Your unforgettable day begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Antalya. We're heading to the stunning Pamukkale, a journey from Kusadasi that is approximately 236 km (146.6 miles) and will take around 3.5 hours. Along the way, we will take breaks so you can stretch, refresh, and take in some of Turkey's most beautiful landscapes. Keep your eyes peeled for incredible scenery and listen closely as your local tour guide shares fascinating insights about the day's attractions.
Upon arrival at Pamukkale, we'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant, ensuring you're well-fed and ready for the adventures ahead.
White Terraces - Calcium Travertines
Pamukkale, known as 'Cotton Castle,' has amazed visitors with its thermal springs for over 23 centuries. The unique snow-white cliffs and calcium-rich terraces cascade down the mountainside, forming milky pools that contrast beautifully with the blue sky and green plains below. As you explore this iconic site, you'll traverse the area barefoot to protect the calcite surface. Although the pools are shallow, you can fully submerge if you wish, so remember to bring a towel!
Cleopatra’s Pool
Next, we visit the legendary Cleopatra’s Pool, where you can take a rejuvenating dip in the same waters that ancient Greeks and Romans once enjoyed. With warm temperatures of 35°C, the mineral-rich waters are said to have medicinal and beautifying properties. Swim among the striated columns and capitals at the bottom of the crystal-clear pool, marveling at its historical significance.
The Ancient City of Hierapolis
Last but not least, we'll explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. Though often overshadowed by the springs, this site is fascinating. We will first visit the Necropolis, home to over 1200 tombs and sarcophagi, including the Martyrium, where St. Philip was believed to have been martyred in 80 CE.
Explore the Grand Theater of Hierapolis, a monumental structure that could host up to 25,000 spectators. As you walk through this ancient city, you’ll get a sense of its storied past and the vibrant life that once animated its streets and structures.
As the day concludes, we'll head back toward Antalya, enriched by the history and beauty we've encountered.