Day trip to Turkey

 The day trip we took to turkey was great if you have the opportunity to visit turkey whilst ur on holiday then go for it, was amazing went to Bodrum was so differEnt from greece, people friendly gorgeous scenery and plenty of bargins, we were really impressed and went to turkey for a holiday couple of years later BRILLIANT! 

Great day out. As i get a bit sea sick I decided to go on the boat that took 40 minutes, but I suppose it really took 1 hour. The journey was fine, not a problem. We only paid 10 Euros for a return trip but the only niggling this is that we were never told you had to pay all these extras at passport control. I suppose it was another 7 or so Euros per person. Bodrum is lovely though and the shop staff are hilarious. Very friendly and enjoy haggling. You can pay for everything over there in Turkish Lira, Sterling or Euros so no need to change your money. Was a lovely day out.

Bodrum is lovely. I have been on holiday to Marmaris but i would go to Bodrum next time as it was far superior. We booked with kardamena travel and our guide was a guy called Steve, he made the bus to Kos seem like mins by telling us many amusing stories and helpful hints although be warned about his promoting Jimmys and other shops, i think he will probably be on commision. We went on the mini tour with him in Turkey and got a nice lunch be careful in the diamond and gold factory, its easy to get carried away when they drop the prices by large amounts and its easy to think you are getting a good deal. I think in the end we were conned but i admit we are easy marks for professional salesmen.

Only think about going on this tour is then you have so little time to go round the shops or if you have my husband, none at all as he insisted on seeing the castle and i only got a glimpse of all the nice "genuine" designer  bags as we ran very fast through the streets

We booked our trip to Bodrum from the travel agents just down from Avli's but not at the end, (they had english speaking staff).  It costs 23 euros, which got us a 20 min coach ride to Kos town, then a hydrofoil to Bodrum, then a free small coach trip around the Island stopping for a photo shoot at the hill above the town.  We then got dropped off at the Gold Center and received a free glass of orange juice followed by a crappy talk about all the cheap jewellery available.  After this we were free to go about Bodrum and haggle with the many "genuine fakes" shops. 

The tour rep "Bob" was brilliant , a really nice guy who knew the answer to most questions about buying and haggling with the shop owners.  The shops in the old town are pretty much full of the same fakes.  Not much has a price on it and as soon as you stop to look at anything the guys are on you for a sell.  I picked up a pair of jeans, tried them on, but they didnt fit me, so i wanted to give them back.  I wasnt trying to haggle or anything, but the guy was dropping the price every tmie I said I didnt want them.  So if you do want something, that isnt a bad way to get the lowest price.  I ended up buying a pair of Diesel jeans for 40 euro.  Most of the guys are really friendly and you can have a good laugh just trying to be cheeky with the price.

We didnt have any of the problems that some people said about queueing at passport checking, but we went on a friday when it is alot less busy, and apparently you can get better deals in the shops because of this.

Does anyone know if you can travel from Kos to Marmaris by boat - it is my mums 50th birthday. We are in Kos and andwould really like to travel over and see her for the day 25th September 2005. Many thanks.

My boyfriend and I travelled to Turkey on the Maria Star and the day started fine. Until we started moving away from the harbour, that is, and then sailed to the other side, got off and queued (well, it was hardly a queue - more a huge mass of people) for an hour on a blazing hot day. This was all to get our passports checked. People were pushing and shoving, and we couldn't get inside even though our boat was being called. Everyone was really irate and one girl nearly fainted and couldn't go on the trip! I can't imagine why there's not a better queuing system as severel boats travel out every day. If we were warned this would happen when booking, it wouldn't have been half as bad. Despite that little moan, the trip was quite enjoyable.

I booked my trip with Theokritos travel, on the left hand side of the street about 100 yards before the beach for 25 euros. I went on a Friday which is not market day but there are so many shops there who needs a market? The coach arrived on time and there were only about 20 people on it that day, the rep gives all the advice needed for the trip whilst travelling to the port.I went on the hydrofoil which takes about half an hour, the boat takes about an hour and a half.Went straight through Turkish passport control without any wait, and straight into the bazaar.You need to be ready for the incredible pestering you will get from the guys in the shops and bars, and take it in your stride.Amazing bargains to be had, i.e. 7 Lacoste / Polo polo shirts for 20 euros, fake but very good ones, 3 pairs of jeans, Lacoste, D&G, Boss, Levi for 40 euros, excellent copies too.When buying these wait until after 3 o'clock as the prices will drop to these prices in the last hour before all the boats go back to Kos at 4 o'clock. As someone mentioned before it's not a good idea for a woman to travel alone cos they just wont leave you alone, the hassle was enough for me being a bloke,  not the sort of place you will enjoy dragging the kids round either, but this should not put you off taking this great trip and the location and scenery is stunning  as you will see in the pictures in which one of them some handsome chap got in the way of my shot . Great day out, don't miss it !

