Pamukkale, famed for its stunning travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis perched atop, offers a glimpse into a 2,000-year-old civilization with perhaps the most spectacular views among Turkey’s ancient ruins. Previously threatened by over-tourism and unchecked development, both sites are now safeguarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving their beauty and historical importance.
Founded by Eumenes II in 190 BC, Hierapolis came under Byzantine rule in the 4th century AD and was controlled by the Anatolian Seljuks from the 13th century. The city, celebrated for its thermal springs, served as a health center through the ages, attracting retired nobility who preferred to spend their final days here.
Among its notable features, Hierapolis houses a vast amphitheater that accommodated up to 10,000 spectators, suggesting a city population of around 100,000. It is home to Turkey’s largest ancient Necropolis, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium, the Nymphaeum, the Martyrium of St. Philip, an Ancient Pool, and a museum.
Pamukkale, or “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is rightly named for the travertine pools formed over millennia by calcite-laden waters, creating a breathtaking natural wonder. Visitors can explore these formations via designated paths, experiencing the warm waters and unique texture of the travertines underfoot, as shoes are prohibited to protect the delicate structures.
The Pamukkale Tour not only showcases Pamukkale and Hierapolis but also introduces visitors to Karahayit, noted for its Red Water spring and thermal spas. The iron-rich waters here create a striking reddish hue on the travertines.
Pamukkale Tour Options:
Our tours accommodate travelers not just in Denizli or Pamukkale, but also those visiting from Ephesus, Istanbul, or Cappadocia, offering daily excursions accessible by bus or plane. We handle all logistics, including transportation from hotels in Kusadasi, Cappadocia, Fethiye, Bodrum, Marmaris, Antalya, or Istanbul, ensuring a seamless experience from pickup to drop-off. Guests receive full details ahead of their tour, ensuring a well-organized and enriching visit.
With a vast network of transfers across Turkey, we specialize in delivering memorable Pamukkale Tours tailored to our guests’ needs. Whether you’re seeking a day trip or a more extended tour package, our offerings at puertotravel.com are customizable to suit your itinerary. For those seeking quality tours led by professional local guides in your language, your search ends with us.
Here are some of our featured Pamukkale Tours:
