.5 kilometers from the center. Your guide meets you as you leave the ship.
Will we be back in time for the ship?
Yes. The castle, the Mausoleum and the windmills are a short drive from the cruise port, and your driver brings you back well before your all-aboard time.
Is all of the castle museum open?
Some halls are closed for restoration, while the Uluburun and shipwreck halls are open. Visiting status can change, so we confirm it before your date.
Is a private shore excursion better than the ship's tour?
It depends on your group. With us, the car and the guide are yours alone, and the day in Bodrum follows your pace. Read our guide to choosing a private shore excursion or a ship tour.
What is your cancellation policy?
Every trip with us is private, so we agree the cancellation terms with you by email before you book, and you find them in writing in your booking confirmation. The deposit is non-refundable.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, with some planning. We provide wheelchair and mobility support on request; some stops have steps or uneven ground, so tell us your needs when you book and we plan the route around them.
Can children join?
Yes. The walks are easy for children. Send us their ages, and child seats are ready in the car.
What about lunch?
Lunch is paid on the spot. Your guide knows good places on the route, and you order what you like.
Which language does the guide speak?
The language you ask for. We find a licensed guide who speaks it.