Not a great day! Spent moret ime on a boat and coach than we did on foot. Promises of turkish baths from the rep were non existant. Market was pretty average - great if you wanted 18 pairs of Kalvin Clein (no the spelling is right!!!) boxers for 15 euros! Not a great day for those with children - there were a lot of unhappy faces!!

the day started badly, as we would be going to another  country we decided to book the trip with kosmar and were totally ripped off, told we would be going on the hydrofoil, turned out to be more of a tug boat! Rude obnoxious turkish men gave me hassle all day, being blonde did not help at all, the bazzarr was rediculous, you're best to stay in the shops in the town, very easy to haggle with the men but be carefull as they do not like being told no!ended up coming back to kos very fustrated and annoyed. I would advise all women to take a man with them!

booked our trip through ticket travel 25 euro each.  couldnt fault the travel company....but kos customs were s**t! kept us waiting hours there is no queing system and if you go on market day be ready for a long wait.

only good bit was the hydrofoil on the way over. men sleezy and always staring or leering. felt like we were having the p**s ripped out of us by waiters when we went for lunch. wouldnt let us leave! looky lookies outside bars very pushy. dinner ok, stuck at a table with a stranger, so killed my boyfriend and i's talking! wouldnt have minded if it was another couple!! wine heavily diluted. thought it was crap. will never ever ever go back.

My wife and I visited Bodrum in June 04 we enjoyed the trip but when we go this year we will try and book it ourselves as we were tired of watching other boats pass us on the way back. Anyone with a slight interest in history can quite easily visit the Mausoleum it just a short walk from the harbour ( one of the 7 wonders of the world) but dont miss the castle its absolutely magnificent many of the Knights who stayed there built towers to signify which country they cam from, inside the castle is the remains and contents of the oldest shipwreck ever found and  if you want a reasonable meal, when leaving the harbour keep to your right at the small mosque and visit one of the restaurants the other side of the castle you can eat seafood sitting over the water watching the fish keep looking from the street through the restaurant until you see a view you like dont be pushed just keep smiling.

My friend and I (both 24 and female) have just come back from 2 weeks in Tingaki and had a BRILLIANT holiday! While we were in Tingaki we went to Bodrum in Turkey for a day. We booked the trip with Theokritis Travel as reccommended by lots of people. It cost 25 euros and they pick you up and drop you off at your hotel! It's a long day but well worth doing! Especially if you have't been to Turkey before! I've decided I will defo be going back!! We went on the hydrofoil which literally takes 20 mins! If you get a choppy day I imagione there will be a few poorly people  as it travels at some speed!!! We went to the market (open on tuesdays) which is a must see but we soon got fed up and wanted some peace and quiet. We had a lovely pizza in an Italian style restaurant, but it wasn't as cheap as I thought it was! Everyone told us to change up £10 into Turkish Lire and that would do for 2 people to get drinks and food etc! But that didn't last long at all! And we shared the pizza!!!! It doesn't seem woth changing any money to lire as EVERYWHERE seemed to accept euros and a lot of places accepted GBP too!  Even though it was very close to Kos it seemed a good couple of degrees hotter in Turkey. There is a lovely beach with sunbeds, so good to go there to cool off! The sunbeds are free but you really should buy at least a drink from the restaurants that own the sunbeds. There were quite a few young, trendy, good looking Turks working in the bars! So the view is very nice  !

Turkey was great but dont wear any clothes as you get so hot... If your blonde be careful as the Turkish men will not leave you alone so men beware if your partners a blonde! Seriously though Turkey was great the boat trip over is a bit bumpy but its such an experience you can get so much good stuff anything and its so fun to bargin with the sellers take money and water its a long day but well well worth it!

