Bodrum: Mausoleum & Ancient Caria (3 Days)

Overview

Combine ancient wonders with Aegean sunshine on this three-day tour from Istanbul to Bodrum, the ancient city of Halicarnassus. This was the home of Herodotus, the "father of history", and of the Mausoleum, the monumental tomb of King Mausolus that gave its name to all mausoleums and ranked among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We also explore the magnificent Castle of Saint Peter, home to a world-class Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and enjoy Bodrum's whitewashed streets and bays. Round-trip flights from Istanbul, a 3-4 star hotel, transfers and a guide are included.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Istanbul to Bodrum

We fly from Istanbul to Bodrum and settle in. In the afternoon we visit the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the well-preserved ancient theatre, with views over the bay. Overnight at a 3-4 star hotel.

Day 2 - Bodrum Castle and Underwater Archaeology

We explore the Castle of Saint Peter, built by the Knights Hospitaller, which houses the renowned Museum of Underwater Archaeology and its ancient shipwreck treasures. We wander the Myndos Gate, the marina and the old bazaar, with free time by the sea.

Day 3 - Aegean coast and return to Istanbul

A relaxed morning along the coast, with the option of a short boat trip around the bays, before we transfer to Bodrum Airport for our flight back to Istanbul.

Tour highlights

The site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, a Wonder of the Ancient World
The Castle of Saint Peter and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology
The ancient theatre and Myndos Gate of Halicarnassus
The whitewashed streets, marina and bays of Bodrum
Flights from Istanbul, 3-4 star hotel, transfers and a guide included

Frequently Asked Questions

It was the monumental tomb built for King Mausolus of Caria in the 4th century BC. So magnificent that it was counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it gave its name to the word mausoleum. Today the site can be visited, while some sculptures are in the British Museum.

The Castle of Saint Peter, built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century, houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, one of the most important of its kind, with finds from ancient shipwrecks recovered along the Aegean coast.

Bodrum is a popular Aegean holiday town, but it is also ancient Halicarnassus, birthplace of the historian Herodotus, so this tour balances genuine history with relaxed time by the sea.

Round-trip domestic flights from Istanbul, a 3-4 star hotel with half board, all transfers, site and museum entrance fees and a guide. Optional boat trips, lunches and personal expenses are not included.