Tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis with Lake Salda from Kemer

Experience the Best of Pamukkale and Lake Salda from Kemer for $157.08

This full-day tour from Kemer offers an exciting combination of natural beauty and historical exploration. For $157.08 per person, travelers are picked up early morning and spend approximately 18 hours discovering Lake Salda’s Maldives-like beaches, the white calcite terraces of Pamukkale, and the ancient city of Hierapolis. With admission fees, all meals, and transportation included, this tour delivers great value, especially for those eager to see Turkey’s most iconic sights in one day.

While the long hours of travel might be a challenge, the scenic drive and diverse stops make the experience worthwhile. This tour suits travelers with moderate physical fitness levels who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and cultural sights. Note that it’s limited to the summer season, from May 1st to October 31st.

Key Points

• Visit Lake Salda, known for its white beaches and multi-toned blue water, often compared to the Maldives.
• Explore Pamukkale’s famous terraces, made of glistening white calcite with pools of sky-blue water.
• Discover Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive ruins and a Greek theatre.
• Wallow in Cleopatra’s Pool, a warm, ancient spa filled with columns submerged in thermal waters.
• Includes all meals and admission fees, with the convenience of pickup and drop-off.
• A long but well-paced day, perfect for those who appreciate a full itinerary.

Departure and Meeting Logistics from Antalya

This tour departs early at 5:00 am, with a pick-up service available from your hotel or a designated meeting point. The journey involves up to around 10 hours of travel in total, so travelers should prepare for a long day. The group size is capped at 40 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience with plenty of space to enjoy the stops.

Scenic Drive to Lake Salda and Its Unique Beauty

The tour begins with an early morning drive from Antalya that lasts a few hours. You’ll arrive at Lake Salda, a highlight due to its striking white beaches and blue waters that have earned it comparisons to the Maldives. The photo stop at Lake Salda lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, providing ample time to capture its surreal scenery and relax on the long beaches. The admission is free, but the views are the main attraction.

This otherworldly lake features a stunning contrast of white mineral-rich shores against the deep blue waters, making it perfect for photos. The calm, pristine environment and the unique multi-toned blue waters create a memorable backdrop for visitors.

Pamukkale’s Calcium Terraces and Natural Pools

After Lake Salda, the tour heads to Pamukkale, a site famous for its cascading white calcite terraces that look like frozen waterfalls. The glistening pools of sky-blue water on top of the terraces are a signature sight. You get about 4 hours here, enough to wander among the terraces and take in the views.

The admission to the terraces is included, so you can freely explore and photograph this natural wonder. The terraces are made of glistening calcite, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside over centuries. Visitors often marvel at the diverse textures and formations that look like icy stalactites.

Walking Through Hierapolis’ Ancient Ruins

Adjacent to the terraces, the tour visits Hierapolis, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site features extensive ruins that include a Greek theatre, the Byzantine Gate, and other ancient structures. The free time of 5 hours allows for an in-depth exploration of this ancient city.

Walking through Hierapolis, you’ll see the large Greek theatre, which offers panoramic views of the area, and numerous ruins that evoke the city’s historical grandeur. The site showcases stone structures and columns that tell stories of its classical past. This part of the tour emphasizes history and architecture, providing insight into the area’s ancient civilizations.

Relaxing Bathing Experience at Cleopatra Pool

A highlight of the day is the visit to Cleopatra’s Pool, where you can wallow in warm, mineral-rich waters among ancient submerged columns. The admission is included, and the time spent here is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

This thermal pool is renowned for its healing properties and unique ambiance, with columns from the ancient spa still standing beneath the surface. Visitors enjoy the chance to swim in the warm waters and experience a connection with the past. The pool’s temperature and mineral content make it a relaxing end to the active sightseeing.

Delicious Meals and Comfortable Transportation

All meals are included in the tour package, with a lunch in Pamukkale and a dinner at a forest restaurant on the way back. The air-conditioned vehicle and guide ensure smooth transportation and expert commentary along the journey.

The meals provide a chance to rest and refuel after long hours of sightseeing. The guide is knowledgeable and helps coordinate the day’s multiple stops, making sure the schedule runs smoothly despite the long travel times.

Practical Tips for the Trip

Because of the long hours of travel, travelers should bring comfortable footwear, sun protection such as hats and sunblock, and bathing gear for Cleopatra’s Pool. Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as the tour involves walking around ruins and natural pools. The tour is not suitable for young children due to the length of the day and physical activity involved.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those eager to see multiple iconic sights in a single day. It offers a balanced mix of nature, history, and relaxation, making it perfect for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts alike. Travelers who enjoy scenic drives and long outdoor visits will find it especially rewarding.

However, the long travel hours mean it suits those comfortable with spending significant time on a bus. It’s a seasonal tour available during the summer months, so winter travelers should look for the winter version of this experience.

The Sum Up: A Full Day of Natural Wonders and Ancient Ruins

This Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour from Kemer offers a comprehensive experience packed with stunning scenery, historical sites, and relaxing thermal pools. The value for money, with meals, admission fees, and transport included, makes it a compelling choice for travelers who want to cover a lot of ground in one day.

While the long hours are a consideration, the scenic stops and diverse activities make it a worthwhile adventure. This tour suits moderate fitness levels and those with a love for nature and history. Expect breathtaking views, impressive ruins, and a relaxing dip in Cleopatra’s Pool at the end of your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for young children?
No, the tour is not suitable for young children due to the long bus journey and physical activity involved.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring a hat, sunblock, bathing gear, and suitable footwear for walking around ruins and pools.

How long is the total travel time?
The entire day involves up to around 10 hours of travel, including transfers and stops.

Are meals included?
Yes, all meals are included, with lunch at Pamukkale and dinner at a forest restaurant on the return.

Is the tour available during winter?
No, this is a summer season tour from May 1st to October 31st. For winter, a different tour option is offered.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 40 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Admission fees to sites are included; the tour itself requires booking in advance, typically booked about 45 days ahead.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of Lake Salda’s unique beauty, Pamukkale’s terraces, and Hierapolis’ ruins in one day, along with the included meals and transfers, offers a well-rounded experience at a reasonable price.