Hi Simon Battye,

In answer to your question do any of the boats go to Gumbet. The Boats and Hydrafoils go to Bodrum, but Gumbet is only 10 minutes away by taxi. I am fairly sure that none of them go direct to Gumbet. Try the Maria Star, you can get details from my web site which is:-
www.tonyainsworth.co.uk
Contact me if you require any more help.

Anyone know if there are any boats trips that go to gumbet, near bodrum? plz get bk to me, cheers

To Karen Bailey (November 01, 2004)
Hi Karen,
I read your comments but it did not say which boat, can you remember the name?
Tony Ainsworth. email: tonyainsworth@aol.com

We went on October 20th which cost 24€ with no mini bus trip due to the fact that not many people were travelling then, up to the day before the fare was 11€ including the mini bus trip. We still went on the trip as it was still half the price Thomsons wee charging. Thoroughly enjoyed our day, bought t shirts and watches, really cheap but beware don't expect to go just to browse, those Turks will really give you earache!!

Day Trip to Bodrum on THE MARIA STAR.
Telephone. (0030) 2242 026058
It is a very good trip if you like shopping. The Maria Star goes to Bodrum every day, and you DO NOT require a visa, just take your PASSPORT. The price changes but it was ONLY €11.00. Euros in October including ALL taxes. It left at about 09.00.Hrs and returned at 17.00.Hrs. It took about 40 minutes for the crossing and they offered us a FREE one hour tour of Bodrum. The boat is fully air-conditioned.
Instead of shopping go to the Turkish Hamam (Turkish Baths) it is very relaxing.
On Saturdays they now GO TO TURGUT REIS where they hold a large Saturday Market, if you have been to Bodrum before try this on a Saturday.

Just back from a week in Kos Town (23 Sept - 30 Sept 2004)and highlight was day trip to Turkey. Booked our flying dolphin trip at one of the travel shops - 15 euros each and then another 5 euros had to be paid at the port before boarding. Have to say no one really explained what happened at the port, first you had to queue with your ticket and have a sticker put on your passport and get a boarding pass, then another queue to get into the area where you boarded the boat. Crossing was very quick, about 25 mins. On arrival in Bodrum you have to hand your passport over and receive a card which you need to collect it on your way back.

Found the shops cheaper in Bodrum for a lot of the usual stuff - handbags, shoes, jewellery. Plus cigs were only 15 euros for 200 as opposed to 27 in Kos. All the shops and restaurants accepted euros so no need to change money there. An excellent day out which I would thoroughly recommend.

I am going to Tingaki on Thursdayand would like to meet up with friends in Turkey. Is Bodrum close to Marmaris. If so how far.

We had a good day. In fact we went back during our second week. This trip was a shocking 45 euros with Thomsons, but only 15 euros (11 for trip, 3 for Greek customs and 1 for Turkish customs) if you go direct to one of the many companies. It's worth the euro or two extra to go on the Flying Dolphin hydrofoil as it gets you there in half the time. Book at the office just off the harbour in a side street as it's cheaper than booking with the reps stood at the parked-up boats in the harbour.

Warning: we bought a couple of DVDs at around a fiver each. Although we were given a viewing of them before we left the store, one had poor synch on the sound that appeared about half-way through and the other had a very bleached-out picture.

Also, you have to keep your wits about you when you look on the stalls. The sales staff are usually on you and start their sales techniques when you start to look at their goods. Also, avoid getting into a haggle situation unless you really intend to buy the goods. They expect you to buy the items if you start to talk about money.

A good day out, but was glad to get back to Kos. Most places will accept euros, even though the currency of Turkey are liras. I agree with another comment - the food was really overpriced there.

We went to Bodrum via the Maria Star. It was a lovely boat, and to be honest I think I preferred the boat ride to actual Turkey itself!! Me and my partner found it very expensive to eat and drink in Turkey. If you do go to Bodrum don't go to the MacDonalds there as it is not air conditoned and is rather unbearable!! Also it is quite expenise 15 euros for 2 meals infact!! The market was full of stalls selling more or less the same thing, bags watches and fake t-shirts etc etc. The Turks don't give you a minutes peace they just haggle you to death!! Had a few bargins there but I wouldnt want to go again though!! Give me Kos itself anyday what a lovely place its clean and full of really nice people!!!

You definatly need passports also i think you pay port tax either end - i think ours was 3 euros??

