Pamukkale Day Trip from Antalya & Belek with Optional Balloon

Summary

Soak in Pamukkale’s surreal terraces and ancient pools on a guided day trip

You’ll start early from Antalya or Belek, float above Pamukkale’s surreal white terraces if you choose the balloon flight, then explore Hierapolis and dip your toes in thermal pools. There’s time for Cleopatra’s Pool (for an extra fee), plus lunch included before heading back. It’s one of those days that lingers with you long after you return home.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always seen those photos of Pamukkale — the white steps that look like snow, even though it’s hot out. Actually being there, though, is something else. We left Antalya before sunrise (I’m not a morning person, but somehow that made it feel more like an adventure). The bus was quiet at first, just the soft hum of the road and a few sleepy hellos. Our guide, Selin, handed out little packets of Turkish biscuits — she said they’re “for luck,” which I think was just her way of making us smile so early.

If you pick the balloon option for this Pamukkale day trip from Antalya, you’ll get to float up before most people have had their coffee. I didn’t expect how gentle it would feel — just a faint whoosh as the burners fired up, then suddenly we were drifting over the travertines. They really do look like a cotton castle from above. The sun came up behind us and everything turned gold for about five minutes. Selin pointed out Hierapolis below; you could see the old theater and ruins laid out like someone’s lost city map. I tried to say “Pamukkale” right and totally failed; one of the balloon crew laughed and gave me a thumbs-up anyway.

Back on solid ground, there’s time to wander the terraces barefoot (the water is warm but not too hot — kind of tickles your feet) or check out Cleopatra’s Pool if you want to pay extra for a swim. Some people went straight for it; I just sat on the edge with my legs in and watched kids splashing around old marble columns under the water. The air smelled faintly like minerals — sharp but clean — and every so often you’d hear someone gasp when they touched the water for the first time.

Lunch was this open buffet thing — nothing fancy but plenty of choices (I piled my plate with grilled veggies and rice). On the way back to Antalya, everyone was quieter again, but this time it felt different… kind of peaceful? Maybe it was just being tired or maybe it was all those bright white terraces still stuck in my head. I still think about that view from above sometimes when I close my eyes at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pamukkale tour with optional balloon flight

• Hotel pick-up in Antalya early morning
• Bus ride to Pamukkale (3.5 hours)
• Optional hot air balloon flight
• Watch balloon preparation and briefing
• Explore Cotton Castle and Hierapolis
• Free time to swim or walk travertines
• Lunch buffet included
• Return bus to Antalya (3.5 hours)

Top questions

How long is the drive from Antalya to Pamukkale?

The journey takes about 3 hours 30 minutes each way by bus.

Is hotel pickup included in this Pamukkale day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup from Antalya, Belek, Lara, and Kemer areas is included.

What does the hot air balloon ride include?

If selected, it includes pre-flight instructions and a flight over Pamukkale's terraces and Hierapolis ruins.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, an open buffet lunch is included; drinks are extra.

Can I swim in Cleopatra's Pool during this tour?

You can swim in Cleopatra's Pool for an extra fee (about 12€), paid onsite.

What happens if my balloon flight is cancelled due to weather?

If cancelled last minute due to bad weather, you'll get a partial refund; full refund if cancelled one day before.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn't recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

How much free time do we get at Pamukkale?

You’ll have about three hours of free time to explore Pamukkale’s sites at your own pace.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Antalya or Belek areas, comfortable transport with an English-Russian speaking guide who shares local stories along the way, entry to Pamukkale’s thermal terraces and Hierapolis ruins, plus an open buffet lunch before returning in the evening. If you select it when booking, your hot air balloon ride over Pamukkale is also included; swimming at Cleopatra’s Pool costs extra onsite.