Bodrum's Ancient Echoes: Stratonikeia, Lagina, Etrim Village Tour
Description
Journey beyond Bodrum’s coastline and uncover the soul of ancient Caria. Wander through the ancient cities of Stratonikeia and Lagina, where marble streets, temples, and theaters whisper tales of gods, love, and devotion that have endured for millennia. Then, leave history behind and step into the heart of Etrim Village, a timeless haven of Turkish tradition. Here, warm smiles welcome you into village life as you enjoy a homemade Turkish lunch lovingly prepared with local ingredients. Watch artisans weave colorful carpets, savor the simplicity of rural life, and feel the deep connection between past and present. With a licensed professional guide and comfortable transfers from Bodrum hotels, the cruise port of Bodrum, Yalıkavak Yacht Marina, this tour offers a truly unforgettable blend of history, culture, and authentic local charm.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Departures from Cruise Port : Your private guide will meet you at the exit gate of Bodrum cruise port at your scheduled meeting time, holding a signboard with "YOUR NAME" on it.
Departures from Yalıkavak Yacht Marina : Your private guide will meet you at the Yalıkavak Yacht Marina at your scheduled meeting time, holding a signboard with "YOUR NAME" on it.
Departures from hotels in Bodrum : Your private guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel.
Stratonikeia, which hosted many civilizations from antiquity to modern times, is one of the significant archaeological sites in Asia Minor and has unique characteristics. The city continuously developed during the Classic, Hellenistic and Roman Imperial periods and gradually became a center of trade, art and culture. Stratonikeia has been known as the city of eternal love and gladiators throughout the ages. It was a center where gladiators were trained, did demonstrations and spent their life after retirement. Sport was clearly important to Stratonikeans, who built what might be the largest gymnasium in antiquity in the 2nd century B.C. just west of the north gate.
Lagina was connected to the ancient city of Stratonikeia by a sacra via, approximately 8.5 km long and 3-3.5 meter wide. Regular festivities were held every year in Lagina, and grand festivities were held every four years on behalf of Hecate. How these festivities would take place and what to do were arranged according to certain rules. During the annual festivities, there were "Key Carrying" ceremonies that were held regularly and lasted for a few days. Thus, the ceremonies continued annually in a certain order. In the key-carrying ceremony, a choir of young girls was singing hymns, leaving Lagina, reaching Stratonikeia, declaring their devotion to the city, and coming back to the sanctuary. After this choir entered the sanctuary, religious ceremonies in the place began. The gates of the temple were opened by the attendant girl carrying the key. People who came to the sanctuary sat on the steps arranged along the western edge of the sanctuary and watched the ceremony.
As part of your tour, you will enjoy a short scenic drive to Etrim Village, where you will experience the authentic rural life of Bodrum. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of nature and the sea, making the journey just as memorable as the destination.
Discover the authentic charm of Etrim Village, where you can experience real daily life in a traditional Turkish village. Nestled in nature, Etrim offers visitors a rare opportunity to connect with local culture as it is lived today. During your private tour, you'll explore the village streets, observe the rhythms of rural life, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch made with local ingredients. Also, you will continue for weaving is a significant aspect of Turkish culture, with roots that trace back to Central Asia. This ancient tradition is still alive in this village today. During our tour, we’ll take a brief visit to a cooperative where world-renowned Turkish carpets are crafted, offering you the chance to learn about the intricate details of this age-old art form.
At the end of your private tour, we will drop you back at the Bodrum cruise port or Yalıkavak yacht marina or your hotel in Bodrum, depending on your pick-up location. We hope to welcome you back to Turkey soon for more unforgettable tours.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults. If you will be 1 adult + 1 child, the local tour operator can request & charge the amount of 2 adults.
- Infant meals not included.
- Please note that if you cancel or skip any part of the itinerary during the tour, no refund will be provided for the cancelled or skipped portions.
- All the information provided above forms part of the terms and conditions for tour. You have been confirmed your acceptance of these when you book this tour. The local tour operator clearly specifies the details in the program, explanations, and reservation options, and is responsible only for the services indicated. That's why, please read those details while booking this tour.
Reviews(1)
This is the tour I travelled from Australia to go on and I am eternally grateful to my wonderful and knowledgeable guide, Pervin Uslu. Oh what a lovely lady, I was blessed. I only wanted to perform a Ritual at Lagina in the Temple of Hekate and honour the Goddess. However, this tour is full of amazing surprises. There is the journey into the mountains from Bodrum with gorgeous scenery everywhere. You are transported into another world and you meet the most beautiful people, your heart will warm to them immediately. They are so sincere and giving of their time you wish you could stay longer. Stratonikeia is a hidden Ancient City that will leave you awestruck, the communal Latrina with it's irrigated sewerage system next to one of the Roman Baths are almost unique, certainly in my travels. The North City Gate which once led to Lagina is another magnificent example of ancient architecture. The Temple and Altar of Hekate were the end of a pilgrimage for me, so I was in heaven at Lagina. Next is the rural village of Etrim, where Turkish rugs are still handwoven using natural local dyes, as you admire a lady weaving at a loom. There is also a delicious lunch of local cuisine with a mixture of flavours that will delight your senses. I very highly recommended this tour. It is an experience you should not miss if you are staying in Bodrum. Thank you Pervin and Viator.
Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that your journey exceeded your expectations, and we are especially pleased that Pervin was able to make your visit to Lagina and the Temple of Hekate so memorable. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed the surprises along the way, from the breathtaking landscapes to the hidden gems like Stratonikeia and the unique Roman Latrina. It’s also great to hear that the cultural experiences, such as visiting Etrim and witnessing the art of Turkish rug weaving, added to the richness of your tour. Your heartfelt recommendation means the world to us, and we are so grateful that you had such a fulfilling and memorable experience. Thank you once again for your kind words. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon.
