Local is The New Luxury Discover Culinary Traditions, Local Crafts and Mediterranean Culture Cuisine, Crafts and Culture: Guided Walking Tour in Bodrum Discover Street Food, Shop Towards Traditions & Stories in Bodrum Curious about Bodrum’s food culture? Would you like to experience local, hidden design stores, visit local neighbourhoods and interact with friendly Bodrum artisans? Duration 2.5 hours | Vegetarian Options available BOOK NOW About Us Authentic Experiences Escape Turkey's tourist trail and see the authentic side of Bodrum Discover the Stunning Turkish Coast Community-driven experiences with an expert local guide Quality Memories Enjoy the finest quality shopping, food and cultural experiences Trusted Reviews Tripavisor Airbnb Viator Follow Our Adventures! Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Aegean Sea, Bodrum is a jewel in the crown of coastal Turkey. With a heady blend of colourful culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and breathtaking seaside scenery, our enchanting hometown invites you to discover its Mediterranean charms. ​ Join Local S tory B odrum as we wander through the Old Town’s narrow, cobbled streets, where skilled artisan makers have been producing the finest quality arts and crafts for generations. Soak up the Mediterranean sunshine on nearby Kumbahçe Beach, Bitez Beach, or Ortakent Beach, or ask us for advice on sailing tours and boat cruises from Bodrum. ​ Sample Bodrum’s seafood and delicious home-made dishes among our busy street food stalls and welcoming waterside restaurants, and explore secluded coves where life ticks by at a relaxing pace. And dominating the town’s skyline, Bodrum Castle – or the Castle of St. Peter – boasts unrivalled views over the rooftops to the harbour and the shimmering Aegean Sea. ​ Escape the tourist trail with Local Story Bodrum and experience the authentic side of this elegant and traditional Mediterranean town. Along the way, we’ll be happy to share insight into the top things to do in Bodrum, our local cuisine, Bodrum nightlife and entertainment, and more.

Overview Experience Location Itinerary Inclusions Available Days Additional Info Cancellation Policy Check Availability Cuisine, Crafts and Culture: Guided Walking Tour... • from $95.00 • instant confirmation • free cancellation Free Cancellation Local Touch Meet On Location Overview See All Images Experience Overview Experience the best of Turkish tradition, creativity, and cuisine in Bodrum on our 2.5-hour cultural experience. Follow your engaging host through the narrow streets, and smell the heady scent of blooming bougainvillea in the air. Browse traditional arts and crafts at locally owned stores in the bustling bazaar, and delve into Bodrum’s creative side among hidden galleries off the tourist trail. You’ll sample home-made street food and decadent sweet treats, savour fresh Turkish coffee, and enjoy personalised attention from your host on this small-group tour – limited to 10 people. This tour can also be customised for private groups of upto 12 people. Please contact us for more details. Location Experience See All Images Highlights Stroll through the Aegean coastal town of Bodrum with your host, and admire pretty bougainvillea blossoming in the sun. Gain rich insight into Turkish culture and lifestyle in this charming corner of the Mediterranean. Wander among the bustling stalls of Bodrum Bazaar, where local makers trade traditional arts, crafts, and beautifully designed jewelry. Visit the workshop of a master Turkish rug- and carpet-maker, and find out what makes these traditionally crafted items so popular. Discover Bodrum’s creative side as you admire locally made artworks in creative centers set off Bodrum’s beaten trail. Sample tasty home-made street food such as döner, midye tava, baklava, sucuk, köfte, şalgam and ayran, as your host shares helpful tips to enjoy your time in Bodrum to the full. Enjoy personalized attention from your host on this small-group experience, limited to 10 people. Itinerary Location 4 pm and 5 pm Tours Meeting-Return Point 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm Tours Meeting-Return Point Meeting and Return Points They are both in the center and very easy to find. You'll also get an email for your meeting point. *For cruisers: It is 10-15 minutes’ walk and 5-10 minutes by cab from the port. ​ Starting Point for 4 and 5 pm Tours : In front of Öz Market (near the Bodrum City Hall Building) / Adress: Çarşı, Bodrum/Muğla ​ Starting Point for 12:30 and 1:30 pm Tours : In front of Platinum Hotel / Adress: Kumbahçe, Cumhuriyet Cd. No:127, 48000 Bodrum/Muğla Inclusions Itinerary Meet your Host, and Explore Traditional Mediterranean Culture in Bodrum: Meet your friendly host in the heart of beautiful Bodrum, Turkey, and set off through the narrow streets to begin your cultural experience. Admire the colorful bougainvillea flowers adorning Bodrum’s white-fronted houses, and listen as your host shares insight into traditional life and local culture in this charming corner of the Aegean. Stroll Through Bodrum Bazaar Like a Local!: Browsing the diverse stalls of Bodrum Bazaar, discover specialty stores for products including peştemal (towels used in Ottoman Hammam), wood block-printed scarves, handmade silver, and jewelry and leather bags made in Bodrum. You’ll also find a fine range of textiles, arts, and crafts to perhaps buy for yourself or loved ones back home. We’ll visit the atelier of an expert Turkish carpet- and rug-maker with 50 years’ experience, and learn why his locally made carpets and rugs make their way right around the world! Here, perhaps pick up a souvenir of your travels for your own home. All the stores and boutiques we visit on the tour are owned and run by local families, which offers unique insight into Bodrum’s culture and society. Explore the Worlds of Turkish Art, Artisanship, and Local Style: Delve into the creative side of Bodrum among lesser-known venues and cultural centers set away from the tourist trail, and admire beautiful artworks from the wide variety of local artists on display. In a Turkish designer’s store nestled among the side-streets, browse garments featuring Oriental and European styles, and see how traditional Turkish design has influenced global fashions. Experience Bodrum Through its Delicious Cuisine: Bodrum’s cuisine features fresh seafood and traditional recipes handed down through the generations, and no visit is complete without a few tastings! As we explore, you’ll learn the role Bodrum’s home-made street food plays in the town’s local culture. We’ll stop four or so times along the way to sample delicious street food such as baklava (layered filo pastry filled with nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey), Bodrum special doner (a delicious kebab with marinated seasonal vegetables and Bodrum’s secret sauce), and midye tava (crispy mussel snacks on a stick. With local fisherman bringing in new hauls of fresh seafood every day, you’re spoiled for choice! We’ll sample traditional baked goods at a local patisserie dating back to 1876, and savor a steaming cup of Turkish tea or coffee. And of course, the highest quality Turkish Delight also features on our home-made and hand-made tasting menu. Your Host Shares Hints and Tips to Enjoy the Best of Bodrum: Along the way we’ll visit local neighbourhoods, and see traditional Bodrum houses where families have lived for generations. Listen as your host shares local stories, and hear helpful tips to make the most of your time in beautiful Bodrum. Available Days Inclusions At least 4 types of local street food Traditional cold beverages Turkish coffee or tea Alcoholic drinks are not included in the price of the tour. Vegetarian options available, please check from 'Additional Info' This tour runs every day of the week except Friday. Additional Information Additional Info Available Days Cancellation Policy What to Bring ​ Comfortable shoes Umbrella, depending on the weather Additional Information Local carpet and rug store appointments are by reservation only. This is a privately owned, famous store so the prices are lower and they ship for free. Please email us right after your booking if you would like to shop Turkish rugs or carpets and we can confirm availability. Serious inquiries only as this is an individual owner. This cultural walking tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Parents can also bring children under 2 years of age. We don’t offer transportation yet. The meeting point is very easy to find. Please note: most of this tour takes place in the shade. Dietary Restrictions Private Tours: Please e-mail us in advance, and we will tailor the tastings to your preferences. Public Tours: ​​ Please tell us of your dietary restrictions when ordering, at the stops on our tour. Pescatarians and Vegetarians: You are welcome to sample our local cuisine, if you are flexible on where we stop for tastings. Vegans: You are welcome to