Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Tour from Antalya

Pamukkale, the cotton castle in Turkish, is one of the most photographed landscapes in Turkey: a hillside covered in snow-white terraces of limestone, filled with shallow pools of warm, turquoise water. Together with the ruins of Hierapolis above it, the site has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988. It lies inland, far from the coast, so this is a long day for travellers who want to see one of the country's great sights while staying in Antalya.

• Pamukkale terraces – mineral-rich thermal water flows down the slope and leaves layers of calcium carbonate that harden into white travertine. You walk barefoot along a path through the terraces, with the warm water around your ankles and wide views over the valley.
• Hierapolis – founded in the 2nd century BC by the kings of Pergamon, the city became a famous Roman spa. You can see a large restored theatre, a colonnaded street with the Frontinus Gate, baths and one of the largest ancient necropolises in Anatolia, with hundreds of tombs and sarcophagi.
• Cleopatra Pool area – the Antique Pool, where people swim in warm spring water among fallen marble columns. Swimming is optional; whether access is part of your programme is confirmed when you book.
• Scenic inland drive – the road crosses the Taurus Mountains and the lake district, a very different landscape from the coast.

Plan on around 14 hours from pickup to drop-off. Pamukkale is roughly three and a half to four hours' drive from Antalya each way, longer from Side or Alanya, so most of the travelling is done early in the morning and in the evening. A typical day:

• Early morning pickup from your hotel and drive north over the Taurus Mountains, with a rest stop on the way.
• Arrival at Hierapolis: walk among the theatre, the main street and the necropolis.
• The Antique Pool area, with time for a swim if you choose.
• A break for lunch.
• Barefoot walk down or along the travertine terraces.
• Return drive to the coast with a rest stop, arriving at your hotel late in the evening.

Shoes are not allowed on the terraces to protect the travertine, so bring a bag to carry them. The white surface reflects the sun strongly: sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are essential, and in summer it is very hot at midday. The wet travertine can be slippery in places and feels rough in others, so walk slowly. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to use the pool, and comfortable shoes for the large ancient site.

The long drive is the main thing to think about. Children who travel well usually enjoy splashing in the shallow pools, and older travellers can see the main viewpoints without much walking. In winter the inland air is much colder than on the coast, so pack a warm layer.

We pick you up from your hotel and bring you back after the tour, from all resorts of the Antalya region – Lara, Kundu, Konyaaltı, Belek, Side, Kemer, Alanya and the places in between. The pickup time depends on your hotel area and is given to you when you book.

You travel in our own vehicles: a minivan of the VW Caravelle class, a VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito or a Mercedes Sprinter for larger groups. On a long drive like this a private version with only your own group can be especially comfortable – just ask. Child seats are free on request.

Book 24/7 on WhatsApp or through the booking form. We send you a fixed price within 1 minute; there is no prepayment and cancellation is free. You pay in the vehicle on the day, in cash or by card if agreed. What is included (entrance tickets, meals, equipment) is confirmed when you book. You can combine the tour with your airport transfer in the same booking.