Pamukkale & Hierapolis day trip: Thermal pools, ancient ruins

The travertine cascades are real: brilliant white mineral pools stacked down the mountainside, and you wade through them yourself.

A 12-hour guided tour from Antalya to Pamukkale and the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hierapolis, with hotel pickup, entry tickets, lunch and free time to swim in the thermal pools. The tour includes a guide-led walk through the ancient city: theatre, necropolis, cathedral and St. Philip's tomb, then time to bathe in Cleopatra's Pool and the white travertine terraces. An onyx shop visit happens before lunch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Hierapolis1h · entry included
2. Pamukkale Thermal Pools1h

Visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis ruins

• See Pamukkale travertines
• Visit Hierapolis ancient city with guide
• Swim at Cleopatra's Pool

The experience

The drive from Antalya is long, which is why the tour departs early and returns late, but the distance is what keeps Pamukkale and Hierapolis from being rushed. You get a professional English-speaking guide for the ancient city itself: the theatre, the main street with its gates and latrines, the large necropolis filled with sarcophagi, the cathedral, and St. Philip's tomb. Walking time through Hierapolis runs over 45 minutes with the theatre visit included. The hot springs that feed the site have been used as a spa since the 2nd century B.C., and the mineral-rich water cascades down the mountainside in the white travertine pools known as the Cotton Castle.

After the guided walk, you have free time to swim in the thermal pools themselves: the main draw for most travelers. Cleopatra's Pool is a separate stop where you can soak in the warm water. Entry is optional and costs 10€ if you swim. The Pamukkale Museum is included, and you'll visit an onyx shop before lunch. Lunch is provided and vegetarian options are available. An air-conditioned vehicle transports you throughout the day, and the tour includes entry to both Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

Bring an extra shirt, t-shirt and towel. You will be wet. Sun lotion is essential. The tour suits all fitness levels, though it involves walking the ancient site and navigating the travertine terraces. For hotels in Belek, Kemer, Side, Manavgat or Alanya, an extra transfer fee applies. Kundu and Lara hotel pickups may shift outside the standard times since they're outside the city centre.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• entry tickets to Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
• the Pamukkale Museum.
• lunch with vegetarian options available.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (8 to 79 years) · Child (4 to 7 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by SOLYMOS TRAVEL

Is this one for you?Book this for a full day away from the coast when you want the ancient ruins and the thermal pools both in one trip: the early start and late return are what fit both Hierapolis and swimming time into a single departure from Antalya.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 7 years); Infant (under 4): free.

How much walking is involved at Hierapolis?

Hierapolis requires over 45 minutes of walking with the theatre visit included, moving through the ancient city's main street, gates, necropolis, cathedral and St. Philip's tomb with your guide.

Can I swim in the thermal pools, and is there an extra cost?

Yes, you have free time to swim in Pamukkale's travertine pools and Cleopatra's Pool. Entry to Cleopatra's Pool costs 10€ if you choose to swim there.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is provided during the tour, and vegetarian options are available upon request.

What should I bring for a day at the thermal pools?

Bring an extra shirt, t-shirt and towel since you'll be swimming, plus sun lotion for protection on the white travertine terraces.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from my hotel?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour. If your hotel is in Belek, Kemer, Side, Manavgat or Alanya, an extra transfer fee applies.

What is Hierapolis and why is it significant?

Hierapolis is an ancient Greco-Roman city built on hot springs in southwest Anatolia and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been used as a spa destination since the 2nd century B.C., and its ruins include a theatre, necropolis with sarcophagi, cathedral and St. Philip's tomb.