sample our local cuisine, if you are flexible on tasting only local drinks and only at selected stops. * The food points are selected according to the world health organisation standards. It’s your responsibility to know of any allergies you may have, and to check the ingredients of the food with the vendors on the tour if you have any concerns. Special Prici ng Free of charge for people assisting guests with disabilities. After you make a booking, please contact us if someone meets this criteria. All children ages 2 - 12 are eligible for a 30% discount. Cancellation Policy A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 48 hours before the activity start time. No refund is possible if you cancel less than 48 hours before the activity start time.​ * Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Frequently Asked Questions For the answers to our f requently asked questions, please check the queries below. If there’s anything else more specific you’d like to know, please reach out via our Contact Us page. We’re always happy to help. How long does the 'Cuisine, Crafts and Culture: Guided Walking Tour in Bodrum' tour typically last? This tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours. What can I expect to see and do during the tour? You'll stroll through the charming streets of Bodrum Old Town, admire the blooming bougainvillea, visit the workshop of a master rug-maker, discover lesser-known local art galleries, and indulge in delicious Turkish street food. How many people are typically in a tour group? Our public tours are limited to a maximum of 10 people, and our private tours are limited to a maximum of 12 people. Can I purchase items from the shops and other venues we visit? Absolutely! The shops and boutiques we visit offer a wide range of traditional arts, crafts, textiles, and locally designed jewelry that you can purchase as souvenirs. Is transportation provided for the tour? Transportation to the meeting point in the heart of Bodrum is not included. However, our meeting point is easily accessible within the town. Are there vegetarian or dietary restriction-friendly options for the food tastings? Yes, we can accommodate certain dietary restrictions. We will do our best to tailor the tastings to your preferences! Private Tours: Please e-mail us in advance, and we will tailor the tastings to your preferences. Public Tours: Pescatarians and Vegetarians: You are welcome to sample our local cuisine, if you are flexible on where we stop for tastings. Vegans: You are welcome to sample our local cuisine, if you are flexible on tasting only local drinks and only at selected stops. Please tell us of your dietary restrictions when ordering, at the stops on our tour. * It’s your responsibility to know of any allergies you may have, and to check the ingredients of the food with the vendors on the tour if you have any concerns. Is there a specific dress code for the tour? No, but we recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking, and dressing in layers for the Mediterranean climate. Will we have opportunities to interact with local residents and artisans? Absolutely! You'll have the chance to visit local neighborhoods and interact with friendly Bodrum shopkeepers. Additionally, you'll explore venues where you can meet Turkish artists and artisans. What languages are spoken by the tour guide? Our experiences are conducted in English. Is there a minimum age requirement for participants? There's no age limit for our tours.

Contact Us At Local Story Bodrum , we’re always happy to hear from people eager to see the authentic side of our beautiful Turkish coastal town. ​ If there’s anything specific you’d like to know about the experiences we offer, and you can’t find the answers in our FAQ page, please reach out through one of the channels below – we’ll be delighted to hear from you. ​ Local Story Bodrum offers customised experiences and assistance for travellers. Get in touch to learn more. Email Address melis@localstorybodrum.com Alternative Email Address localstorybodrum@gmail.com Address Eskiçeşme mah. Poyraz Sok. Ersoy Evleri 3-1 Bodrum/Muğla Turkey Follow Us Contact Us Full Name Country/City Email Phone Your message to us By checking this box, I accept terms and conditions and I authorize Local Story Bodrum to store my personal information in order to reach out to me. Cookie Policy Obligation To Inform Personal Data Protection & Processing Policy Explicit Consent Submit Thanks for submitting!

