Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour from Antalya with Local Guide

Summary

Full day trip from antalya to pamukkale pools and hierapolis ruins

You’ll travel from Antalya with a local guide who brings ancient Hierapolis to life before you walk barefoot along Pamukkale’s surreal white terraces. Enjoy a relaxed lunch and plenty of time at the thermal pools (though Cleopatra’s Pool is closed right now). Expect laughter, stories, and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’d seen photos of Pamukkale before — those white terraces almost looked fake online — but standing there after the long drive from Antalya, it hit different. The road was quiet in the early morning, and I kept dozing off, but then our guide (her name was Ayşe) started telling stories about the ancient city of Hierapolis. She had this way of making Roman emperors sound like your slightly dramatic relatives. We stopped for tea somewhere on the way; I remember the steam curling up into the cool air and some old men playing backgammon outside. It felt like we were already far from the city.

Walking through Hierapolis, you can still see where people used to gather — the amphitheater is huge, and Ayşe pointed out carvings that I’d never have noticed on my own. The sun was sharp but not too hot, just enough to make the stone warm under your hands. There’s something about touching those old walls that makes you realize how many lives passed through here. Lunch was simple but good — grilled chicken, rice, lots of bread. I tried to ask for more ayran in Turkish and probably butchered it because everyone laughed (in a nice way).

The main thing though is those Pamukkale thermal pools. Even though Cleopatra’s Pool was closed for renovations (which honestly was a bit disappointing), just seeing the bright white terraces up close made up for it. The water is warm and leaves this weird chalky feeling on your skin — not unpleasant, just different. Kids were splashing around while older folks sat quietly with their feet in the water. I took too many photos but none really caught how it feels to stand there with all that light bouncing off the stone. On the drive back to Antalya I kept thinking about how old everything is here, and how small you feel next to it all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis

• Travel from Antalya to Pamukkale
• Explore Amphitheatre at Hierapolis
• Visit ancient city of Hierapolis
• Swim in Cleopatra's pool
• Walk around Pamukkale terraces

Top questions

How far is Pamukkale from Antalya?

The distance between Antalya and Pamukkale is around 235 km.

Is Cleopatra’s Pool open during this tour?

No, Cleopatra’s Pool is temporarily closed for renovations; access isn’t available at this time.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip from Antalya.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your full-day guided tour.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness due to walking involved.

Are infant meals included?

No, infant meals are not included on this tour.

Will there be a professional guide?

Yes, a professional guide will accompany you throughout the day trip.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Antalya, guidance throughout by a professional local guide (sometimes multilingual), entry into both Pamukkale’s travertine terraces and Hierapolis ruins, plus a relaxed lunch before heading back in the evening.