Pamukkale Day Trip From Istanbul

Pamukkale Day Trip From Istanbul

Join our expertly guided Pamukkale Day Trip from Istanbul and experience the natural beauty and rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On our Pamukkale trip, you’ll escape the bustling city of Istanbul and journey to one of Turkey’s most stunning natural wonders, known for its dazzling white travertine terraces and thermal pools.

Overview

Pamukkale is a beautiful place located in southwestern Turkey. It is known for its hot springs and terraced pools filled with mineral-rich water. These pools are called terraces, they were formed over thousands of years by hot spring water cooling and depositing calcium carbonate. Locals and wanderers have been using these pools as thermal baths since the Roman era.

The ancient Roman city of Hierapolis, meaning “sacred city,” was built on top of the terraces and was an important center for health and well-being in the Roman Empire. The city contains well-preserved ruins, including a theater, an ancient Roman spa, and the Necropolis, a large cemetery with sarcophagi and tombs.

UNESCO declared the area a World Heritage Site in 1988, recognizing it as a unique geological site and an exceptional example of human interaction with nature. Visiting Pamukkale is an opportunity to witness a geological wonder and explore the rich history of the ancient Roman city.

Itinerary

We will meet at your hotel lobby and transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Denizli. Upon arrival to Denizli we will meet and depart for our Pamukkale tour.

Our Pamukkale Day Trip from Istanbul begins with a visit to the breathtaking travertines, a series of cascading natural white terraces that are formed by the flow of hot springs and the deposition of limestone. The mineral-rich waters of Pamukkale flowing over the terraces create a stunning contrast against the greenery of the surrounding hills, and the resulting white pools of water are a sight to behold. You’ll be able to walk on the terraces and experience the warm, soothing waters for yourself, while enjoying the beautiful views of the Turkish countryside.

After exploring the Pamukkale Travertines, you’ll move on to the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was founded in the 2nd century BC by the king of Pergamon. As you walk through the city’s well-preserved ruins, you’ll be transported back in time to the heyday of the Roman Empire. You’ll see the impressive Roman theater, which could seat up to 12,000 spectators, and the Temple of Apollo, which was once the center of religious worship in the city. You’ll also visit the Necropolis, an ancient cemetery that features over 1,200 tombs, and the Plutonium, a sacred cave believed to be the entrance to the underworld.

After exploring Hierapolis, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and unwind in the thermal waters of Cleopatra’s Pool, named after the legendary queen who is said to have bathed in these very waters. The thermal springs in the pool are believed to have therapeutic properties, and soaking in the warm, mineral-rich water is a truly rejuvenating experience.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival to Istanbul, we will meet and transfer you back to your hotel.

Optional visit to Cleopatra Pool (please bring bath suites and towels)