From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch

Key Points

• Affordable full-day trip from Antalya for only $45 per person that covers major highlights of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
• Visit the stunning Pamukkale travertines — natural white terraces formed by mineral-rich hot springs.
• Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins like the theatre, necropolis, and St. Philip’s tomb.
• Enjoy a delicious open buffet lunch, with vegetarian options available, included in the price.
• Small-group experience with a licensed English-speaking guide and comfortable air-conditioned transport.
• Entry tickets not included, so plan for an additional 30 TL if you want to access certain sites like Cleopatra Pools or buy souvenirs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Comprehensive Tour from Antalya to Pamukkale and Hierapolis

This full-day tour from Antalya offers an exciting chance to see Turkey’s famous natural and ancient sites. For $45 per person, the package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to visit Pamukkale’s breathtaking travertine terraces and the historic ruins of Hierapolis. The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, making it a substantial but manageable day trip, especially suited for those eager to explore beyond Antalya.

While the Cleopatra Antique Pools are temporarily out of service until September 2025, the tour highlights other impressive features like the hot springs, necropolis, and Hierapolis Museum. The tour operates with a small group setting, led by a licenced English-speaking guide, ensuring personalized attention and insightful commentary.

This experience is perfect for travelers interested in natural wonders and archaeological sites, with the included lunch making it a well-rounded day out. Be prepared for early departures and late returns, as the distance and sights warrant a full day away from Antalya.

Pamukkale Travertines: Nature’s White Marvels

The journey to Pamukkale’s travertine terraces is a highlight. These natural formations appear as giant, cascading pools of white mineral-rich calcium carbonate deposits, creating a surreal landscape that looks almost like a snow-covered hillside. The hot springs that feed these terraces have been used as a spa since the 2nd Century B.C.E, illustrating their long history of healing.

Visitors can walk along the terraces to see their unique textures and colors up close. Although access to the Cleopatra Pools is currently not available until September 2025, the stunning views of the cascades alone make this site a memorable stop. The natural beauty of Pamukkale provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to marvel at Earth’s geological processes.

The entry tickets for Pamukkale are not included in the tour price, costing approximately 30 TL, which visitors should budget for if they want to enter the site. Even without access to the pools, the view of the cascading terraces remains a captivating sight.

Hierapolis Ancient City: Exploring a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Adjacent to Pamukkale, Hierapolis offers an impressive archaeological site that dates back to antiquity. Known as the Holy City, it features a large necropolis filled with sarcophagi, the remains of a Roman theatre, a cathedral, and St. Philip’s tomb. The site’s ruins tell stories of spa culture and ancient urban life in southwest Anatolia.

Visitors walk along the main street, passing gates and remnants of ancient buildings, gaining insight into how the city thrived in Roman and early Christian times. The hot springs in Hierapolis continue to feed the cascades of Pamukkale, linking natural thermal activity to historic architecture.

The Hierapolis Museum offers further context with exhibits of found artifacts, making history tangible. Entrance to the archaeological area is not included in the tour fee, so travelers should consider an additional 30 TL if they wish to explore extensively.

The Temporarily Closed Cleopatra Pools: What to Expect When Open

While the famous Cleopatra Antique Pools are a major attraction at Pamukkale, they are currently out of service until September 2025. These historic thermal pools are famous for their supposed connection to Cleopatra, with warm waters suitable for bathing and relaxation.

When the pools reopen, visitors typically enjoy swimming in their warm, mineral-rich waters, often considered therapeutic. For now, the tour focuses on the terraces, Hierapolis ruins, and museum, offering a fulfilling experience despite the temporary closure.

Swimmers should be prepared to wait until September 2025 or consider alternate options such as visiting other sites or relaxing at nearby facilities, if available.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch and Refreshments: Included Vegetarian Options

A key perk of this tour is the included open buffet lunch, served at a local restaurant. The meal caters to vegetarian diets and offers a variety of dishes, ensuring that everyone finds something satisfying after a morning of sightseeing.

The lunch provides a good break in the day, giving travelers energy for the afternoon exploration. Since drinks are not included, it’s advisable to carry some bottled water or purchase beverages during the stops. The lunch is a significant value addition, especially considering the overall $45 price.

Transportation and Group Size for Comfort and Ease

The tour uses a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, making the long drive from Antalya more pleasant. The small-group setting ensures a more personalized experience, with licensed English-speaking guides providing commentary and answering questions along the way.

Pick-up and drop-off services are available for Antalya city hotels, with extra fees applicable for accommodations in Kemer, Belek, and Side. This door-to-door service simplifies logistics and saves time, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the journey.

Entry Fees and Additional Costs to Budget For

The tour price covers transportation, guides, and lunch but does not include entry tickets to Pamukkale or Hierapolis, which cost around 30 TL each. Visitors should plan for these expenses if they wish to access the hot springs or museum exhibits.

Plus, if you want to swim at Cleopatra Pools once they reopen, that will require an extra fee. Drinks are not included, so carrying some extra cash or drinks is advisable.

Timing and Pacing: A Full 12-Hour Experience

This tour runs for about 12 hours, starting early from Antalya. The schedule allows enough time to see the main highlights, walk along the terraces, explore the ruins, and enjoy the lunch break.

Traveling to and from Pamukkale involves a significant drive, so patience with the timing and pacing is necessary. The itinerary is designed to maximize the sightseeing experience without feeling rushed, but travelers should be prepared for a long day.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This full-day experience is ideal for those interested in natural wonders and archaeology. It suits travelers who appreciate well-organized trips with expert guides, and who are comfortable with early starts and late returns.

Since the tour is not designed for those seeking luxury or extensive swimming (due to Cleopatra Pools being closed), it’s better suited for history buffs and photography enthusiasts. The inclusion of a delicious lunch and small-group format makes it a value-for-money option for exploring Turkey’s iconic sites.

The Sum Up: A Practical and Rewarding Day Trip

The From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch offers a comprehensive look at Turkey’s famous natural and ancient sites at an accessible price. The small-group setting, expert guides, and included lunch enhance the experience, making it a reliable choice for those eager to see Pamukkale’s terraces and Hierapolis’ ruins.

While the temporary closure of Cleopatra Pools limits a swimming experience, the tour compensates with breathtaking landscapes and historical exploration. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who enjoy a well-organized day with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural insights.

This tour strikes a balance between value and quality, delivering an enjoyable and educational adventure that makes worthwhile use of a day away from Antalya.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 12 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and meals.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, a licensed English-speaking guide, and a buffet lunch with vegetarian options.

Are entry tickets included?
No, entry tickets to Pamukkale and Hierapolis cost around 30 TL each and are paid separately. Cleopatra Pools entry is currently unavailable until September 2025.

What should I bring?
Travelers are advised to bring swimwear and a towel if they wish to swim in Cleopatra Pools once open, and extra cash for tickets and drinks.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is best suited for adults and older children who are comfortable with long walks and a full day of sightseeing.

Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, the buffet lunch includes vegetarian options.

What about hotel pick-up?
Pick-up and drop-off services are available for Antalya city hotels and nearby accommodations with additional fees for places like Kemer, Belek, and Side.

Will I have a guide throughout the trip?
Yes, the licensed English-speaking guide leads the tour, providing commentary and assistance.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for your travel plans.

Where can I book this tour?
You can reserve through trusted providers such as GetYourGuide, with similar options listed in the links provided.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby