Full Day Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour from Izmir

Explore the healing waters of the travertines and Hierapolis of Pamukkale on this day tour. With an early start be picked up from your hotel in Izmir sit back in the comfortable vehicle and enjoy the four hours drive to Pamukkale.

Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is one of the natural wonders of Turkey, a hillside of white terraces or travertines formed over thousands of years by the minerals bubbling up through hot springs feed from the depths of the earth. Start exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is unique from all other ancient cities in being built not on earth or rock but on solid limestone layers formed by mineral rich waters that flowed for millennia over this raised level plateau. Hierapolis means “sacred city” and it was given this name because of the large number of temples located here.Today, the theatre, the Temple of Apollo and the Necropolis are among the most significant sites of interest in Hierapolis. During the tour you will see the Necropolis (Cemetery) of Hierapolis, one of the largest ancient burial sites in Anatolia; a Roman bath, the Gate of Domitian, the main street of the ancient city, the Byzantium Gate and the Ploutonion.

Enjoy the healing waters of Pamukkale and walk in the natural warm water terraces, which were formed by running warm water rich in calcium. The temperature of the water is about 35 Celsius year round. You will have the chance to see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, located next to the ruins of Hierapolis. The extraordinary effect is created when the water from the hot springs sheds the minerals it contains as it flows down the slopes, leaving deposits of limestone. The layers of white calcium carbonate, built up in steps on the plateau, gave the site its name of 'cotton castle'. Take the OPTIONAL chance to have a swim at the antique pool of Cleopatra's.

Enjoy a local lunch after the tour and take the chance to have look at the Turkish traditional handcrafts.

At the end of a memorable day you'll be dropped back to your hotel in Izmir around 19.30 - 20.00 pm.