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Travertines of Pamukkale

Travertines of Pamukkale: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Antalya/Kemer: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch

1. From Antalya/Kemer: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch

Discover the incredible natural setting of Pamukkale and the ancient settlement of Hierapolis on a day trip from the Antalya or Kemer region. Your guide will help you to understand the fascinating history and provide extra insight into this special area. Begin with pickup from your hotel or from the meeting point in the early morning before driving for a few hours until you reach Pamukkale. The dreamlike landscape is filled with fantastic stalactites and white terraces with flowing water. The healing properties of this area have been recognized for centuries and have long attracted visitors to the area. Experience the rejuvenating and calming effect of the mineral water. In the past, even Cleopatra made the trip to experience this unique setting. The ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis in Anatolia also provide spectacular views. In addition to learning about the history of this place, find out more about religion and culture in contemporary Turkey.

From Kusadasi: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch

2. From Kusadasi: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch

A day trip to Pamukkale from the port city of Kusadasi is a nature and culture trip that you simply cannot afford to miss. The tour is mainly centered on the ancient town of Hierapolis and the world-famous travertine of Pamukkale. The travertine or calcium terraces are locally known as Pamukkale, meaning ‘cotton castle’ because of their physical appearance. The site is located around 198 kilometers from Kusadasi and is considered one of the oldest thermal towns in the world. Swimming in the thermal waters is one of the highlights of the travel, with the water temperature at 30 degrees Celsius. According to local legends, the thermal waters of Pamukkale can heal conditions such as heart disease, digestion, rheumatism, skin disease, circulation, and respiration. There are several small thermal pools that you can explore, depending on weather conditions. In addition to the thermal waters, another highlight of this trip is the ancient Greek town of Hierapolis, which translates to 'Holy City'. It was built just adjacent to Pamukkale hot springs by the 2nd BC king of Pergamon and spans about 2.7 kilometers in length, 0.6 kilometers wide, and 0.16 kilometers high. You can explore the main streets and ancient theater among many other ruins from the ancient Roman and Greek civilizations. Moreover, this antique city can be seen from the town of Denizli, some 20 kilometers away. For history buffs, the city got its name Hieropolis from the activity of minting bronze coins that were done there in the 2nd century BC, which later changed to Hierapolis. But when Attalus III died, he surrendered his kingdom to Rome, making it a part of the Roman province of Asia. One of the main attractions of the city of Hierapolis is the museum, which houses historical artifacts from the city as well as from Attuda, Tripolis, Laodicea, and Colossae. The exhibition space features three closed sections of the Hierapolis Bath as well as the open sections in the eastern part, which are believed to have been used as the gymnasium and library. Just next to the antique city and Pamukkale formation is the famous Cleopatra pool, which is quite an interesting attraction and visitors can test the waters here too. The pool was not owned by the legendary queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Rather, it is an artificial pool built on top of the ancient columns that fell from the adjacent two during the earthquake. What is more, you can swim amongst these columns and ruins in the Cleopatra pool. This tour gives you enough free time to relax, swim and enjoy the surrounding landscape. There are a total of 17 hot springs in Pamukkale, with a temperature ranging from 30 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius. An important point to note is that this entire site is listed as a UNESCO Heritage, and thus it i0s attracts millions of visitors every year from every corner of the world.

From Antalya: Shop-Free Pamukkale and Salda Lake Day-Trip

3. From Antalya: Shop-Free Pamukkale and Salda Lake Day-Trip

Admire the shimmering travertine pools of Pammukale and the vibrant blue Salda Lake on a guided day tour from Antalya. Explore the ruins of the Ancient Roman city of Hierapolis located beside the pools and enjoy some lunch in the city of Denizli on a full day of adventure. Start with pickup from your hotel in Antalya early in the morning. Travel first to Korkuetli, where you can purchase some breakfast or relax in a quiet cafeteria. Then, arrive at Pammukale for a guided visit of the ancient city of Hierapolis. Located on the site of thermal springs known for their therapeutic effects, discover the history of the city as you see the former city walls, ancient theatre, the Roman baths, and the necropolis. Next, walk towards the "Cotton Castle.", the famous white-washed mountain made of limestone. Make your way across the travertines of flowing water which splash across the limestone, creating shimmering pools along the mountain, perfect for photos or simply relaxing. At your discretion, you can pay on-site to access Cleopatra’s Antique Pool. Relax in rejuvenating thermal springs amongst ancient Roman columns. Afterward, travel a short distance to the nearby city of Denizli. Enjoy a tasty and freshly made lunch at a local restaurant. Hop back on the bus and head towards Salda Lake. Stroll along the white limestone shorelines of the vibrant blue lake and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere with one hour of free time. Enjoy some time to relax and reflect on your day. Hop back on the bus and travel back to Antalya, arriving in the evening with drop-off at your hotel.

