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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.

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.

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

3. 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.

Alanya & Side: Pamukkale Travertine & Hierapolis Day Trip

4. Alanya & Side: Pamukkale Travertine & Hierapolis Day Trip

Explore the unique "Cotton Castles" of Pamukkale and go to the ruins of the ancient Greek-Roman city of Hierapolis on a full-day trip to one of Turkey’s most popular attractions. Start with a pickup in the early morning from your hotel in Side or Alanya and a drive to the Pamukkale Travertines. Stop for a buffet lunch before entering Pamukkale. Explore the natural landscape of limpid pools, hot springs, and travertine, terraces of carbonate minerals left by flowing water. Take a swim in the pools and experience the waters for yourself. If you want, enter the Cleopatra Pool for an extra fee. Then, walk through the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis. Visit the amphitheater and take unforgettable photos. After you've spent enough time wandering the site, meet back at the bus in the parking area. On the return journey to Slide, stop for dinner before arriving at your hotel in the evening.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-Day Guided Tour

5. Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-Day Guided Tour

Visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis on a 7-hour guided tour. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs and take in the unique white limestone terraces, known as travertines. The ancients believed that Hierapolis, or Sacred City, was founded by the god Apollo. It was famed for its hot springs, whose vapors were associated with Pluto, the god of the underworld. The hot springs were popular in Roman times because of their therapeutic powers. Visit the Domitian Gate, the colonnaded street and the cathedral. Explore the Pamukkale Museum and marvel at the limestone terraces of Pamukkale. The healing powers of the hot springs led to the establishment of a spa resort.

From Istanbul: 7-Night Tour of Turkey with Flights & Hotel

6. From Istanbul: 7-Night Tour of Turkey with Flights & Hotel

Fully immerse yourself in Turkish culture with a 7-night tour through Istanbul, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia. Don’t worry about booking transfers, guides, breakfasts, hotels, or domestic flights as all of this will be taken care of for you.  Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul Arrive at the Istanbul Airport (IST) or SAW Airport where the tour representative will meet you with a name sign and take you 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 and spend the night in Istanbul.  Day 3: Istanbul, Izmir & Kusadasi with Meals Start your day with a flight to Izmir and head to Ephesus. Visit the Artemis Temple before continuing to Ephesus, one of the twelve cities of Ionia. After Ephesus, lunch will be served in a local handicrafts center garden. Go to the House of the Virgin Mary before overnighting in Kusadasi. Day 4: Kusadasi with Meals Drive to Pamukkale to discover the Travertine terraces and the hot springs in Hierapolis. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis at Pamukkale and stay overnight in Pamukkale. Day 5: Pamukkale to Cappadocia with Breakfast  Drive to Cappadocia to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, a world-famous mystic, and Sultanhani Caravanseria, a roadside inn where travelers can rest and recover from the day’s journey. Stay overnight in Cappadocia in a cave hotel. Day 6: Cappadocia Tour Cave Hotel with Breakfast Start at the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup. Descend into the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest and deepest in Cappadocia. Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum and continue to the Uchisar Rock Castle for a panoramic view of Cappadocia. Spend the night in Cappadocia. Day 7: Full-Day Cappadocia Tour with Breakfast Experience the lunar landscape of Cappadocia in the Devrent Valley. Have lunch in Avanos, the center of terracotta art since 3000 BC, and enjoy a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop. In the afternoon, fly from Kayseri to Istanbul and overnight in Istanbul. Day 8: Istanbul with Breakfast After breakfast, check out from the hotel and enjoy a private transfer to the airport.

