Alanya, a picturesque coastal town in Turkey, offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore two of the country’s natural wonders – Pamukkale and Salda Lake. This 12-hour excursion promises to captivate visitors with the stunning travertine terraces of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the serene turquoise waters of Salda Lake, and the chance to take a dip in the historic Cleopatra’s Pool. As visitors explore the region’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes, they’ll find themselves immersed in a truly unforgettable experience that goes beyond the typical Turkish travel itinerary.
Good To Know
- This excursion from Alanya visits the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pamukkale, featuring its iconic travertine terraces and ancient Hierapolis ruins.
- Salda Lake, known for its turquoise waters and white sand beaches, is explored for 2 hours, offering a serene natural escape.
- Cleopatra’s Pool, a historic thermal spring within the Hierapolis site, provides an optional swimming experience with therapeutic benefits.
- The 12-hour tour duration allows for a comprehensive exploration of both the cotton-like Pamukkale and the stunning Salda Lake.
- Flexible booking options, including a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before, cater to traveler preferences.
Pricing and Booking Details
The starting price for this experience is $74.81, and a Lowest Price Guarantee is available.
Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing flexibility. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience.
The total duration is approximately 12 hours, so travelers should plan accordingly.
Viator’s help center is available for inquiries, and customers can reference the product code 222361P39 for assistance with their booking.
The FAQs section covers common concerns, and multiple contact options are provided for personalized support.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Side.
Exploring the Highlights
Visiting the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale and the stunning Salda Lake are the highlights of this immersive day trip.
After a scenic drive, you’ll spend 2 hours exploring Salda Lake, admiring its mesmerizing turquoise waters and taking in the breathtaking views.
Next, you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale, known for its unique calcium-rich travertine terraces.
An optional dip in the historic Cleopatra’s Pool and a visit to the ancient Hierapolis ruins add to the experience.
With informative guides and the flexibility to personalize your tour, this excursion offers a well-rounded exploration of two of Turkey’s natural wonders.
Visiting Cotton Castle of Pamukkale
One of the highlights of this day trip is the opportunity to visit the renowned Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle."
Situated in the Aegean region of Turkey, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its unique calcium-rich travertine terraces that cascade down the mountainside, creating a mesmerizing and otherworldly landscape.
Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, a Greco-Roman city that once thrived here, and even take a dip in the historic Cleopatra’s Pool, if they so choose.
The sheer beauty and cultural significance of Pamukkale make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting this region of Turkey.
Discovering Salda Lake’s Beauty
After exploring the captivating Pamukkale, the day trip continues to the breathtaking Salda Lake. A scenic drive leads visitors to this natural wonder, where they’re granted two hours to enjoy its beauty.
Salda Lake’s turquoise waters and stunning white-sand beaches create a mesmerizing landscape. Travelers can admire the views, take photographs, and even dip their toes in the cool, crystal-clear waters.
The lake’s unique geological features, formed by volcanic activity, add to its allure. With its remote location and pristine environment, Salda Lake offers a peaceful escape and the chance to witness Mother Nature’s remarkable creations.
Dipping in Cleopatra’s Pool
Cleopatra’s Pool, a natural thermal spring located within the ancient Hierapolis ruins, offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy history.
This optional add-on allows guests to swim and relax in the mineral-rich waters that are believed to have been enjoyed by the Egyptian queen herself.
Key benefits of dipping in Cleopatra’s Pool include:
- Therapeutic properties from the natural thermal spring.
- Breathtaking views of the surrounding ancient ruins.
- A truly memorable experience steeped in centuries of history.
For those seeking an extra layer of enchantment on their Pamukkale and Salda Lake excursion, the chance to bathe in Cleopatra’s Pool isn’t to be missed.
Traversing the UNESCO Site
The UNESCO-protected Pamukkale site, with its striking white travertine terraces, beckons visitors to embark on an immersive exploration.
Guests can wander through the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, a well-preserved Greco-Roman city, and marvel at the remarkable Cleopatra’s Pool, where the legendary queen once swam.
Traversing the site, visitors will be awed by the shimmering calcium pools and cascading waters that have formed over centuries, creating a truly unique and breathtaking landscape.
The opportunity to experience this captivating World Heritage Site first-hand is a highlight of the day-long tour, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and natural wonders.
Traveler Experiences and Insights
Travelers who’ve embarked on this day-long excursion have shared a range of experiences and insights.
The availability of Pamukkale’s famous thermal pools has received mixed reviews, with some visitors reporting reduced water levels during their visit.
However, the breathtaking beauty of Salda Lake has consistently been praised, with travelers marveling at its stunning turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings.
Key takeaways from traveler feedback include:
- The serene and otherworldly atmosphere of Salda Lake left a lasting impression on many visitors.
- The long duration of the tour, spanning approximately 12 hours, was well-suited for those seeking a comprehensive experience.
- Travelers appreciated the flexibility of the booking process, which allowed for free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.
The Sum Up
The Alanya excursion to Pamukkale and Salda Lake offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and historical significance. Visitors can explore the iconic travertine terraces of Pamukkale, swim in Cleopatra’s Pool, and enjoy the serene landscapes of Salda Lake. This unforgettable experience showcases the region’s UNESCO-listed beauty and provides travelers with lasting memories of their adventure.
More Tour Reviews in Side
- City Of Side: Dolphin Island Boat or Side Boat Tour Options
- Side: Jeep Safari & Lion Safari with Lunch and Green Canyon
- River Cruise Tour Lunch Soft Drinks Foam Party Caretta Swim
- Full-Day Antalya Old City Tour: Kaleiçi, Waterfalls & Boat
- Green Canyon Cruise from Alanya & Side Explore Nature
- Side: Quad Safari 4×4 Off Road Quad Safari With Transfer
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Side we have reviewed
- City Of Side: Dolphin Island Boat or Side Boat Tour Options
- Side: Jeep Safari & Lion Safari with Lunch and Green Canyon
- River Cruise Tour Lunch Soft Drinks Foam Party Caretta Swim
- Full-Day Antalya Old City Tour: Kaleiçi, Waterfalls & Boat
- Green Canyon Cruise from Alanya & Side Explore Nature
- Side: Quad Safari 4×4 Off Road Quad Safari With Transfer
- Side: Green Canyon Sunset Cruise & Whirling Dervish Show
- Side: Full Day Alanya City Tour With Boat Tour & Cable Car
- From City of Side: Perge, Aspendos & Kurunlu Waterfall Trip
- City of Side: Rafting, Jeep, Quad, Zipline + Tazi Canyon
- From Alanya: Scuba Diving Tour with Hotel Transfers
- Jeep Safari Side 4×4 Off Road Adventure With Lunch