Antalya: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Tour with Lunch

4. Antalya: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Tour with Lunch

A day trip to Pamukkale from the port city of Antalya is a nature and culture trip that you simply cannot afford to miss. The tour is mainly centered on the ancient town of Hierapolis and the world-famous travertine of Pamukkale. The travertine or calcium terraces are locally known as Pamukkale, meaning ‘cotton castle’ because of their physical appearance. The site is located around 230 kilometers from the city of Antalya and is considered one of the oldest thermal towns in the world. Swimming in the thermal waters is one of the highlights of the travel, with the water temperature at 30 degrees Celsius. According to local legends, the thermal waters of Pamukkale can heal conditions such as heart disease, digestion, rheumatism, skin disease, circulation, and respiration. There are several small thermal pools that you can explore, depending on weather conditions. In addition to the thermal waters, another highlight of this trip is the ancient Greek town of Hierapolis, which translates to 'Holy City'. It was built just adjacent to Pamukkale hot springs by the 2nd BC king of Pergamon and spans about 2.7 kilometers in length, 0.6 kilometers wide, and 0.16 kilometers high. You can explore the main streets and ancient theater among many other ruins from the ancient Roman and Greek civilizations. Moreover, this antique city can be seen from the town of Denizli, some 20 kilometers away. For history buffs, the city got its name Hieropolis from the activity of minting bronze coins that were done there in the 2nd century BC, which later changed to Hierapolis. But when Attalus III died, he surrendered his kingdom to Rome, making it a part of the Roman province of Asia. One of the main attractions of the city of Hierapolis is the museum, which houses historical artifacts from the city as well as from Attuda, Tripolis, Laodicea, and Colossae. The exhibition space features three closed sections of the Hierapolis Bath as well as the open sections in the eastern part, which are believed to have been used as the gymnasium and library. Just next to the antique city and Pamukkale formation is the famous Cleopatra pool, which is quite an interesting attraction and visitors can test the waters here too. The pool was not owned by the legendary queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Rather, it is an artificial pool built on top of the ancient columns that fell from the adjacent two during the earthquake. What is more, you can swim amongst these columns and ruins in the Cleopatra pool. This tour gives you enough free time to relax, swim and enjoy the surrounding landscape. There are a total of 17 hot springs in Pamukkale, with a temperature ranging from 30 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius. An important point to note is that this entire site is listed as a UNESCO Heritage, and thus it i0s attracts millions of visitors every year from every corner of the world.

From Istanbul: Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia 8-Day Tour

5. From Istanbul: Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia 8-Day Tour

Day 1 Arrival to Istanbul Upon arrival at Istanbul A/P greeted and drives to your hotel. C/IN. O/N in Istanbul. (No Meal) Day 2 Treasures of Istanbul Today you visit Hagia Sophia; was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. Next; Topkapı Palace; It housed the ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Continue to with Hippodrome; during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Next, Blue Mosque; one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Next, Grand Bazaar; With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops, it is one of the greatest bazaars in the World. O/N in Istanbul (B-L) Day 3 HD Bosphorus Cruise / Flight to Izmir Upon breakfast at the hotel c/out, Visit Spice Bazaar; It was called Egyptian Bazaar during the ottoman period, Next, Cruising on Bosphorus; where you will enjoy a magnificent view. A great history wıth beautiful nature. After tour flight to Izmir. C/IN. O/N in Kusadasi. (B) Day 4 Pamukkale Tour Today visit Pamukkale; Pools of Heaven on Earth, The unique terraces were formed by running warm spring water at a temperature of 35 C, containing calcium bicarbonate. Ancient city of Hierapolis which has the biggest Necropolis with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia. O/N in Kusadasi. (B-L) Day 5 Ephesus Tour / Flight to Kayseri Upon breakfast at the hotel c/out, Today you visit The House of Virgin Mary; final house where Mary spent her last days. Ancient Ephesus; The best-preserved classical city in Eastern Mediterranean. Temple of Artemis; was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After tour flight to Kayseri. C/IN. O/N in Cappadocia. (B-L) Day 6 Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia Today you visit Goreme Museum; consists of many rock-cut churches from the second half of 9C with beautiful colorful frescoes decorating the walls. Next; Devrent Valley; famous for its quirky animal shaped rocks. Pasabagi which means: the Pacha's vineyard. Avanos; where you will enjoy typical Turkish Lunch and experience make Potter with local experts Goreme Panaroma, which has one of the best panoramic view of the Fairy chimneys and Uchisar. O/N in Cappadocia (B-L) Day 7 Underground Cities of Cappadocia / Flight to Istanbul Upon breakfast at the hotel c/outt, Today you visit Rose and Red Valley; is an incredibly unique area of Cappadocia with sharp ridges, Cavusin, Pigeon Valley, Underground Cities; once a place of refuge for 15000 christians. After tour flight to Istanbul. C/IN. O/N in Istanbul. (B-L) Day 8 Departure Day According to your pick up time drive to airport. End of our service. (B)

