Pamukkale Day Trip from Kusadasi: Thermal Pools & Hierapolis

Travertines formation from mineral-rich water creating white calcium carbonate deposits like frozen waterfalls

A full-day small-group tour from Kusadasi to Pamukkale combines the white travertine thermal pools with a guided walk through the ancient city of Hierapolis, including hotel pickup, a buffet lunch and an art historian guide. You'll soak in the natural thermal pools in the afternoon, then visit the well-preserved ancient theater before returning to your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day tour to Pamukkale and Hierapolis

• Hotel pickup in Kusadasi or Selcuk
• Travel to Pamukkale by minivan
• Buffet lunch
• Guided tour of Pamukkale travertines
• Explore ancient city of Hierapolis
• Relax in natural thermal pools
• Visit ancient theater
• Return to hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk

The experience

Hotel pickup in Kusadasi or Selcuk starts the day, followed by a drive to Pamukkale in an air-conditioned minivan. The travertines (those brilliant white terraces stacked down the mountainside) form from water springs that emerge from the ground at 35.6 degrees Celsius, carrying high levels of calcium hydrocarbonate. As the water cools and flows downhill, carbon dioxide evaporates and leaves behind calcium carbonate, which precipitates into the travertine formations that have built up over thousands of years.

A professional art historian guide leads you through Hierapolis, the ancient city perched above the pools. The tour covers the Necropolis, Domitian Gate, Frontinus Street, the Agora, North Byzantine Gate, Gymnasium, Fountain with Triton, Apollon Temple, the Martyrium of St. Philip, Column Church, the ruins of Plutonium, Latrina and Roman Baths. Hierapolis was founded in the 2nd century BC by Eumenies II, the Attalid king of Pergamon, and named after Hiera, the legendary wife of Telephos. The city absorbed different cults and cultures throughout its history, and the remains reflect that layered past.

After the guided tour, you'll head to the natural thermal pools for time to soak in the warm water, which locals believe has healing properties. A buffet lunch is included midday. The afternoon wraps with a visit to the well-preserved ancient theater before the drive back to your hotel.

What’s included

• Entrance fees to Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
• buffet lunch.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional art historian guide.
• air-conditioned minivan.
• parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Infant (under 7)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Apasas travel

Is this one for you?The full-day pace and 11-hour commitment suit travelers with a free day and the stamina for walking through both the thermal pools and the extensive Hierapolis ruins. The small-group format and included guide mean you're not navigating the sites alone or managing transport yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years); Infant (under 7).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly are the white travertines at Pamukkale?

The travertines are terraces of calcium carbonate that form when mineral-rich thermal water springs from the ground at 35.6 degrees Celsius and cools as it flows downhill. The cooling causes carbon dioxide to evaporate, leaving behind calcium carbonate that precipitates and hardens into the brilliant white formations stacked down the mountainside.

Can I actually swim or soak in the thermal pools during the tour?

Yes, the afternoon includes time to soak in the natural thermal pools. You'll have the chance to relax in the warm water, which is believed to have healing properties.

What does the Hierapolis portion of the tour include?

Hierapolis is the ancient city above the pools, founded in the 2nd century BC. The guided tour covers the Necropolis, Domitian Gate, Frontinus Street, Agora, North Byzantine Gate, Gymnasium, Fountain with Triton, Apollon Temple, Martyrium of St. Philip, Column Church, ruins of Plutonium, Latrina and Roman Baths, plus the well-preserved ancient theater.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included in the tour price. Vegetarian options are available if you advise at the time of booking.

How does hotel pickup work?

The tour includes pickup from your Kusadasi or Selcuk hotel and drop-off at the end of the day. You'll travel in an air-conditioned minivan with the small group.