From Kos: Oriental Bus Tour Bodrum w/Roundtrip Ferry&Pickup

Discover Bodrum’s Oriental Side with a Day Trip from Kos

This day trip to Bodrum offers an engaging way to explore Turkey’s Aegean coast, priced at $58 per person. Departing from Kos, the tour combines a scenic ferry ride across the Mediterranean with a guided bus tour of Bodrum’s highlights. After touring the city, visitors enjoy free time to explore on their own, shop at the Turkish bazaar, and visit iconic sites like the Castle of St. John.

While the tour includes hotel pickup and a roundtrip ferry, it’s important to note that entrance fees and food are not included, and the organization can sometimes fall short. Still, for those eager to experience the oriental atmosphere of Bodrum and get a taste of Turkish culture, this tour offers a practical and affordable option.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price: $58 per person, includes ferry and bus tour
• Duration: about 8 hours, with flexible starting times
• What’s included: hotel pickup, roundtrip ferry, guided city tour by bus
• Highlights: explore Bodrum’s sights, shop at a Turkish market, sample eastern cuisine
• Limitations: entrance tickets and food are not included, and some review feedback highlights organizational issues
• Best for: travelers interested in cultural sights and shopping, comfortable with group tours and basic logistics

From Kos to Bodrum: Ferry and Pickup Logistics

The tour begins with a morning ferry departing from Kos town. The ferry ride offers views of the Mediterranean Sea and sets a relaxed tone for the day ahead. Once arriving at the port of Bodrum, travelers are greeted with a hotel pickup and transferred to a bus for the guided tour.

The roundtrip ferry is a key feature, providing a scenic crossing that adds a special touch to the experience. It’s advisable to bring your passport because you’ll pass through passport control in Turkey. The pickup arrangement requires guests to wait 10 minutes early at their designated location, and a cash payment of 13 euros for the tax is to be made on the spot.

Exploring Bodrum’s Key Sights with a Guided Bus Tour

The guided bus tour takes visitors through Bodrum’s main sights, including the Golden House Jewelry shop where original oriental jewelry is on display. The guide offers insights into the city’s history and culture, though some reviews mention organizational issues with guide coordination.

A visit to the Castle of St. John is a highlight, along with the Halicarnassus Museum and the Museum of Underwater Archeology—perfect for those interested in historical artifacts. The tour provides a glimpse of Bodrum’s oriental surroundings, with stops at markets and local shops where bargaining skills can be put to the test.

Free Time in Bodrum for Personal Exploration

After the guided portion, the tour drops guests off in the city center with free time to explore independently. The narrow streets invite wandering, and visitors can enjoy Turkish coffee in local cafes or sample traditional cuisine.

Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the Turkish bazaar, where souvenirs, spices, and crafts are available. However, some comments mention that additional time for shopping would enhance the experience, and the gold shop visit can feel unnecessary and lengthy.

More Great Tours Nearby

Dining and Shopping on the Turkish Market

The tour emphasizes local food and shopping as key elements of Bodrum’s charm. Visitors can try traditional eastern dishes and bargain for oriental souvenirs and spices. Although food and drinks are not included, the free exploration allows for a relaxed opportunity to sample local flavors.

The Turkish bazaar offers a lively atmosphere, with vendors eager to sell handmade crafts, jewelry, and spices. Some guests note that more time for shopping would improve the overall experience, especially for those interested in bargaining.

Visiting Bodrum’s Historic Sites

History lovers should prioritize stops at the Castle of St. John, which offers impressive views and historical context. The Halicarnassus Museum and the Museum of Underwater Archeology provide further insight into the city’s rich past. Entrance fees are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly.

While the guided tour covers these highlights, some reviews report disorganization, such as guides being misdirected and lack of communication, which could affect the overall experience.

Return Journey and Organisational Considerations

The return to Kos involves sailing back on the ferry in the late afternoon or evening. Review comments point to some issues with guide professionalism and check-ins at the end of the day, including miscommunications about the groups and guides.

It’s advised to monitor email updates (sent one day before) for specific pickup details and to arrive early at the designated pickup point. The ferry crossing adds an enjoyable element but requires passenger passport preparation and cash payment for the tax.

Cost, Duration, and Suitability

At $58, this tour offers an affordable way to visit Bodrum from Kos, with an 8-hour schedule. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those prone to seasickness, given the ferry component.

The timing flexibility and included hotel pickup make it convenient, but some organizational shortcomings and shortened shopping time could impact the overall satisfaction.

Final Thoughts on the Bodrum Day Trip

This tour provides a practical and accessible way to experience Bodrum’s oriental atmosphere and main sights. The ferry ride adds a scenic touch, and the combination of guided bus tour and free exploration allows for flexibility.

However, organizational issues such as guide misdirection and longer-than-expected stops may be frustrating, especially for those seeking a smooth experience. The cost remains reasonable, and the cultural highlights are genuine, making it a suitable choice for those eager to discover Turkish sights without extensive planning.

Travelers should be prepared for extra expenses for entrance tickets, food, and spending cash for shopping. This tour best suits enthusiasts of history, shopping, and cultures, willing to tolerate some logistical hiccups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include entrance tickets?
No, entrance fees for sites like the Castle of St. John and museums are not included in the price.

What should I bring on the day trip?
A passport is required for border control, and cash (13 euros) for the tax is expected to be paid on the spot.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to walking and sightseeing requirements.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry departs in the morning and provides a scenic crossing over the Mediterranean, but specific duration details are not provided.

Can I customize my experience during free time?
Yes, after the guided tour, you are free to explore Bodrum’s streets, shops, and cafes at your own pace.

What are potential drawbacks to consider?
Some organizational issues have been reported, including guide misdirection and limited shopping time, which could affect the overall enjoyment.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby