Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Day Tour from Antalya

Pamukkale, the "cotton castle", is one of Turkey's best-known natural sights: warm, mineral-rich spring water has flowed down the hillside for thousands of years, leaving brilliant white terraces of travertine and shallow pools. Above them lie the ruins of Hierapolis, and together they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Balloon option – at sunrise, hot air balloons rise over the valley and drift above the terraces; seen from the air, the white slopes, the ancient city and the surrounding plain make an unforgettable picture. The flight is an option on this tour, and it always depends on the weather.
• Travertines – you walk barefoot along the terraces and paddle in the warm, milky pools.
• Hierapolis – a spa city founded in the 2nd century BC and rebuilt under Rome, with a large theatre on the hillside, a city gate and colonnaded street, and one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia.
• Antique Pool – the thermal pool where fallen marble columns lie under the water; many visitors take a swim among the ancient stones.

It suits travellers who want to see Pamukkale in one go and do not mind a very long day for it.

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Be honest with yourself about the distance: Pamukkale lies roughly 240 km inland from Antalya, a drive of around 3.5 to 4 hours each way, and the whole day takes about 14 to 15 hours. Balloons fly only at dawn, so a typical day looks like this:

• Pickup from your hotel in the night and drive over the Taurus Mountains towards Denizli.
• If you choose the balloon option: transfer to the launch field, the pilot's briefing and the flight at sunrise.
• Breakfast break and time to rest.
• Visit to Hierapolis and walk down the travertine terraces.
• A break for lunch and free time, for example at the Antique Pool.
• Return drive to Antalya, arriving at your hotel in the evening.

Shoes are not allowed on the travertines, so wear shoes that are easy to take off and bring a bag to carry them; the surface is rough in places and slippery in others. Bring swimwear if you want to use the pools, plus a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen – the white terraces reflect the sun strongly. In the early morning, especially for the balloon, it can be cool, so bring a warm layer.

Balloon flights are decided on the morning itself according to wind and official permission; if flights are cancelled, the rest of the day goes ahead. In the basket, follow the pilot's instructions, especially the landing position. Age limits and health conditions for the flight are set by the balloon operator, and the flight is not advisable during pregnancy. The long hours on the road can be tiring for small children and older travellers; Hierapolis involves walking on uneven ancient paving.

We pick you up from your hotel and bring you back at the end of the day, from all resorts of the Antalya region – Lara, Kundu, Konyaaltı, Belek, Side, Kemer, Alanya and the villages in between. The pickup time depends on where your hotel is 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 parties. On such a long drive a private version with only your own group in the vehicle can be very 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, including whether you want the balloon option. Arriving soon? Combine the tour with your airport transfer in the same booking.