Welcome to Bodrum !
We have compiled this page to provide you with a local insight into the Bodrum Peninsula and include our ideas to ensure that you get the utmost enjoyment from your holiday here on the South Aegean coast.
It's not surprising that the site of Bodrum has attracted settlers for more than 3000 years when you consider the mild climate, cooling afternoon breeze and turquoise seas, and the people living here today are friendly and full of fun. The centre and symbol of the town is St. Peter's Castle, which stands on a rocky promontory east of the main harbour with its palm tree-lined boulevard and myriad sailing boats. There is always plenty of activity in the streets of Bodrum and action-lovers will revel in the lively nightlife. Bodrum, nestles at the base of a craggy peninsula. As you head out along it you will discover the other popular resorts of Gumbet, Bitez, Ortakent, Akyarlar, Turgutreis, Gumuflluk and Yalikavak to the west, Turkbuku and Torba to the north. Many prominent figures, including Prince Charles, Mick Jagger, Dustin Hoffman, Barbara Streisand, Clint Eastward, Bo Derek, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Robert McNamara, Christiane Amanpour and James Rubin, have already become devotees of Bodrum and we hope that you will become one too. The following pages contain all you need to know, about what to do and where to go, in and around Bodrum.
Our aim is to ensure that all our guests go home happy and eager to come back again. Your representatives, with the full support of our agency are always on hand to assist you. The visiting times, departure information and contact and emergency telephone numbers can be found on the hotel information board.
Enjoy your holiday!
Your Service Partner Hatipoglu Travel

The History of Halicarnassus
Bodrum is built on the site of the ancient city of Halicarnassus. According to Herodotus and Strabo, Dorians, from Troezen in the eastern Peloponnese, founded the city in the 11th century BC. The first place they settled was on the small island of Zephyros meaning 'west wind', which in later ages became attached to the mainland and is the location of the castle today.
The newcomers had no difficulty integrating with the native Carians, resulting in marriages and a mixed population. Halicarnassus was a member of the Dorian Hexapolis, a group of six cities including Cos, Cnidus and the three Rhodian cities of Lindus, Camirus and Ialysus. After a time, during the 6th century BC, the city came under the influence of its Ionian neighbours to the north to such an extent that it was expelled from the federation.
After the Persian conquest of Lydia and the Greek cities on the Aegean coast in the 6th century BC, Halicarnassus was governed on their behalf by Carian dynasts. The most famous of these was Queen Artemisia I who fought on the side of Persia in 480 BC. She personally commanded a ship in the battle of Salamis and attracted the attention and approval of King Xerxes. After the sea-battle was lost, Xerxes returned to Persia on the advise of Queen Artemisia and entrusted to her care the children of his harem. Halicarnassus became a member or the Delian league. Following the declaration of the King's Peace in 386 BC, Caria came once more under Persian rule to be governed by Carian satraps appointed by the King. These were the foundations of the Hecatomnid dynasty. Mausolos (377-353 BC) was the most successful of the Hecatomnids. He transferred the capital to Halicarnassus and set about the task of making it the most beautiful city of Caria. The treasury was filled by heavy taxes, which even included a levy on having long hair.
Architects and sculptors were employed to ornament the city with fine buildings and the great 7 km long city wall was constructed to protect it. To ensure a growing population, the inhabitants of six inland villages, Euralion, Medmasa, Pedasos, Sibde, Telmessos and Theangela, were forcibly conveyed to Halicarnassus. Upon his death in 353 BC Mausolus was succeeded by his sister-wife Artemisia II. Although she ruled for just three years, she distinguished herself greatly in this short period. Her first deed was the building of a magnificent monumental tomb for her husband, the Mausoleum, regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. She prevented an attack on the city from Rhodes and her second great deed was an ingenious defeat over the Rhodians, who were tricked into allowing her entire fleet into their port. After the death of Artemisia, her brother Idreus came to power followed in 344BC by his sister and widow Queen Ada. A bitter succession feud ensued and Ada's brother Pixodarus replaced her in 340 BC, ruling jointly with the Persian satrap, Orontobates. Ada was exiled by Pixodarus to Alinda.
When Alexander the Great attempted to take the city in 334 BC, he was resisted for some time by the Persians who were aided by the Rhodian mercenary, Memnon. After the city's capture by the Macedonians, Alexander restored power to Queen Ada, who adopted him as her son. After the death of Alexander, Halicarnassus entered the 3rd century under the rule of the Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt (285-256 BC). In 197 BC Antiochus II Theos of Syria attempted unsuccessfully to take possession of the city. The fortunes of the city were restored after the establishment of Roman rule in 133 BC when Halicarnassus was free to exist in independence. Halicarnassus belonged to the Byzantine Empire from 395 AD until the Knights of St. John set out from Rhodes to occupy the city in 1402. Earthquakes had demolished the Mausoleum and it was used as a quarry to construct one of the strongest of all the castles built by the order. The castle was dedicated to St. Peter and it is from the Latin Petrus/Petrum that many believe the present day name of Bodrum derives. Suleyman the Magnificent captured the city for the Ottoman Empire in 1523 and the castle was used as a prison. Today the Castle of St. Peter houses one of the most important museums of underwater archaeology in the world.
As with most popular cities in history, the cost is that a great deal of the ancient site of Halicarnassus has been lost beneath the Bodrum of today.