We booked with our rep - so it looks like we probably got ripped off, it wasnt greatly organized and the boat was so hot and sticky.
We had a great day though, 6 hours a little bit long - wish we had taken more money to buy some of the stuff out there - its all fake designer but i love spending so it makes no difference.
Ate at a nice restaurant on the harbour - except for the stray cat sitting on out seats.

Would definatly reccomend as i quite enjoyed it and can now say ive been to turkey

Very very hectic and very hot! We booked this trip up on the harbour and it only cost 14 Euros. We went to Turkey on Tuesday (market day) on the Kalymnos Express which claimed to get to Turkey in 20 minutes - it actually took just over an hour. All the other boats were speeding past us. The harbour in Turkey was really really nice. All lined with palm trees with camels walking up and down. We went for breakfast as soon as we arrived in a restaurant that looked very nice. We paid nearly 20 Euros for two English breakfasts which were awful. Walked to the market (which is up next to the bus station) and it was a nightmare. It was really busy, couldn't hardly move and was really worried about getting lost. Lot's of nice spices, etc if you like that kind of thing. The market only really sold bags, leather belts & Wallets, table cloths, jewellery and clothes (fake designer) and once you'd seen one stall you'd seen them all really. Everything is really cheap. I bought three handbags for 10 Euros and you could buy five for £10. Turkey will except the English Pound, Turkish Lira (there are lot's of places to exchange money) and Euros. They seemed to like the pound best and everything is cheaper if you pay with English money. You could buy 6 t-shirts for £10! We found a shop which sold copy CD's and DVD's. CD's were 5 Euros and DVD's were 9 Euros. Good quality and work perfectly in England.
We had about 5 hours in Turkey which was long enough. We were just starting to get bored.
All there really is to do in Bodrum is shop. I love shopping, but even I found it a bit much and my boyfriend hated the busy market.
It was good to have been to Turkey and we were glad we went, even just so we can say that we've been!

For only 13 euros each we went to bodrum bij flying dolphin in only 20 minutes. The trip includes a bus tour for 1 1/2 hour wich takes you to see somes places but it's optional. And for shopping this is the right place for sure.

We went with Theokritos Travel and it cost 66 euros for 2 adults,2 children and my 2 year old was free. We had a brilliant day haggling and they are really friendly, you get a better rate if you pay in Sterling or Euro, but it did feel good when I went to the bank and withdrew 50 million (even if it was Turkish Lire) about £20. we walked up the the mausoleum which was a trek in the heat but if you are interested in History its well worth a a visit.

It's already been said, but DON'T book through the reps. The 'flying dophins' are a bit dearer than the other boats, but worth it for speed. The shops near the harbour are excellent and haggle for your bargains. Don't be scared to walk away - you can go back later if you don't find it cheaper, but you probably will. Excellent for jewellery, leather and fake designer t-shirts etc. Don't go to the bazaar till late. It's stifling and packed all morning/early afternoon. Good for linen/material (take your measurements with you) but I preferred the shops. Girls get hassled so take care.

Well, we went to Bodrum for the day and it was certainly an experience. My boyfriend enjoyed it and you do get some great bargains (as long as you can haggle)! However, personally I hated it. I found the people on the stalls to be really rude and some very aggressive. If you do decide to go just be careful - groups of girls might not enjoy it too much.

DO NOT book this with the reps!! Book it with MARIA STAR which is a really lovely boat all the people are friendly, and its only 15euros this also includeds a 50min mini bus trip in turkey which is interesting, this is a brilliant day out well orgainised by Maria Star and we got loads of bargains.

If u just want a crossing to Turkey the cheapest way we found was on one of the 'flying dolphins' (I think they have 2 boats),only takes 20 mins. Be careful if u decide to stand on the open deck in the middle of the boat as u r likely to get soaked (as we did-but soon dried off in the heat)the return trip Dep:10a.m. Ret:5p.m. costs 15 Euros. When we got to Bodrum harbour a fight broke out between the boat crews, and our return was delayed by about an hour and a half, but apart from that the trip was good. Found Turkey to be very hot and humid. There's 2 Turkish baths near the harbour, a camel ride along the harbour, and there's an open bazaar on Sundays and Tuesdays.

We went to Bodrum for the day and booked it with an independant travel agency, it cost 25 euros, the reps were asking 42 euros which is a scam! had a great day in Bodrum, we took a Turkish bath which was soooo relaxing! it cost us 20 euros including 2 different massages. Make sure you haggle with the sellers to get the best deals. Take euros with you but you could also take english pounds as you got a better rate over there when buying something! oh and its VERY hot!

