From City of Side: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Tour w/ Lunch

Discover the Natural Wonder of Pamukkale and the Ancient Ruins of Hierapolis

This day trip from Side offers an immersive experience into one of Turkey’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. For $62 per person, travelers get to enjoy 15 hours of sightseeing, including visits to the thermal pools of Pamukkale, the ancient city of Hierapolis, and the Cleopatra Pool. The tour is guided in English and includes lunch, with hotel pickup and drop-off to make logistics smooth.

While the trip involves a significant 4-hour drive each way from Side to Pamukkale, its highlights—such as walking among snow-white travertine terraces and exploring ruins from Greek and Roman times—are truly memorable. Note that visitors should be prepared for some crowds and a busy schedule, but the chance to bathe in thermal waters and see ancient archaeological sites makes this a worthwhile adventure.

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Key Points

• Visit the UNESCO-listed Pamukkale with its stunning calcium terraces and thermal pools.
• Explore Hierapolis, the ancient city built next to the hot springs, with a guided tour of its ruins and museum.
• Swim in the Cleopatra Pool, where you can relax among submerged columns and ancient stonework.
• Enjoy a traditional lunch included in the tour, with options for free time to relax or explore further.
• Long travel time of around 4 hours each way, so expect a full day on the road.
• Entrance fees for Pamukkale and Hierapolis are not included and cost 30 EUR, while Cleopatra Pool access is 15 EUR.

Starting the Journey from Side to Pamukkale

The tour departs from Side, with hotel pickup included to simplify your day. The large coach takes you on a roughly 4-hour drive through Turkey’s scenic landscapes toward Pamukkale. During this time, you can relax or ask questions about what’s ahead, as the guide provides commentary in English. The long journey is a key consideration, especially for those less tolerant of extended bus rides, but it’s balanced by the exciting sights awaiting at your destination.

Walking Through Hierapolis’ Ruins and Museum

Your first major stop is the ancient city of Hierapolis, a site built by the 2nd BC Pergamon king and spanning about 2.7 kilometers long. The guide leads you through the main streets, pointing out important features like the ancient theater and ruins of the baths, including parts of the Hierapolis Museum.

The museum houses artifacts from Hierapolis and nearby ancient cities like Attuda and Laodicea, giving a glimpse into the area’s past. The ruins reveal Roman and Greek influences, including remnants of the library and gymnasium. For history buffs, walking this site brings to life stories of a city once called the “Holy City”, renowned for its coin minting and religious significance.

Walking on the Snow-White Calcium Terraces of Pamukkale

The highlight of the trip is the cascading terraces of Pamukkale, known as the “Cotton Castle” for their soft appearance. These natural travertine formations are formed by mineral-rich waters depositing calcium carbonate over centuries. Visitors are encouraged to walk along the terraces, marveling at their snow-white color and natural beauty.

The site is crowded, but the experience of walking in such a surreal landscape remains special. The terraces are hot to the touch, with water temperatures around 30°C, making them perfect for a relaxing stroll or a quick dip. Be aware that some small thermal pools are available, depending on weather conditions.

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Bathing and Relaxing in Cleopatra’s Pool

Next, visitors can test the waters of the famous Cleopatra Pool, an artificial thermal pool built over ancient columns that sank during an earthquake. Unlike the legend, Cleopatra Pool was not owned by Queen Cleopatra but is a captivating spot where you can swim among submerged columns and ancient ruins.

This pool provides a serene environment for relaxing after walking in the sun. Entrance to Cleopatra Pool costs 15 EUR and is optional, but many find it a highlight for the chance to swim in warm, mineral-rich waters amid historic stones.

Lunch Break and Free Time at Pamukkale

A lunch is included in the tour, typically served at a local restaurant or picnic area. This is a good opportunity to refuel before the afternoon activities. After lunch, there is free time to relax, take photos, or explore more of the site at your own pace. The guide may suggest additional spots or offer tips for your self-guided exploration.

Exploring the Thermal Pools of Pamukkale

Post-lunch, the tour continues with a guided walk around the thermal pools of Pamukkale. The hot springs are famous for their supposed health benefits, including treatments for heart disease, digestion issues, rheumatism, skin conditions, and circulation. The thermal waters are accessible for swimming, and visitors can enjoy several small pools with temperatures up to 100°C, depending on the specific spring.

While the pools are beautiful and relaxing, they can be crowded, especially during peak tourist season. The guide walks you through the pools’ geology and the significance of the thermal waters, making the experience both scenic and informative.

The Long Drive Back to Side

The return journey from Pamukkale to Side takes approximately 4 hours. The coach offers a chance to stretch, nap, or discuss the day’s highlights. The long drive is a practical consideration, but it’s balanced by the memorable sights and experiences of the day. Arriving back in Side, the tour concludes with hotel drop-off, leaving you with lasting impressions of this unique landscape and ancient city.

The Practicalities: Inclusions, Costs, and Tips

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and lunch. However, travelers should budget for entrance fees of 30 EUR for Pamukkale and Hierapolis, and 15 EUR for Cleopatra Pool, which are not included in the tour price. Drinks are also not included, so bringing water or purchasing refreshments is advisable.

The tour operates with full cancellation flexibility—cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—and the reserve now, pay later option offers flexibility for planning. Be prepared for a busy day with a lot of walking and a long bus ride, and keep in mind that crowds can impact your experience during peak seasons.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This trip suits those who enjoy natural landscapes and archaeological sites, and who are comfortable with a full day of travel and sightseeing. The combination of thermal pools, ancient ruins, and scenic walks makes it ideal for history enthusiasts and nature lovers willing to spend time on a bus.

While it offers incredible sights, the long drive and busy schedule mean this tour works best for travelers seeking a comprehensive day out rather than a leisurely visit. The inclusion of lunch and guided commentary adds convenience, making it a solid choice for those wanting an organized experience.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis from Side: A Memorable Day Out

This tour offers a well-rounded visit to Pamukkale’s stunning terraces and Hierapolis’ ancient city ruins, filled with historical insights and natural beauty. The opportunity to swim in thermal pools and walk among white mineral terraces provides a visual feast and a relaxing escape from city life.

While the long travel time and crowds are factors to consider, the experience of witnessing Turkey’s natural wonder and exploring its antique city makes this tour a worthwhile outing for most visitors. It remains a compelling choice for those eager to combine history, geology, and relaxation in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $62 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 15 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and meals.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fees for Pamukkale and Hierapolis (30 EUR) and Cleopatra Pool (15 EUR) are not included.

What is included in the tour?
The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and lunch.

What should I bring?
Bring water, comfortable shoes, and swimwear if planning to swim in the pools. Entrance fees are payable separately.

Is there free time at Pamukkale?
Yes, there is free time after lunch to relax, take photos, or explore more at your own pace.

How is the drive from Side to Pamukkale?
The drive is about 4 hours each way, so expect a long day on the road.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It is suitable for travelers comfortable with long bus rides and walking, with opportunities to enjoy thermal pools and ruins.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of natural calcium terraces, ancient ruins, and thermal pools makes it a comprehensive and scenic day trip from Side.

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