Pamukkale Thermal Pools Tour: White Terraces & Ruins

Thermal pools, ancient city, and red-hot spring water in one morning

A shared group tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis combines swimming in the thermal pools, walking the white terraces, and exploring the Roman ruins of the ancient healing center. Your guide explains the history of the Roman Theater and the city's role as a Hellenistic and later Roman settlement, with free time to wade or lie in the warm pools and optional paid entry to Cleopatra's pool.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Pamukkale and Hierapolis ruins

• Visit Red Hot Thermal Water Sources
• Enjoy thermal water in small pools
• Learn history at Roman Theater
• Tour ancient Hierapolis city ruins
• See ruins in thermal pool area
• Optional swim in thermal pools

The experience

The tour centers on Pamukkale's thermal pools, where you get free time to enter the water on your own terms: wade in just up to your feet, lie down in the shallow pools, or apply the mineral-rich mud as a face mask. The pools sit at different temperatures, fed by red-hot spring water sources that you'll see during the tour. Your guide points out the white terraces themselves, the distinctive calcium formations that give Pamukkale its name, and shows you the photo points where the landscape reads best.

Hierapolis, the ancient city built above the thermal springs, occupies the second half of the day. The guide walks you through the ruins and explains what you're standing in front of: a Roman Theater with a panoramic view, and the remains of what was once a healing center during antiquity, first a Hellenistic city and then a Roman one. You'll see Roman-era ruins scattered around the thermal pool area itself. Swimming in Cleopatra's pool, a separate thermal basin, costs an extra $10 per person and is optional at checkout.

The tour runs 4 to 5 hours and includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional licensed guide, lunch, entrance fees, and parking. Your guide speaks English or Japanese depending on the group. Pickup is included. Beverages and gratuities are not.

What’s included

• Lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• entrance fees to Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
• parking.
• professional licensed guide in English or Japanese.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 10:00

AgesAdult (8 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (4 to 7 years) · Child (2 to 3 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 39 pickup points.

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 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by White Rock Travel

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a full day combining thermal pools and Hierapolis ruins in one trip. The shared group handles transport and all entry fees together.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 7 years); Child (2 to 3 years); Infant (under 2): 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 thermal pools on this tour, or is it just sightseeing?

You get free time to swim and soak in Pamukkale's thermal pools during the tour. You can wade in just to your feet, lie down in the shallow warm water, or apply the mineral mud to your skin. Swimming in Cleopatra's pool costs an extra $10 per person and is optional.

What is Hierapolis and what will I see there?

Hierapolis is the ancient city built above Pamukkale's thermal springs. It was first a Hellenistic settlement and later became a Roman city that served as a healing center. You'll see the Roman Theater with panoramic views and ruins from Roman times scattered around the site, with your guide explaining the history as you walk.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes lunch, entrance fees to both Pamukkale and Hierapolis, an air-conditioned vehicle, parking, and a professional licensed guide who speaks English or Japanese. Beverages and gratuities are separate, and swimming in Cleopatra's pool is an optional extra at $10 per person.

How long is this tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs 4 to 5 hours. Pickup is included in your booking, so your guide will collect you from your accommodation in Pamukkale.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour involves walking through the Hierapolis ruins and the thermal pool area, plus time in the water. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or for pregnant travelers.