THE MARIA STAR
I am SORRY, but I have made a mistake in the comments below.
The Reps are charging about €43 EUROS for the trip, NOT £43 UK POUNDS as I suggested in the report.

A good boat is THE MARIA STAR from KOS TOWN HARBOUR
It can be found in KOS TOWN HARBOUR near all the large metal boats opposite the Goodies fast food restaurant.
(NOTE they used to operate THE THEMISTOKLIS BOAT, but this one is twice as large and very fast)

I went to Bodrum on THE MARIA STAR and you DO NOT need a visa, just take your PASSPORT, that is all you need. The crossing to BODRUM takes about 40 minutes on THE MARIA STAR, this boat is air conditioned and when you arrive in Bodrum you get a FREE one hour guided tour of the sites of Bodrum by Mini Bus, and it is included in the price. ( You do not have to take it if you don't want to )
The day trip to turkey is worth every penny if you are into shopping. If you want to save money don't go with the travel reps, go to the main harbour and book directly on the boat as it is much cheaper, this year they are charging about €15/20.Euros.
The reps are charging about £43 which is about €60 plus euros,
Some of the Reps say things to put you off making your own arrangements, take NO notice of them and do it yourself.
Turkey has got a little bit more expensive since the Euro was introduced. Bodrum deals in Turkish lira, Euro and the pound. The Turkish people seem to love the Pound Sterling and the exchange rates were very good.You can pay in £ Sterliing, Euro, or Turkish Lira but the Pound seemed the best.Make sure that you 'Haggle' and when they do not chase you anymore you have reached the best price, haggling is both fun and expected. Some people don't like being pestered, but just walk away, it's fine.

The MARKET is up behind the BUS STATION, about a 5/10 minute walk from the harbour. TUESDAY is clothes market day, and FRIDAY is the fruit market day.
A word of advice, TUESDAY can get too busy and if you have not been before you may be better off going on another day when it is not so busy,and you would think that any day is market day, as they sell all the same items in the narrow streets.

Tony Ainsworth 13th July 04. email: tonyainsworth@aol.com

this trip might be good for lads but for a group of four 18 year old girls it was awful. the blokes on the stalls were really persistent. one turkish bloke nicked all our hats and went into his stall with them. when we went to get them he started gropin us which was disgusting. he eventually gave us our hats back. my friend was ripped off in macdonalds, she wasnt sure of the money and instead of the bloke askin for 2000lire he sais it was 20000. some of the fakes had visible holes in them and the stitchin was crap. one thing to say though if you do want to go is to book on the harbour it cost us 15euros compared to 50 throuh the rep

I would not recomend the trip to Turkey too anyone. It was boring and the place was full of shops with everyone trying to pull you in. You couldn't just go for a nice walk along the street. never again. once is enough for turkey!!!!!!!!!!

We went to Bodrum 2 years ago on our first trip to Kos. My advice would be to get a deal from the harbour as we foud out to our expense that going through Thompsons is far dearer (about 50 Euros each). The whole day was spent trying to get away from the shops and restaurants (we ended up in McDonalds!!!)as the employees were literally grabbing our arms and pulling us into them when all we wanted to do was chill out and browse- very annoying! We were expecting it to be hotter than Kos, however, 45 degrees C in the shade wasn't quite what we were expecting! The tour around the old castle was very enjoyable but even the rep who was Turkish was complaining of the heat. Take lots of water!! The currency was extremely confusing too. All in all we were glad when the ferry came to take us away and we ended up feeling like a day we could have spent enjoying ourselves in Kos was wasted on this trip!! Sorry! xxx

Hi Just a note to let you know that THE MARIA STAR can be found in KOS TOWN HARBOUR, to the RIGHT hand side as you look at the harbour, but NOT as far as the Taxi Rank. It is opposite 'GOODIES' fast food restaurant.

Tony Ainsworth. - 28th of June 04

Really enjoyed our visit to Bodrum.

Take the APHRODITE from Kos harbour (book direct in the evenings - don't use the reps - too expensive) or use the Hyrofoil out of the Main Port office.