Marmaris: Private Pamukkale Cotton Castle & Hierapolis Trip

7. Marmaris: Private Pamukkale Cotton Castle & Hierapolis 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 Istanbul: Cappadocia, Ephesus, & Pamukkale Private Tour

8. From Istanbul: Cappadocia, Ephesus, & Pamukkale Private Tour

See Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Hierapolis. Enjoy pre-selected hotels, with breakfast and lunch included. Choose your own spot for supper and explore a bit on your own. Day 1: Istanbul To Cappadocia by Plane; Full-Day Tour of Southern CappadociaEnjoy pick-up from your hotel to the airport for a one-hour flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival at Cappadocia, meet your guide at the airport who will have your name on a sign. Relax while your guide transfers you to the tour office in Goreme. Next, depart for a full-day tour of Southern Cappadocia. See Pidgeon Valley, the Underground City of Kaymakli, the continue along the countryside to the Kızılcukur Valley. Visit Selime Monastery before returning to your hotel.  Day 2: Cappadocia To Izmir; North TourBe picked up from your hotel after breakfast and depart for a full-day exploration of North Cappadocia. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Cavusin Vallage, Monsk Valley, Devrent, and the towns of Urgup, Ortahisar and Avanos. Return to your hotel in Cappadocia before leaving for your transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir. Upon arrival in Izmir, you will be met at the airport once again with your name and you will be delivered to the next hotel in Kusadası. Day 3: Full-day Ephesus TourLeave your hotel after breakfast and depart for Ephesus. See the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World. Visit the biggest amphitheater and the Celsius Library. Tour around ruins left from the ancient city, and see the House of the Virgin Mary, thought to be her last dwelling. At the end of the tour enjoy a transfer back to the hotel. Relax and explore Kusadasi at your own pace with free time in the evening. Day 4: Tour of Pamukkale and The Ancient City of Hierapolis; Flight Back To IstanbulBe picked up from your hotel after breakfast and depart for a full-day Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour. Visit the Old Gates, the cemetery, and the theatre of Hierapolis (part of the James Bond film shoot).  Take in the waterfall known as Travertines, and swim in the calcified pools made famous by Cleopatra. At the end of the tour sit back as you are delivered to the airport for a short flight back to Istanbul.

From Izmir: Pamukkale Day Trip with Lunch

9. From Izmir: Pamukkale Day Trip with Lunch

Depart from your hotel in Izmir in the morning and meet your guide. Travel to Pamukkale to see its dazzling sights and learn about its history and culture. The travertines are formed by a multifaceted chemical reaction and subsequent precipitation of various causes and environments. Water springs from ground with high level of Calcium Hydrocarbonate at a temperature of 35.6 degrees C; and this causes carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide to evaporate and leave calcium carbonate to precipitate and form the travertine. Hierapolis has been a settlement of different cults and cultures throughout history; and the city is believed to be founded by Eumenies II, the Attalid king of Pergamon at the end of 2nd Century BC; and to have been named after Hiera, the beautiful wife of Telephos, the legendary founder of Pergamon. We will explore Necropolis, Domitian Gate, Frontinus Street, Agora, North Byzantine Gate, Gymnasium, Fountain with Triton, Apollon Temple, Martyrium of St. Philip and bridge, Column Church, ruins of Plutonium, Latrina and Roman Baths. Get transferred back to your hotel in Izmir at the end of the day.

Pamukkale: Gyrocopter Tour Over the Travertines & Hierapolis

10. Pamukkale: Gyrocopter Tour Over the Travertines & Hierapolis

Get a birds-eye view of Pamukkale's white travertines on a private helicopter tour. Enjoy 15-20 minutes in the air, depending on weather conditions, and experience the Cotton Castle, the ancient city of Hierapolis, the antique theatre, and Pamukkale town like never before. The activity starts with hotel pickup. Drive to the take-off spot, approximately 10 kilometers away from Pamukkale, where you will meet your professional pilot and go through a safety briefing. It's then time for take off and the flight to Pamukkale. An advantage of a gyrocopter is that it can fly at a lower air speed, which is ideal for photographers who want to snap the perfect picture of the beauty below. Enjoy a smooth ride as gyrocopters are less affected by turbulence than planes or helicopters. Fly with peace of mind knowing that the gyrocopter meets all the safety requirements and has the approval of civil aviation. In fact, a gyrocopter is often considered as safer than a helicopter as its blades can continue to rotate irrespective of the engine. At the end of your flight, your driver will take you back to your hotel.

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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.