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Pammukale Hot Springs

Pammukale Hot Springs: 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.

Antalya: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Tour with Lunch

2. 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.

Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour & Lunch

3. Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour & Lunch

Embark on a full-day trip to Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis from Antalya. See the Cotton Palace, Roman theater, Apollo temple, and more while learning about the history from your guide. You will also enjoy a delicious lunch and a refreshing dip in the warm waters.  After being picked up from Antalya start the drive to Pamukkale. Take a lunch break before visiting the cascading snow-white terraced cliffs of this mysterious cotton palace. The calcite-laden waters that had created this unreal landscape come from springs located in a 200-meter-high cliff that overlooks the plain. Marvel at the mineral forests, petrified waterfalls, and the series of terraced basins created by these waters. At the end of the 2nd century B.C. the kings of Pergamon established the thermal spa of Hierapolis. The ruins of the baths, temples and other Greek monuments can be seen at the site. The temples were significant trade centers for ancient Hierapolis. See the Roman theater, the Apollo temple, Roman baths, fountains, and the agora. After the tour, have a chance to swim in thermal pools. An additional option is to swim in Cleopatra’s Pool, for an extra fee.

From Selcuk/Kusadasi/Izmir: Pamukkale Full-Day Tour

4. From Selcuk/Kusadasi/Izmir: Pamukkale Full-Day Tour

Discover the stunning region of Pamukkale and its hot springs on a day trip from Selcuk, Kusadasi, or Izmir. Begin by meeting your driver/guide at the reception of your hotel in the morning and a transfer to Pamukkale. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, built on solid limestone layers formed by mineral-rich waters that flowed for millennia over a raised level plateau. See the most significant sites of the sacred city including the Theatre, the Temple of Apollo, and the Necropolis. Admire the Necropolis (Cemetery) of Hierapolis, one of the largest ancient burial sites in Anatolia. See a Roman bath, the Gate of Domitian, the main street of the ancient city, and the Byzantium Gate. Walk to the natural warm water terraces, formed by running warm water rich in calcium and temperatures of 35 Celsius all year-round. Get the chance to see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, located next to the ruins of Hierapolis.  Enjoy optional free time to swim in Cleopatra’s Pool before ending the tour with a transfer back to your hotel. And during the tour you'll have the chance to have a look at the Turkish traditional handcrafts.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-Day Tour from Bodrum

5. Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-Day Tour from Bodrum

Explore the unique travertine terraces of Pamukkale (literally “Cotton Castles” in Turkish), and enjoy a full-day trip to one of Turkey’s most popular attractions. Depart Bodrum and transfer by air-conditioned coach to Pamukkale, known as the “8th Wonder of the World” to those in the know. Explore the natural landscape of limpid pools, hot springs, and travertine, terraces of carbonate minerals left by flowing water. Inscribed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1988, Pamukkale attracts some 2 million visitors every year. Get a view of the terraces from the hills on the opposite side of the valley in the town of Denizli. Then, go to the ruins of the ancient Greek-Roman city of Hierapolis, built on top of the “Cotton Castles” in the 2nd century BC. See the remains of the Roman amphitheater, and visit the former Turkish Bath, now converted into an archaeological museum. Discover where Cleopatra used to swim, and the monumental tomb of the Christian apostle St. Philippe. Marvel at the Necropolis of Anatolia, filled with sarcophagi, most notably that of Marcus Aurelius Ammianos.

From Istanbul: Ephesus & Pamukkale 2-Day Trip with Flights

6. From Istanbul: Ephesus & Pamukkale 2-Day Trip with Flights

Visit the ruins of Ephesus and the pools of Pamukkale on this 2-day tour from Istanbul. Fly from Istanbul and stay overnight in Kusadasi as you travel to Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Day 1 Begin your travels with a pickup from your hotel in Istanbul. Your driver will take you to the airport so you can board your 1.5-hour flight to Izmir. At your arrival, you wıll be greeted by your driver and safely taken to Selcuk to meet with your group participants and start your full-day tour. During the course of your day break for lunch. Head to the House of Virgin Mary, a church built on the top of the foundations of a structure thought to be the house where the Assumption happened and Mary spent her last days. Continue on to Ephesus, an archeological treasure and well-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. See one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis, and walk along ancient streets before you concluding your day with a drive to your hotel for a 1-night stay. Day 2 Enjoy your hotel breakfast and check out in the morning to start your full-day tour. Go to Pamukkale, also know as the Pools of Heaven on Earth. See why Pamukkale was a popular settlement and be mesmerized by its hot springs. Head to the ancient city of Hierapolis, home to the biggest necropolis in Anatolia, and see the Sacred Pool, a stunning site of thermal waters rippling over scattered ancient ruins. After your day tour, you will be driven to Cardak Airport for your return flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival ın Istanbul you will be greeted by your driver and transferred safely back to your hotel.