Turkey is generally hotter than Kos and the beach isn't so good in the town of Bodrum. But it's an experience. Shopping - plentiful and lots of fake designer goods everywhere if you like that sort of thing. Barter with the locals coz they expect that.

Generally speaking though, I could have done with half the time in Bodrum, was ready to go back to Kos just after lunch. :-) Didn't like the local's persistence.

A good boat is THE MARIA STAR from KOS TOWN HARBOUR, which can be found opposite the Taxi Rank.
(NOTE they used to operate THE THEMISTOKLIS BOAT, but this one is twice as large and very fast)

I went to Bodrum on THE MARIA STAR and you DO NOT need a visa, just take your PASSPORT, that is all you need. The crossing to BODRUM takes about 40 minutes on THE MARIA STAR, this boat is air conditioned and when you arrive in Bodrum you get a FREE one hour guided tour of the sites of Bodrum by Mini Bus, and it is included in the price.
The day trip to turkey is worth every penny if you are into shopping. If you want to sve money don't go with the travel reps, go to the main harbour and book directly on the boat as it is much cheaper, this year they are charging €25.00. Euros but it may go up or down. Some of the Reps say things to put you off making your own arrangements, take NO notice of them and do it yourself.
Turkey has got a little bit more expensive since the Euro was introduced. Bodrum deals in Turkish lira, Euro and the pound. The Turkish people seem to love the Pound Sterling and the exchange rates were very good.You can pay in £ Sterliing, Euro, or Turkish Lira but the Pound seemed the best.Make sure that you 'Haggle' and when they do not chase you anymore you have reached the best price, haggling is both fun and expected.

The MARKET is up behind the BUS STATION, about a 5/10 minute walk from the harbour. TUESDAY is clothes market day, and FRIDAY is the fruit market day, but you can buy all the clothes any day and if you have not been before you would think that any day is market day.

Have a good trip, Tony Ainsworth May 2004. Email tonyainsworth@aol.com

We went on the turkey trip from Kos to Bodrum last year in July 2003.I thought it was the biggest dump I’d ever been to. It’s not worth the money and the men a huge creeps not at all pleasant! It’s ok if you like cheap tacky and fake designer handbags and you want to be a millionaire for the day then go. It was hotter in Bodrum but the beaches weren’t very good if you wanted to relax. I would suggest going to Rhodes town for the day it’s very beautiful and full of culture.

We agree with laura berry READ HER COMMENT!!!

To book this trip go down to Kos Town harbour, it will only cost your £20.00. we went early MAy to Bodrum on market day and thought that it would be quiet being the begining of the season, we were wrong. Euros and Sterling can be used there but id you want to go into Bodrum castle take Turkish Lira

Dont go with the travel companies as they are much more expensive than if you go to the harbour and go on one of the boats there that do this excursion. i went on this trip last time i visited kos and i was really excited because they had told us that it was a really great place for shopping eatting etc. what i found when i got there was a different story. i found the place to be dirty and smelly, the people are extremly pushy to get you to eat or drink in there resturants or bars, sometimes actually physiclly pulling you! the shops is nothing more than a gloryfied market stalls which say they sell designer clothes ( well i dont think any designer would make clothes that looked like this!) they just get normal t shirts for example and put a designers name on the front, i just found it all really tacky. the eating establishments, if you can call them that are a health hazard, i wouldn't let my dog eat there!! i looked forward to this trip all holiday and was sadly disapointed. if you do decide to take you life into yur hands and vist turkey make sure you take turkish currency.

The day trip to turkey is worth every penny, Although don't go with the travel reps, go to the main harbour and book their as it is much cheaper. Turkey has got a little bit more expensive since the Euro was introduced. Bodrum deals in Turkish lira, Euro and the pound. I have to say that when we went in May 2003 the pound was the strongest so we found that paying in sterliing was the cheapest. Don't feel daft by haggling as it is expected. Have been to Bodrum numerous times both as a holiday and visiting, will definitely go this year as we are going to Kos in May. Ps if you want to buy jewellery go to the back street jewelers as they are cheaper than the main steet. HAPPY SHOPPING.

Definate must. Although you will have to be prepared get up early to travel to Kos town, which is where the boats leave from. Oh and going through passport control on both ends can be a pain, but its worth it, and to tell you the truth I much prefered the Turkish food once there. A down fall is that you dont get long there, but i think after a day of haggeling with the shop owners you will be desperate to get back to your studio and flop out!

