If you’re dreaming of soaring above some of Turkey’s most extraordinary sights, the Antalya Pamukkale Hierapolis Hot Air Balloon tour might catch your eye. This one-day adventure promises a blend of spectacular aerial views and a close-up encounter with ancient history. While we haven’t personally floated over these storied terraces, the detailed reviews and itinerary give us a good sense of what travelers can expect.
What draws us to this experience are the breathtaking scenery of Pamukkale’s mineral terraces and the chance to see the antique city of Hierapolis from above—a perspective most visitors only dream of. Plus, the inclusion of a certified balloon flight, guided tour, and lunch makes this a well-rounded day trip.
However, potential travelers should consider that it’s a long day (about 14 hours) with some driving involved, and entrance fees to Pamukkale aren’t included. This might be less appealing for those who prefer more relaxed or shorter excursions, but it’s ideal for history buffs and adventure seekers eager to pack a lot into one day.
This tour suits those with moderate physical fitness, a sense of adventure, and a love for history and scenic landscapes. If you’re comfortable with early mornings and a full itinerary, you’ll find plenty to love here.
Key Points
- Stunning aerial views of Pamukkale’s terraces and Hierapolis’ ruins make this a unique experience.
- Affordable price point offers good value considering the guided tour, hot air balloon ride, and lunch.
- Small group size (max 15 travelers) ensures a more personal experience.
- Long but rewarding day with about 3.5 hours of driving each way.
- Flight safety and certified guides are emphasized, adding confidence to the adventure.
- Entrance to Pamukkale is extra, so budget accordingly.
A Practical Overview of the Tour Experience

When considering the Antalya Pamukkale Hierapolis Hot Air Balloon tour, it’s important to see it for what it offers: a chance to enjoy one of Turkey’s most iconic natural and archaeological sites from both ground and sky. Priced at just over $66 per person, this tour provides a solid value—especially when you factor in the hot air balloon flight, guide services, and lunch.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Antalya
The Itinerary Breakdown
The day begins early, with pickup from your hotel in Antalya. After a roughly 3.5-hour transfer through the scenic Turkish landscape, you’ll arrive at Pamukkale. Here, your first highlight is the hot air balloon ride — which lasts about 50 minutes. This is what many travelers find most memorable, floating gently over the surreal white calcium terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
The experience of being airborne over one of the world’s most photographed natural wonders is truly special. As one reviewer put it, “The experience is unique, it’s worth it, it’s great fun and they’re all very friendly throughout the day.” This suggests that safety and hospitality are well-managed, vital for a smooth adventure.
After landing, you’ll reconnect with the group for breakfast (if the timing allows), then explore Hierapolis, the ancient city that dates back 2,000 years. While entrance fees aren’t included, visiting the antique theatre and strolling along terraces colonade streets lets you feel the weight of history.
Finally, you’ll head back to Antalya, with the possibility of some free time or additional exploration depending on your schedule. It’s worth noting that this tour is quite full—14 hours in total—so it’s best suited for those eager to maximize a single day.
The Value of Guided Tours and Included Perks
What sets this experience apart is the guided approach. A knowledgeable guide helps contextualize what you’re seeing and ensures you don’t miss key details. Plus, the certificate and champagne toast at the end add a celebratory touch to your flight, making it feel like a special achievement rather than just another tourist activity.
What Travelers Are Saying
The single review included in the tour description offers a glowing endorsement: “Gref tour are very friendly and attentive in the details.” It emphasizes the friendly staff and the overall attention to detail, which are critical for an experience involving a hot air balloon.
Another reviewer mentioned the journey being “great fun,” highlighting that the crew’s friendliness and professionalism make a real difference. Since this is a small group activity, you’re likely to feel well cared for throughout the day.
Transportation and Group Size
The tour’s group size is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience. The transportation is a comfortable transfer from your hotel, which is included in the price, removing the hassle of organizing your own travel.
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Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves history, natural beauty, and adventure, this tour ticks all those boxes. The combination of aerial and ground exploration offers a comprehensive experience of Pamukkale and Hierapolis, making it a memorable day. It’s perfect if you want to see a UNESCO World Heritage site from a unique vantage point and enjoy a guided tour without breaking the bank.
It’s also well-suited for those who don’t mind long travel days or early mornings. The included lunch and certificate add value, and the small group size promises a friendly, personal atmosphere.
Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?
This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts eager to see the ancient ruins of Hierapolis up close, and adventure seekers who want to experience a hot air balloon flight over a UNESCO-listed site. It’s a good fit for travelers comfortable with a moderate physical activity level, as some walking and standing are involved during the site visits.
Those seeking a photo-rich experience will love the views from the balloon, and anyone wanting a well-organized, reasonably priced day trip will appreciate the guided approach and included amenities.
The Antalya Pamukkale Hierapolis Hot Air Balloon tour offers a unique blend of adventure and culture at a very reasonable price. The highlight for most travelers is the 50-minute hot air balloon flight over Pamukkale’s stunning terraces—a view that’s hard to beat. Coupled with a guided walk through Hierapolis’ ancient ruins and a comfortable transfer, it provides a comprehensive and memorable experience.
This tour is best suited for those with a curiosity for history, a sense of adventure, and the patience for a full day outing. The small group size and attentive guides help ensure a personalized experience, making it a smart choice for travelers who value both safety and authentic engagement.
While it’s a long day, the spectacular scenery, informative guide, and unique aerial perspective make it well worth the effort. If you’re after a memorable, value-packed adventure that combines natural beauty with history, this tour might just be the highlight of your trip to Turkey.
Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel in Antalya, making start-up easy and stress-free.
How long is the hot air balloon flight? The balloon ride lasts about 50 minutes, giving ample time to enjoy the breathtaking views from above.
Are entrance fees to Pamukkale included? No, the entrance to Pamukkale is not included in the tour price, so budget accordingly if you plan to visit.
What is the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers? It’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness, but younger travelers who enjoy adventure and history should be fine. Always check with your guide if unsure.
What’s included in the price? The tour includes transfers, the hot air balloon ticket (optional), guiding services, lunch, a certificate, and champagne.
What happens if the weather is poor? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Antalya Pamukkale Hierapolis Hot Air Balloon tour, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your travel plans.
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