Pamukkale Thermal Pools & Hierapolis Tour: Swim in Travertines

White travertine terraces where you swim in 40°C thermal water

This full-day tour from Fethiye takes you to Pamukkale, a natural wonder formed by thermal springs that have built white limestone terraces across a mountainside. A professional English-speaking guide leads the route, which includes time to walk and swim in the thermal pools, then visits the ancient city of Hierapolis above them. Breakfast and lunch are provided, along with round-trip hotel transfer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis ruins

• Pickup from hotels in Fethiye
• Drive to Pamukkale
• Visit Cotton Castle travertines
• Free time to swim and relax
• Comfort break with shopping
• Visit Pamukkale Thermal Pools again
• Enjoy open buffet lunch
• Return to hotels in Fethiye

The experience

The drive from Fethiye takes most of the morning. You'll stop for a comfort break with restrooms and snacks before arriving at Pamukkale itself. The thermal pools are the centerpiece: calcium-rich water from underground springs has created the white travertine formations that give the site its nickname, "Cotton Castle." Your guide will explain how the geology works while you have free time to walk across the white terraces and swim in the warm pools. A surreal experience when the air temperature is cool but the water stays at 40°C.

After the pools, lunch is a buffet meal included in the price (drinks cost extra). Then you'll visit Hierapolis, the ancient city that sits on the plateau above Pamukkale. The ruins are substantial enough to wander through, and your guide will point out the significant structures. The return journey to your hotel takes the afternoon, arriving in the evening.

Entrance fees to Pamukkale and Hierapolis are not included in the tour price and must be paid separately at the gate. The same applies to entry to Cleopatra's Pool if you want to visit that thermal spring separately. Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you plan to use the pools, and wear shoes you don't mind getting wet on the travertine.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• round-trip shared transfer from your hotel.
• breakfast on the way.
• buffet lunch at midday.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 06:30Last departure this season: 30 Oct

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 40

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.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 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Arbek Travel

Is this one for you?Join other travelers on a fixed-route day trip that covers both Pamukkale's travertine terraces and Hierapolis ruins with a guide. Choose this if you prefer a structured itinerary and shared transport over coordinating your own logistics.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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.

Can I swim in the Pamukkale thermal pools during this tour?

Yes. You have free time at the pools to walk on the white travertines and swim in them. The water temperature stays around 40°C year-round, so it's warm even when the air is cool.

What are the white terraces at Pamukkale made of?

Pamukkale's terraces are limestone and travertine, built up over thousands of years by thermal springs rich in calcium carbonate. The mineral-laden water flows down the mountainside, deposits its minerals, and creates the white pools and formations.

Is the entrance fee to Pamukkale included in the tour price?

No. The entrance fee to Pamukkale and Hierapolis (30€) is not included and must be paid separately at the gate when you arrive.

What does the tour include for meals?

Breakfast is provided on the way to Pamukkale, and lunch is a buffet meal served during the day. Drinks at lunch cost extra and are not included.

How much time do you spend at Hierapolis?

After lunch, you visit the ancient ruins of Hierapolis on the plateau above Pamukkale. Your guide will show you the significant structures, though the exact time depends on the group's pace and interests.

What is the total length of this tour?

The tour runs 13 hours from hotel pickup to return, including the drive, time at the pools and ruins, breakfast, lunch and comfort breaks.