Istanbul: 8-Day Cappadocia, Ephesus, Konya, Pamukkale Tour

6. Istanbul: 8-Day Cappadocia, Ephesus, Konya, Pamukkale Tour

Discover the highlights of Turkey on a guided 8-day sightseeing tour. See the best of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Konya. Visit the famous sites of Ephesus, Pammukale, and the Devrent Valley. Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) or SAW airport where the tour representative will meet you with your name sign and private transfer to the hotel for your overnight stay in Istanbul. Day 2: Full-Day Istanbul Tour with Breakfast After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Istanbul. Visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping and spend the night in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays so the Spice Market will be visited instead. Day 3: Istanbul – Izmir – Ephesus Tour – Kusadasi with Breakfast and Dinner Start day 3 with early morning pickup from the hotel and transfer to Istanbul IST or SAW airport for your flight to Izmir. Arrive at Izmir Airport and be met by your tour guide. Drive to Ephesus and see the Artemis Temple before continuing to Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia (an ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor). After Ephesus, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. This house is located in the Aladag Mountains 5 miles from Ephesus. Then drive to Kusadasi to stay overnight. Day 4: Kusadasi – Pamukkale Tour with Breakfast and Dinner Drive to Pamukkale to visit the Travertines, white terraces, and Hierapolis ancient city. Stay overnight in a Thermal Hotel. Day 5: Pamukkale – Cappadocia Cave Hotel with Breakfast Drive to Cappadocia which will be approximately 8 hours of driving. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the worldwide famous mystic, and Sultanhani Caravanserai, a roadside inn where travelers could rest Overnight in Cappadocia in a cave hotel. Day 6: Cappadocia Tour Cave Hotel with Breakfast See the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup. Then, visit Kaymakli Underground City. Visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum Continue to Uchisar Rock Castle to have a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. Spend the night in a traditional Cappadocia cave hotel. This day includes an optional hot air ballooning experience during sunrise. Day 7: Full-Day Cappadocia Tour - Istanbul with Breakfast In the morning, admire the lunar landscape of the Devrent Valley. Stop at Avanos, the center of terra cotta works of art since 3000 BC, and enjoy a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop. Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight from Kayseri to Istanbul and then head to your hotel for an overnight stay. Day 8: Home with Breakfast After breakfast check out from the hotel and relax with a private transfer to the airport. Depends upon flights/hotel availabilities, reverse (Istanbul-Capp.-Pamukkale-Ephesus-Izmir-Istanbul) can be organized.

Side: Shop-Free Pamukkale and Salda Lake Day-Trip with Lunch

7. Side: Shop-Free Pamukkale and Salda Lake Day-Trip with Lunch

Discover Pamukkale and Salda Lake with this full-day excursion from Side. Travel in air-conditioned comfort, and feel no pressure to buy anything on a shopping-free tour. Enjoy included hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast, and lunch, and choose from a shared or private tour. After pickup at your hotel in Side, set off on your trip with your guide. To make the road trip more enjoyable, the tour stops at several places along the way. Make your first stop in Korkuteli to enjoy breakfast or relax in a quiet cafe. Next, head to the ancient city of Hierapolis for the first sightseeing stop. In Hierapolis, learn about its history as a therapeutic and spiritual center in antiquity. Hear about the city's thermal springs, and follow your guide to the ancient walls, the ancient theater, the Roman baths, and the necropolis. Continue walking to the imposing Cotton Castle, a whitewashed mountain made from limestone. Discover the mountain's natural pools shaped by water from the hot springs. Snap some photos of the springs, or take a dip if you prefer. If you want to see more thermal springs, continue on to Cleopatra's Pool, another famous spot nearby. Feel free to enjoy the pools here, but know that entry comes at an extra cost. Afterward, stop for lunch in the city of Denizli, the closest city to Pamukkale. Tuck into a freshly made lunch included with the tour, then visit a natural wonder in the area, Salda Lake. At Salda Lake, admire the exceptional natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere of one of the cleanest lakes in Turkey, and enjoy free time to explore the area. After Salda Lake, return to Denizli for dinner (not included). Take the chance to relax before the return journey to Side. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.