Essential Information
Transport: The main bus station (Otogar) is in the centre of Bodrum. From here there are minibus services to every resort of the peninsula such as Gumbet, Bitez, Torba, Gumuflluk etc. There are no standard stops. You can hail a minibus from the roadside and alight on demand anywhere along the route.
Taxi: They run on a taximeter basis. There is a night tariff after midnight until 6am when fares increase by 50%. For long journeys it is possible to negotiate a price before setting out. Highway Code: The speed limits are; 50 km/hr in built-up areas, 90km/hr on the open road and 120 km/hr on motorways. There are frequent radar and video speed control checks. Driving offences such as speeding, jumping a red light and failing to wear a seat belt, carry on the spot fines. All road signs in Turkey comply with the International Highway Code. Driving etiquette differs and great care should be taken. Beware of inadequately lit vehicles, slow moving lorries and animals wandering across the road.
Car Hire: Your representative can arrange car hire for you at exclusive prices. Please remember that in Turkey there are strict drink driving laws. The rule is absolutely no alcohol if you intend to drive.
Accident: Report any incidents to your representative immediately. Never move your vehicle or leave the scene until the police have attended and completed a report and alcohol test. Failing to obtain these documents will invalidate your insurance.
Methods of Payment: Travellers cheques are not everywhere accepted in Turkey. The main banks also have abundant ATMs where you can obtain local currency using your usual debit or credit cards. In most places you can also pay in Pound Sterling, Dolar or Euro.
Currency: The national currency is the Turkish Lira (TL)
Exchange: Exchange offices are quick and usually offer the best rates. Banks and most post offices also have exchange facilities. The exchange rate fluctuates so it is a good idea not to change too much money at once and exchange rates back to foreign currencies are generally poor.
Currency Regulations: Not more than $1000 worth of Turkish Lira may be brought into or taken out of the country. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency which may be brought in. The rates of exchange for local currency are invariably better inside Turkey.
Bank: Banks are open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.30 - 13.00 and 13.00 - 17.00.
Safekeeping: There is a safe at the reception or in your room. We recommend that you deposit your valuables, money, passports, flight tickets etc. for safekeeping.
Electricity: The voltage is 220 volts and 50 Hz. Power cuts do occur from time to time. Many hotels have emergency generators but these are unlikely to power your air-conditioning.
Telephone: There are metered telephones at the post office where you can also buy cards for use in phone booths. From the hotel reception the charges will be more.
Internet: Numerous Internet cafes offering email, chat and ICQ facilities can be found in Bodrum and all over the peninsula. You can send free e-cards to family and friends by visiting our website http://www.bodrum-turkey.com
Eating and Drinking: At its finest, Turkish cuisine is amongst the best in the world. Lamb is the most commonly eaten meat, chicken and beef are also popular and you can even find wild boar on the menu. Fish is always a favourite in coastal areas and is priced by weight. Take care when eating in the first days of your stay as a lot of olive oil is used in the preparation of many dishes and the change can upset your stomach. Delicious starters (Meze) are traditionally accompanied by a glass of Raki (Lions Milk) to whet the appetite. In Bodrum you can find a wide selection of places to eat from first class restaurants to well-known fast food chains.
Drinking Water: It is advisable to drink water from sealed bottles only and refrain from adding ice cubes to drinks.
Tipping: When you are happy with the service, a tip of 10% is usual. If you wish to tip the staff at your accommodation, any gratuity is always happily appreciated.
Theft: If you are the victim of a theft, please contact your representative, who will provide you with a report in order to validate any insurance claim. In Turkey police reports are no longer being provided.
