Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: Travertines & Ancient Ruins

Swim in Pamukkale's white thermal pools, then walk through Hierapolis ruins

A small-group day tour from Kusadasi to Pamukkale and Hierapolis with a licensed English-speaking guide, AC van for up to 14 travelers, and lunch. You'll spend three hours at Pamukkale's thermal pools and travertines, then visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site that sits directly above the white terraces. The tour runs about 10 hours total, with a three-hour drive each way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour

• Depart from Kusadasi or Selcuk
• Drive 3 hours to Pamukkale with break
• Visit Hierapolis Ancient City ruins
• Swim in Cleopatra Antique Pool
• Explore Pamukkale travertine terraces
• Enjoy local open buffet lunch
• Free time at Pamukkale sightseeing
• Depart Pamukkale at 16:30
• Arrive back to Kusadasi or Selcuk at 19:30

The experience

Pamukkale means "cotton castle" in Turkish, and the name fits: the thermal spring water has left behind brilliant white carbonate mineral terraces that cascade down the mountainside like frozen waterfalls. You'll have three hours to walk across these travertines, wade into the warm pools, and see the thermal springs that feed them. The water stays warm year-round because it flows from hot springs higher up the slope. If you want to swim in Cleopatra's Antique Pool (the clear warm water where the Egyptian queen once bathed), that's an optional extra you can arrange when you book.

Hierapolis sits directly above Pamukkale and is one of Turkey's most visited ancient cities. The ruins include a Roman bath, an ancient theatre, the necropolis, and the Temple of Apollo with its Doric columns, which once overlooked Cleopatra's pool. The site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Your guide will walk you through the key structures and explain what you're looking at. This is not a self-guided wander. The tour picks you up between 8:00 and 8:30 am from your hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk, drives three hours to Pamukkale, spends the afternoon there and at Hierapolis, then departs at 4:30 pm for the return drive, arriving back around 7:30 pm. Lunch is a local open buffet included in the price.

Groups stay under 14 people and travel in an air-conditioned van. Your guide speaks English and is licensed to lead tours. If you'd rather have more time at Pamukkale to swim and relax on the terraces, you can request a private tour instead of the small-group version.

What’s included

• Guiding services with a licensed English-speaking guide.
• transportation in an air-conditioned van.
• all entry fees and taxes.
• a local open buffet lunch.
• and parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30, 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ephesus and Pamukkale Daily Tours from Kusadasi and Izmir

Is this one for you?The small-group format keeps numbers under 14 and uses a shared van, so the cost stays lower than a private tour: ideal if you're traveling solo or with one other person and don't mind sharing the day with other travelers. If you want more time to swim and linger on the travertines, request a private tour instead when you book.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What exactly is Pamukkale and why is it white?

Pamukkale is a natural site in southwestern Turkey where hot spring water flows down a mountainside, leaving behind brilliant white terraces made of carbonate minerals. The mineral deposits have built up over time to create the effect of a frozen waterfall, and the pools stay warm because they're fed by thermal springs.

Can I swim in the pools at Pamukkale?

Yes, you can wade and swim in the warm thermal pools during your three hours there. If you want to swim in Cleopatra's Antique Pool (the clear warm water above the white terraces), that requires an extra fee of 150 TL, which you can arrange when you book. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to get in the water.

What will I see at Hierapolis?

Hierapolis is an ancient city that sits directly above Pamukkale's travertines. The ruins include a Roman bath, an ancient theatre, the Temple of Apollo with its original Doric columns, a necropolis, and the Hierapolis archaeology museum. Your guide will lead you through the main structures and explain their history. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage location.

How long is the drive from Kusadasi to Pamukkale?

The drive is three hours each way. You'll be picked up between 8:00 and 8:30 am and depart Pamukkale at 4:30 pm, arriving back in Kusadasi around 7:30 pm. The total tour time is about 10 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a local open buffet lunch is included in the tour price and takes about an hour.