11 hours
Daily Tour
20 people
English
Embark on an unforgettable day trip from the port city of Kusadasi to Pamukkale, a nature and cultural experience that promises to be a highlight of your journey. The focal points of this tour are the ancient town of Hierapolis and the renowned travertine terraces of Pamukkale, often referred to as the ‘cotton castle’ due to their striking appearance. Located approximately 198 kilometers from Kusadasi, Pamukkale stands as one of the oldest thermal towns globally, offering not only breathtaking natural beauty but also therapeutic thermal waters with a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius.
A major highlight of the trip is the opportunity to swim in the thermal waters, believed to have healing properties for various conditions such as heart disease, digestion issues, rheumatism, skin ailments, circulation problems, and respiratory issues. Numerous small thermal pools, depending on weather conditions, provide a serene environment for relaxation.
Adding to the allure of the journey is the ancient Greek town of Hierapolis, meaning ‘Holy City.’ Constructed adjacent to the Pamukkale hot springs by the 2nd BC king of Pergamon, this city boasts a rich history and spans over 2.7 kilometers in length, 0.6 kilometers in width, and 0.16 kilometers in height. Explore the main streets, ancient theater, and other ruins from both Roman and Greek civilizations.
For history enthusiasts, the city’s name originated from the minting of bronze coins in the 2nd century BC, later evolving into Hierapolis. The city became part of the Roman province of Asia after surrendering to Rome upon the death of Attalus III.
Hierapolis features a captivating museum displaying historical artifacts not only from the city but also from Attuda, Tripolis, Laodicea, and Colossae. The museum includes three closed sections of the Hierapolis Bath and open sections believed to have served as the gymnasium and library.
Adjacent to the ancient city and Pamukkale formation lies the renowned Cleopatra pool, an artificial pool built atop ancient columns that fell during an earthquake. Visitors can swim among these historic ruins in the Cleopatra pool, adding a unique and fascinating element to the tour.
With a total of 17 hot springs in Pamukkale, ranging in temperature from 30 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius, the site is a UNESCO Heritage-listed treasure, attracting millions of visitors annually from around the globe. This excursion offers ample free time for relaxation, swimming, and soaking in the remarkable landscape, ensuring a truly enriching experience.
The primary language for group tour guidance is English or multilingual available. Tours in languages other than English are available exclusively as private tours. Please note that there might be a price variation for different languages. Kindly specify your preferred language for the tour if it's not English!
Tour fees include professional English guide service or assistant service. In half-day tours, meals are not included, but in full-day tours, a set menu or open buffet meal is generally included. Kindly refer to the tour description for a detailed breakdown of included and excluded services.
In group tours, hotel pick-up and drop-off are generally included. Rarely, some tours do not include hotel pick-up and drop-off or just drop-off. All private tours include hotel pickup and drop-off. Please read the description carefully to find out.