Our Story Our story began years ago, when company founder Melis Selçuk began hosting friends visiting Bodrum from abroad. With each new visit, the value of sharing unique local experiences in Bodrum became clearer and clearer – and it was always a pleasure to see the happiness on guests’ faces. When Melis decided to start the business on a professional basis, she had two key sources of motivation in mind: convey Bodrum’s rich culture to visitors from across the world, and enable guests to enjoy authentic local experiences with the warm Aegean people. About Melis Selçuk Melis Selçuk received her undergraduate ‘Management of Performing Arts’ diploma at Istanbul Bilgi University (Laureate Universities), her Master’s degree in ‘Fashion Direction: Retail & Brand Experience Management’ at Italia Politecnico Di Milano (with scholarship award), her 'Image Consultancy' education at the Istituto Marangoni, her ‘NLP Training Certificate’ at Yeditepe University, and her ‘Academic Training Certificate’ at the University of Toronto, Canada. Aside from her academic pursuits, Melis has attended various courses and training sessions throughout her life, owing to her curious personality. ​ After working as style editor and gaining corporate experience in sales and marketing, Melis carried out Experiential and Sustainable Marketing & Styling projects in Italy with the forerunners of the field in Milan and Turkey. Her projects have been featured in both national and international press. ​ She is also the project curator of a social enterprise ‘Slow Story Co Sustainable Store’. Her sustainable life articles can be seen at yesilist.com - Turkey’s first sustainable life platform, located in London. In addition, she is also a co-founder and general manager of VAO Bodrum – the International Academy of Opera and Musical Arts Festival, located in California, USA. ​ Melis is founder and experience curator of Local Story Bodrum.

Sustainability and Our Values Authenticity Originality is essential to us. The subject, content and processing of our experiences is unique. We follow sustainable development goals, through local values of our habitat. Sincerity We know that sincerity is what everyone is looking for... so being genuine and honest is our primary focus. The locals we choose to work with are humble and genuine people. We want you to feel the experience in your heart. Quality We ensure our partner stores have sustainable and local values and that the food points are selected according to the world health organisation standards. Your health is important to us. Intelligence We bring intellectual perspective to our experiences along with the beauty. We share the treasures of our culture by telling stories and immerse our guests into the experience itself. Aesthetics We all want to see and experience beauty. We know that primary beauty comes from both nature and art. All of our experiences touch your 5 senses and offer it within the framework of aesthetic standards. Joy We handle fun with empathy. Our first desire is for you to have a nice and enjoyable time. ​ If you're happy, we're happy! We support sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals In experience management, ethics and aesthetics are both important to us. ​ Our values support Sustainable Development Goals ​ Social - Econ omic Impact ​ Goal 3: Good Healt h and Well-Being We care for the well-being of our guests. Our food points are selected according to the World Health Organization standards. We choose only the best, quality, local food places. ​ Goal 5: Gender Equality Diversity is essential for us. The people who we work with have diverse genders and ages. ​ Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities We know local businesses are the most important gatekeepers of Bodrum’s local culture and our traditions. Our experience inspirations are coming from our local business owner’s deep understanding and local backgrounds. We believe in sustainable tourism and positive impacts. We know a real local experience is possible only by making deep connections with local people in their neighbourhoods. We support and promote small, local businesses. We only work with passionate local vendors such as art exhibitors, food place owners, artisans and masters to create authentic and unique experiences. Our vendors welcome our guests with personal attention not only with their stories but also traditional unique items. ​ Goal 17: Partnerships for The Goals We have future project collaborations with associations working for the benefit of our world. ​ Environmental Impact Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production Goal 13 Climate Action We are aware of the value of our planet’s natural sources. We are defending responsible consumption and effort to prevent food waste. We also share tips with our collaborators and vendors to save energy, water and reduce waste. We know air pollution and climate change is one of the main problems of our planet. We choose our locations in walking distance to prevent air pollution. We choose stores selling high quality, sustainable domestic products to prevent carbon emissions. ​