From Marmaris: Pamukkale Cotton Castle & Hierapolis Day Trip

8. From Marmaris: Pamukkale Cotton Castle & Hierapolis Day Trip

Discover the wonders of Pamukkale (cotton castle) and soak in healing thermal pools on a private day trip from Marmaris. Take one-of-a-kind photos of Pamukkale’s white travertines during a 3-hour stop. A packed breakfast meal and lunch at a local restaurant are included in your tour. Hop on a spacious air-conditioned bus to start the drive toward Pamukkale. Make a 30-minute bathroom break in Denizli and enjoy a packed breakfast meal along the way. Get plenty of time to stroll through the ancient city of Hierapolis and hear stories about its history during a 3-hour visit. Discover the captivating white travertines, a unique phenomenon formed by calcified waterfalls that look like they have been frozen in time. Unwind during a relaxing dip in the thermal pools and see where the famous Cleopatra Pools are also located. After Pamukkale, enjoy an open buffet lunch in a modern local restaurant. Lunch usually consists of a cold appetizer, a main course, a dessert, and some fruit. In the afternoon, arrive back in Marmaris for hotel drop-off. 

From Bodrum: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Day Tour with Lunch

9. From Bodrum: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Day Tour with Lunch

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale, and the nearby Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis on a full-day trip from Bodrum. See the stunning travertine rock terraces, ancient ruins, and hot spring baths on a day tour filled with history and natural beauty. Your day trip to Pamukkale begins with pickup from your hotel in Bodrum. Drive to Pamukkale to meet your guide, with a travel time of around 3.5 hours in an air-conditioned vehicle. Pamukkale which means cotton castle is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of dazzling white travertine rock terraces that appear to flow down 200-meter cliffs. From a distance, the travertine terraces look like snowy cliffs or frozen waterfalls but are actually mineral deposits from the hot springs in Pamukkale. Walk around these fascinating rocks and see the naturally formed bathing pools while learning about their geology from your guide. See the white travertine terraces contrasting with the brown mountains in the distance. Enjoy some free time to explore the pools at your own leisure. Bring your bathing suit for a dip in Cleopatra's Pools, and relax in the warm natural springs that are separated by ancient columns. An additional entry fee is payable direct to bathe in the pools. Later, join your guide for a leisurely walk up to Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city with crumbling ruins and geothermic bathing pools. Learn about the Necropolis (Roman burial ground), the vast Roman theater that was capable of seating more than 12,000 people, and St Philippe Martyrion (also known as the Basilica of St Philippe). At the end of the tour, your driver will pick you up and travel back to Bodrum to be dropped off at your hotel.

From Alanya: Pamukkale and Salda Lake Guided Full-day Tour

10. From Alanya: Pamukkale and Salda Lake Guided Full-day Tour

Start your day with an early-morning pickup. Board an air-conditioned bus and stop first at a local restaurant in Korkuteli Town for breakfast.  Continue driving to Salda Lake, a pristine lake surrounded by white magnesium rocks similar to the ones found on Mars. Make a one-hour stop and enjoy walking along the white sandy beaches and swimming in the lake's clear turquoise waters.  After your refreshing break in the Turkish Maldives, head to Pamukkale. Stop at a local restaurant on the way and have lunch. Then get ready to see one of the world's most unique natural wonders with a 4-hour stop at Pamukkale and Hierapolis.  See firsthand why the hot springs were given the name Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish. Stroll along the white calcium travertines overflowing with thermal water.  Swim in Cleopatra’s Pool and explore the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, which include the largest necropolis in Turkey and one of the largest amphitheaters.  Then swing through Karahayit where you will have the option to swim in a thermal pool. On the way back to Alanya, stop back in Korkuteli Town for a delicious dinner. Arrive back at your hotel at around 10:00 PM.

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What people are saying about Travertines of Pamukkale

Overall rating

3.9 / 5

based on 50 reviews

The trip was one of the best planned trips I have ever been on, in the 12+ countries I've visited. Excellent planning, time management, hotels, professional service and food across cities. I'd especially like to say special thanks to our professional tour guides, Gurkan Nakipoglu and Layla Yasar who made the experience extremely memorable. In particular, Gurkan was with us from Izmir through Cappadocia and really provided most valuable information about the history, culture, and curated the type of places we visited. It opened our minds beyond the basic info we had about Turkiye. Similarly Layla's insights on Istanbul and the history of the country was quite enriching. A trip to a country with such great history and culture, is incomplete without gaining such insight and knowledge. Thank you again!! Cheers, Neeraja

Good tour. Well managed. Some more time should be given to spend in Pamukale

Very well organized and the guide was very helpful and informative

Amazing experience , very professional and informative. Perfect!

Nice tour. Long but a lot of activities. Good guide.