Didyma, Priene & Miletus Private Shore Excursion from Bodrum Port
Overview
Didyma, Priene & Miletus Private Shore Excursion from Bodrum Port
This private shore excursion from Bodrum Port takes cruise passengers away from the usual stops and into the history of ancient Ionia.
Didyma and the Temple of Apollo
A private guide and driver meet you at the port and bring you back at the end of the day. In between you see three leading classical cities of western Anatolia. The first is Didyma, where you explore the column-lined Temple of Apollo, a temple that was once among the great oracles of antiquity.
Priene and Miletus
Next is Priene, a well-preserved Hellenistic city laid out on a grid, with the striking Temple of Athena and wide views from its hillside.
The last stop is Miletus, an Ionian harbour city where great philosophers once lived. Your driver then brings you safely back to Bodrum Port and your waiting ship.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 – Didyma, Priene & Miletus from Bodrum Port
Bodrum is among the loveliest ports on the Aegean, and from here a private shore excursion lets you see Didyma, Priene and Miletus, three ancient Ionian cities, in a single day.
As soon as your ship docks, your guide meets you at the port holding a name sign, and the day begins.
Didyma: this sanctuary of Apollo ranked among the most important places of prophecy in antiquity. You walk between the massive columns of Apollo's temple and hear how a sacred road once connected it to Miletus.
Priene: a Hellenistic city in good condition, laid out on a grid beneath Mount Mycale. Its remains include the old theatre and the Temple of Athena, and the views across the countryside are wide.
Miletus: in its prime it was among the biggest and wealthiest cities of Anatolia and held a leading place in the Ionian League. You visit its grand theatre and hear about the thinkers and town planners who left a lasting mark on ancient thought.
All day your professional guide fills in the history and tells the stories behind each site.
At the end of the tour your driver brings you back to the port before your ship sails.
Our services end here. We hope to see you again on another trip.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Private Tour
- ✓Licensed Tour Guide
- ✓Transportation by Private Van
- ✕Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
- ✕Meals & Drinks
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at no charge until 7 days before your tour and you receive a full refund. If you cancel within the final 7 days before the tour, no refund is given. All times shown are local.
Write a review
Been on a trip with us? Tell other travelers how it went.
Didyma, Priene and Miletus from Bodrum: the key facts
On this private full-day shore excursion, cruise guests travel from Bodrum Port to three key classical cities of ancient Ionia, from $750: Didyma with its Temple of Apollo, Priene on its hillside, and Miletus, once a great harbour city. A licensed private guide and a private van pick you up at the port and take you back, so there is no need to keep checking the time.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Length | 8 to 9 hours |
| Price | from $750 |
| Format | Private shore excursion |
| Starts and ends | Bodrum Port |
| What is included | Private van, licensed private guide |
| What is not included | Meals and drinks, museum tickets and attraction fees, tips |
What are Didyma, Priene and Miletus?
| Site | Why it is important |
|---|---|
| Didyma | Temple of Apollo, in its day one of the major oracle sites of the ancient world, with huge columns that still stand |
| Priene | Hellenistic city laid out on a hillside terrace, with a street grid, a theatre and the Temple of Athena |
| Miletus | Strong Ionian port where early Greek philosophers lived, with baths and a large theatre |
Between them, they show how the Greek cities of this coast prayed, ruled and traded, in calmer settings than Ephesus.
Is this a good alternative to Ephesus?
Yes, above all if you have seen Ephesus before or would rather avoid crowds. The temple at Didyma counts among the largest in the ancient world, and Priene, on the slopes of Mount Mycale, has one of the loveliest settings of any ancient city. If Ephesus comes first for you, compare these:
| Shore excursion from Bodrum | Main focus | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| This tour | Didyma, Priene and Miletus | $750 |
| Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary from Bodrum Port | Ephesus plus the pilgrimage site | $750 |
| Bodrum ancient wonders tour | Mausoleum and Bodrum Castle, near the port | $550 |
| Private Bodrum peninsula tour | Villages, windmills and lunch in a village | $650 |
Is the return to the ship guaranteed?
As the tour is private and built around your ship's timetable, your guide and driver take you directly back to Bodrum Port. Send us your arrival and all-aboard times when you book.
What should you know about the sites before you go?
Each of the three is an open-air archaeological site with rough ground and not much shade. At Priene you walk uphill across the terraces, and Miletus has a big theatre with steps. You pay the entrance fee at each site.
What order are the sites visited in?
Your guide sets the order around your ship's timetable and the time of day, so that where possible the most exposed sites fall in the cooler hours. Didyma is nearest to the coast road from Bodrum, and Priene and Miletus lie further north. The plan keeps driving time sensible and leaves you enough of a margin to get back to the port.
When should you go?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking all three sites. In summer, set off early and carry plenty of water; the air-conditioned van between sites offers a break from the heat.
What to bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water, your ship card and ID as your cruise line requires, and cash or a card for entrance fees and lunch.
How can you book?
Pick your port day on this page and submit the form, or send us a WhatsApp message with your ship's name, arrival time and all-aboard time. We confirm in writing, and you pay only once it is confirmed. For more options, browse our Bodrum tours, Mediterranean Turkey tours and Turkey tour packages.
Similar tours
Private Istanbul Tour with a Licensed Guide: 1, 2 or 3 Days
Book your own licensed guide in Istanbul for one, two or three days and explore the Old City, Golden Horn and Bosphorus at a pace that suits your interests.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Istanbul: Folk & Belly Dance Show, Transfers
A night on the Bosphorus with dinner served on board, folk and belly dance shows, a choice of drinks packages and hotel transfers both ways.