Guided Walking and Sightseeing at Torba

• Our experienced leaders offer the choice of two different walks each day
• Choose the option which best suits your interests and fitness
• We provide flexible holidays. Choose easier walking one day and harder the next or just explore independently or relax around the resort
• Our leaders are friendly and welcoming making your holiday fun and sociable

  Easier Walks  Harder walks

For those arriving on the HF Holidays’ flight to Bodrum, the onward coach journey to Torba takes 30 minutes. Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to settle into your room and perhaps see a little of the resort before the evening meal. On the first evening your leaders will explain more about the walks; should there not be sufficient time this will take place in the morning on day 2. 

Day 2: The ruined city of Pedasa and historical Bodrum

Today’s walks traverse Bodrum Peninsula and provide a day of spectacular views to the north and south of the peninsula and lots of historical interest. The walks visit the ancient city of Pedasa and historic Bodrum. Pedasa, which now lies in ruins, is an ancient Lelegian city which fell into ruin when King Mausolus built his city down on the coast. Bodrum, known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, was the birthplace of Heredotus and is the site of King Mausolus's Tomb (4th century BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the harbour, Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of St Peter, is a fine example of 15th century Crusader architecture, and includes the Museum of Underwater Archaeology with remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age.

Easier Walk: 4¾ miles with up to 500 feet of ascent and 950 feet of descent

Harder Walk: 7¾ miles with up to 885 feet of ascent and 1,015 feet of descent 

Day 3: Ephesus

A trip by private coach to the ancient city of Ephesus (Efes in Turkish) provides a long but rewarding day. It offers the chance to see yet another Wonder of the Ancient World, namely Ephesus, a sacred site for Christians due to its association with several biblical figures including St Paul, St John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary. An English speaking guide will show you the highlights which include the Temples of Hadrian and Domitian, the Library of Celsus, the Scholastic Baths, the Bouloterion (parliament) and the Great Theatre. On the return journey it may be possible to visit the ruins of the ancient Temple of Apollo at Didyma.

Day 4: The Mumcular Valley

Today’s walks take us inland to visit the traditional Turkish villages in the rural Mumcular Valley. Mumcular is a small inland town 29km north of Bodrum. With its outlying villages it has a population of about 15,000 and since 1972 the status of a municipality. The region is traditionally famous for its production of honey, tobacco and olives. A few years ago all the villages in this area decided to concentrate on rug production and it is now renowned for its carpets, and there is virtually no house where females aged from 7 to 70 are not in some way involved in the production of carpets. The shearing of sheep, the spinning and colouring of wool and weaving of the final products are all done by local women and girls. The walks follow along tracks through the pine forests on the hillsides above the villages to end at the village of Etrim, with the opportunity to visit a carpet co-operative to see a demonstration of spinning and weaving carpets.

Easier Walk: 6¼ miles with up to 820 feet of ascent and 640 feet of descent

Harder Walk: 9¾ miles with up to 1,360 feet of ascent and 1,380 feet of descent 

Day 5: Free day

Each week there is a free day where no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest: 

• Bodrum
• Boat trip
• Gümüslük

Day 6: An ancient route across the Bodrum Peninsula to Bitez Beach

Today’s walks also traverse the peninsula using ancient tracks and paths. In contrast the day ends with opportunity to spend time on Bitez Beach for a drink and swim.

Easier Walk: 4½ miles with up to 525 feet of ascent and 885 feet of descent

Harder Walk: 7½ miles with up to 1,312 feet of ascent and 1,131 feet of descent

Day 7: Yaka, The Cheese Rock, Sandima and Yalikavak

Yalikavak is at the western end of Bodrum Peninsula and is the area where windmills, the symbol of Bodrum, are most frequently seen, as it receives a lot of wind. This far western area is perhaps the most attractive part of the peninsula and the coves with their large beaches are particularly attractive when viewed from the hills above.

Easier Walk: 4¼ miles with up to 425 feet of ascent and 1,015 feet of descent

Harder Walk: 8 miles with up to 1,310 feet of ascent and 1,380 feet of descent 

Please note that the itinerary outlined is provisional and could be subject to change. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and every evening your leaders will talk to you about the next day’s walks.

Local transport and Sightseeing

On some days the walks start and finish at the hotel. On other days we’ll use hired transport to explore the surrounding area. The cost of transport to and from the walks is payable locally; please allow 150 Turkish Lira and 150 Turkish Lira for Sightseeing.