How much does it cost to go over to Bodrum by hydrofoil and boat? in Euros, and is it worth it!

I went to Bodrum, Turkey in early October. It was a lot warmer than Kos so go just for that! There are a lot of shops and a castle/museum. I think its worth a day trip. Things are a lot cheaper there but there is a lot of tat. Our boat was delayed in Kos so we missed the connecting free bus trip which took you to a few of the sights. Shame. Catching the boat over on market day was a bit like survival of the fitest, be warned!

went to bodrum on our last week and it was absolultly chaos good bargins mind you my (fake)louis vitton hand bag is still in good shape the only downer was that there was a forrest fire while we were there scared us but nothing to worry about oh and don't smell the perfume in the market the men are very scarey for teenagers especially!!

I went to Bodrum twice during the summer and booked through my tour operator. I have to say that although you pay a little bit more, you do have the extra security of knowing it will be well organised, that you'll have a guide and that if, heaven forbid anything should go wrong, you'll have their support to help put things right.

Our particular tour operator organised their trip on a Wednesday to avoid the chaos which ensues on market days(Tuesday and Thursday). I have previously been to bodrum on market day and trust me, it is no fun and you can't really buy anything in the market that you can't find in the ordinary shops!!

If you fancy a day of shopping till you drop and then recovering whilst having a relaxing massage in chilled out surroundings then deff book for Turkey and see if you can book a Hamam (Turkish Bath) too!!

Dont book this trip with your reps, if you are in Kardamena head to the square and book through one of the travel agents or down onto the harbour, airtours wanted 49 euro and the travel agent wanted 25!! The traveling time is guite long from Kardamena so if you don't like boats I suggest to go to Kos Town and go across from there. From Kardamena the boat has to go to Kos Town (1hr 30 mins) then you have to get off go through passport control then get back on for a further 1hr. Bodrum is really busy but we had loads of fun, at the market!! If you want to do some shopping suggest you give this a go.

We went on this trip with the holiday company-dont. We paid 44 euros each and we were herded around like sheep. All the tour operators had their trips going at the same time and it was organised chaos, hundereds and hundereds of tourists trying to get through passport control, not easy when there are only two customs officials. What made it worse was that we had a baby and we were very badly advised by our rep that this trip would be suitable for a baby and pram. As I say organised chaos frightened the baby, people were climbing over the pram and not letting us through and on the other side they made no allowances for a pram, everyone bundled onto the tour bus before us leaving our baby to get sunburned at this point I was angry and the rep kicked two people of the first coach for us because the mini buses wouldnt take prams. All in all for 44 euros a waste of money, the resort of bodrum was manic, far to busy for young children and it didnt help that the rep on the tour kept wandering off and leaving us to fend for ourselves.

We went on the Kalymnos Express for 18 euros each. The reps were charging 49 euros!!! It took about 1 hr to get there and we had a 1 hr city tour included in the price. We went to the main landmarks and then a Gold Centre. You don't have to stay at the Gold Centre but you get a free drink and a biscuit so its worth having that then coming out for the free bus. We didn't get hassled round the shops or market place and it was definately worth going for the cheap fags. We've never fancied Turkey before but this short visit changed our minds.

Its worth a visit to Bodrum. Turkey was nice but very commercialised and although there were plenty of fakes the prices were quite high and not worth the money. Its a long day too and personally I would not go again!

Went to turkey and did the turkish baths. Excellent value and what an experience. Also did the markets so don't be afraid to barter for your fake tshirts etc. Great way to get a little taste of Turkey. Booked with Thomson rep who made sure everything went smoothly!!

we visited turkey on a tuesday which is the proper market day, make sure you get amap when you get off the ferry as the open air market can be difficult to find. we didnt book with a rep we did it ourselfs and saved a lot of money. on an evening all the boats line up in kos harbour and you pick which one you want to go with, we went with one call kostakis, it took 35 minutes leaving at 9 and cost us 55 euros for 2 adults and 2 children. bartering in turkey is brill, dont be afraid to barter that is what they expect and dont give into their prices, have a figure in your head and stick to it they will always accept it. buy duty free cigarettes in turkey, very cheap

Dia duit (thats hello in Irish). My name is Ruddy and i come from this little island on the east of Europe thats known as Ireland. I work in Blarney Wollen Mills where i shave the sheep and turn their wool into top class merchandise. I've been saving up for 8 years now and i've decided that i want to go to the beautiful island of Kos on my holidays! I would really appreciate some information on the place, i hear the weather is always fine, as my Mam says it makes a great day 2 walk!! hu hu! My worls wide web electronic mail address is aoife200@hotmail.com. Maybe i could meet some of you fine folk over there,

Slan (thats goodbye in Irish),
Ruddy!