From Izmir: Pamukkale Full-Day Tour

7. From Izmir: Pamukkale Full-Day Tour

We will depart from Izmir in the morning and two and a half hours later arrive at Pamukkale which means the cotton castle in Turkish. These white rock formations, known as travertines, are world famous and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The water of Pamukkale is famous for the benefits it gives to the eyes and skin. It is also said to cure illnesses such as asthma and rheumatism. It is possible to swim in certain areas, so be sure to bring your swimsuit. Many centuries ago the Romans, aware of the powers of Pamukkale’s water, decided to build a large spa city called Hierapolis nearby. We will visit Hierapolis after lunch, which will be provided. Hierapolis means Holy City in Turkish and despite not having been lived in for several centuries it remains a fascinating place to visit. Hierapolis has a well preserved 12,000 seat amphitheater and the massive Necropolis which is the largest ancient graveyard in Anatolia. You will also see the Temple of Apollo and the shrine of the nymphs at this beautiful ancient site. At the end of the day we will drive back to Izmir, where we can drop you off at your hotel or at the airport.

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

8. 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.

Ephesus and Pamukkale: Day Trip by Plane from Istanbul

9. Ephesus and Pamukkale: Day Trip by Plane from Istanbul

Travel back in time on a guided tour from Istanbul to the ancient cities of Ephesus and Hierapolis. Spend a full day marveling at ancient, multi-cultural architecture and monuments without worrying about any of the details of traveling and organizing.  Start your day with pickup from your hotel in Istanbul in the early morning and transfer smoothly to the airport to catch your flight to Izmir. Be greeted upon your arrival and travel to Ephesus to meet with your guide. Explore this iconic former-Greek city, built in the 10th century, famed for its temples, monuments, and theaters. Known as the commercial, religious, and social center of antiquity, this is sure to be the highlight to your whole visit to Turkey. Discover the city’s combination of Greek, Roman and Byzantine markers of civilization. Visit the Fountains of Trajan, Polio, the Temples of Hadrian and Domition, and the Library of Celcius. Be awed by the the Great Theater with its capacity for 24,000 spectators, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Continue to Pamukkale which is known for its natural thermal spring waters.  Find out why this site is known as the cotton castle as you see how the chemical properties of the water have formed pure white colored travertines and stepped water terraces that line the mountain’s slope, resembling piles of cotton. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight of this site is be the Sacred Pool, which you can enter if you choose. There, shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient Roman ruins that lie beneath. Head to the Necropolis of Hierapolis which contains 1200 gravestones, including that of Marcus Aurelius Ammianos. After your tour, transfer back to Denizli Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul and be transferred back to your hotel.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour from Marmaris and Icmeler

10. Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour from Marmaris and Icmeler

On this 1-day tour from Marmaris you will visit Pamukkale, known as the 8th Wonder of the World. Meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, this natural formation contains hot springs and travertine, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Because of the glorious white travertine and historical value, Pamukkale was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1988. Pamukkale can be seen from the hills on the opposite side of the valley in the town of Denizli, 20 kilometers away. On the top of this white “castle”, which is a total of 2,700 meters long, 600 meters wide, and 160 meters high, the ancient city of Hierapolis was built. Here you can visit an ancient Roman amphitheater, the historical museum which was formerly a Turkish bath, the ancient Cleopatra swimming pool, the monumental tomb of Saint Philippe, and the most magnificent Necropolis of Anatolia.

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What people are saying about Pamukkale

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 997 reviews

We had a great time in Turkey. Mr. Fevzi (owner, Curio travels) was very proactive, supportive and friendly to us. Arrangement were made to perfection. Our tour guides (Mr. Serkan for Istanbul and Mr. Tezcan for rest of the tour) were super cool. They treated us as their family members. We were a bit scared for this long trip because we have 2 small kids but the way it was planned, kids enjoyed the trip a lot. It was very comfortable and non tiring trip. Guides were super supportive and understanding, kids enjoyed a lot with the guide uncles :) Thanks again for the great memories that we collected during this trip, it couldn’t have happened without these wonderful gentlemen. -Farhat

The trip was awesome, although the flight was delay by 3 hr but our tour guide Mr Murat made it happen. We managed to catch all the beautiful sights at stipulated Timing. Highly recommended for this!

The overall experience was good. Just to mention to other travelers that please don't purchase any product from the shop which the guide will take you through as the price is 50% inflated.

All excellent apart from the almost two hours of waiting before the opening (you told us that they opened at 9.30 and instead they opened at 10.45 !!!!)

Amazing guide and driver, got us to our destination safely through snow in the mountains!