Hospital: In addition to the State Hospital, in Bodrum there are several well-equipped Private Hospitals. Most have insurance contracts with the International Insurance Companies and we will of course be on hand to assist you with any medical problems.
Doctor: If you require the services of a doctor, please inform the reception desk of your accommodation or contact your representative.
Pharmacy: It is always easy to find a pharmacy even in the smaller villages. In Turkish they are called 'Eczane'.
Mosque: It is possible for anyone to visit a mosque so long as you respect the dress code. Shoulders and legs should be covered, you leave your shoes at the door and women should cover their hair with a scarf. Please ask permission before taking photographs inside the mosque.
Tours: Be advised that only travel agencies with an A-license issued by the Turkish Travel Agency Board, 'Tursab' are authorized to organize tours. Please take note that tours advertised by on-thestreet agencies may sacrifice quality in order to offer a low price. The tours which we will offer are to the highest standard and accompanied by a professional guide.
Sports and Fitness: Bodrum is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Swimming, diving, surfing, sailing, water-skiing, jet ski, parasailing and many more beach sports are available. Bodrum's two Waterparks provide endless fun for young and old alike. Tennis courts and fitness centres can be found in higher category hotels and from riding stables on the peninsula you can explore the area on horse back.
Nightlife: Bodrum is renowned for its nightlife. As well as a few nightclubs of worldwide repute there are countless bars and discothèques, some entertaining with live music, where you can dance the night away. The cinemas are showing the latest releases and in summer, open-air concerts are performed in the stadium of St. Peter's Castle.
Shopping: Turkey is a haven for shoppers and the best buys are carpets, gold, leather, and cotton clothes. Labour is cheap so the prices are very attractive. We would recommend that you buy from the larger, well-known establishments that will guarantee quality and avoid street touts. We will be happy to give you our recommendations and help you to haggle a good price if necessary. In shopping centres such as Oasis and Karaada Marina the prices are fixed and not subject to negotiation. Opening times are from 9.00 until 22.00 and often later in summer.
Weekly Markets: In Bodrum next to the bus station on Tuesday (textiles) and Friday (vegetables, herbs and fruit). In Ortakent on Wednesday, Yalikavak on Thursday and Turgutreis on Saturday.
Departure Flight: One day before your departure, you will find the transfer times on the information board at the reception area of your accommodation. Please be ready and waiting at the stated time. Because the transfer bus is also calling at other accommodations, it is possible that it may be delayed by a few minutes. If you have arranged to travel to the airport by your own means, please inform your representative or agency so that they are not kept waiting for you.

Excursion Programme
1. EPHESUS
A historical one-day tour which is leaving Bodrum at approx. 07:00. At the height of its influence in the 2nd century AD, Ephesus was considered the centre of the world and had a population of around 300.000. Walking around Curetes Street, the Marble Way and the Arcadian Way, you can see agora, fountains and temples, mosaics, baths, public latrines, a brothel, the Celsus Library, the huge theatre with a seating capacity of 25.000 and so much more. Ephesus was an important centre of early Christianity and St. Paul made it a base of evangelism in around 53 AD. The nearby Meryemana Chapel, built on the site of the last home of Virgin Mary, was visited by Pope John-Paul II in 1979. On the way back we take advantage of the excellent shopping in a hand made ceramic center. We advise you to wear comfortable shoes. We have two stops on the way for breakfast and lunch (not included).

2. BOAT TRIP
A night at sea with alcoholic and soft drinks included and served on board with music. We set out at approx. 19:30 to of the Bodrum coastline. We will visit several of the most beautiful bays, enjoy the stunning views and to the sound of the gently lapping waves. Back on land at approx. 24:00.

3. BODRUM NIGHT

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