Hello fellow travellers!! Im hreading over to kos in a few weeks and plan to go on the turkey tour , is their a day you would recommend to go over or is any day good to go over on? thanks guys stephen!

TURKISH BATH ( In Turkish I think that it is HAMAM.

When you visit BODRUM and if you don't like spending your money on rubbish then why not pay a visit to A TRADITIONAL TURKISH BATH. The one which I know and is reputed to be the best is situated in THE KARIA PRINCESS HOTEL and the address is:- Canlidere Sok. No.15, Bodrum 48400 their telephone number is:- (Code) 3168971. It is inbetween Bodrum and Gumbet and is only about a 10 minute taxi ride from Bodrum Harbour. You can also take the local bus from in front of the Post Office in Bodrum and they used to run at 10.minutes past the hour, but you should check yourself as they may have changed.

It's a place where you can clean yourself physically and mentally. The scrub down peels off top layers of the skin which retain the dirt. The soap massage is pure melting pleasure. After all this you will surely come away feeling refreshed and on top of the world. Don't miss it, it is better than shopping for rubbish.

M/V THEMISTOKLIS - K.
This boat is situated in KOS TOWN HARBOUR about halfway round opposite the Flamingo Bar. It is good value if you are thinking of visiting BODRUM in Turkey. It leaves about 08.30 / 09.00. Hrs ad arrives in Bodrum at about 10.00./10.30.Hrs. The trip accross ia about 45.mins. but you have to go through customs. You will need to take your Passport. It returns to Kos from Bodrum at about 16.00.hrs and arrives in Kos at about 16.45.hrs.

If you book youself at the boat, you will save yourself quite a few Euros as the Tour Operaters can charge an extra 40% or more. The boat is owned by a father and son and the father is very tall.He did tell me last year that he was thinking of buying another boat, but he always docks in the same place, and as I have said he is a big guy so you will easily find him.

Happy Holidays - Tony the Hat.

The main purpose of this trip is to shop. If you want junk with a designer label glued on then this is the trip for you. Otherwise, stay on the beach.

As the other people have said, it's much better to arrange the trip at the harbour than through your rep. I'd say go for the hydrofoil, it's only 2 Euros more expensive and takes less than half the time. One thing that people haven't mentioned is the Turkish bath. It's a definite must do but not for the faint hearted! The bath itself is the most relaxing experince you'll ever have . . . but the car trip there and back will quite possibly have you crapping yourself (to put it bluntly!) It has to be said, Turkish drivers have to be the most impatient people in the world!

I agree with Jan Leng. Definitely arrange the trip independently. It works out at just over 1/2 the price of a tour operator excursion, so you can splurge your savings on fake designer gear in Bodrum :) Mostly you can use your Euros there, but some official places (like post offices and ticket offices) won't accept Euros. Remember you won't be able to use Lira in Greece, but get a few million out anyway. Don't forget to visit the castle - it has a 2000-year shipwreck.

I am divorced,going to Kos, first two weeks in October with my three children, all teenagers, any ideas to keep them occupied? How much is the day trip to Turkey?

Turkey had really lovely weather but if you dont like being pestered to buy things (especially when walking around in the markets) then you might not like Turkey. The stall owners are very pushy and when trying to sell you there stuff!!, but if this doesnt put you off then id say defenilty go. Its a day out and something different to experiance.

Buyer beware, bought some white gold in a jewellers in Bodrum, had it valued when we got home and it was not worth 1 tenth of what we paid for it. The day is very hot and long. Shoppers delight for fake clothes. If you fancy a taste of home there is a McDonalds and a Burger King in the town.

Try going it alone though, i.e. local buses, and book ferry or hydrofoil yourself works out much cheaper than through reps or agents, also avoid Tuesday it is market day in Bodrum and absolutely mad - shops just as cheap and barter down the shop keeper for best prices

bodrum is the place to get genuine fakes

i am visiting tigaki for 2 weeks .i would like some information on visiting bodrum in turkey.