Pamukkale Hot Springs and Hierapolis Ancient City From Belek

This full-day tour from Belek whisks visitors through the stunning natural wonders and ancient history of Pamukkale and Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include exploring the breathtaking travertine terraces, immersing in the well-preserved Roman ruins like the amphitheater and necropolis, and even taking a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool. With included breakfast, lunch, transportation, and knowledgeable guides, the tour provides excellent value and an enriching experience. While the food quality receives minor criticism, the captivating sights and historical insights make this an unforgettable adventure. To dive deeper into the details, read on.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Belek explores the stunning travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The tour includes breakfast, lunch, a knowledgeable guide, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off, providing a comprehensive experience.
• Visitors can opt to bathe in the therapeutic Cleopatra’s Pool at an additional cost, adding to the unique experience.
• The tour features extensive Roman ruins, including an amphitheater, temples, and a necropolis with over 1,000 sarcophagi, providing insight into the region’s rich history.
• The tour is available on select days from April to October, with pickup times varying based on hotel location, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey.

Tour Overview

The full-day tour from Belek and Kadriye to Pamukkale and Hierapolis includes breakfast, lunch, a knowledgeable guide, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Visitors can explore the stunning travertine terraces and ancient city of Hierapolis, with the option to bathe in Cleopatra’s Pool at an additional cost.

The tour features extensive Roman ruins, including a large amphitheater, temples, and a necropolis with over 1,000 sarcophagi.

After a stop for breakfast, travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Itinerary Details

Morning pickup from hotels in Belek and Kadriye kicks off the journey.

You’ll travel in a climate-controlled van to Denizli in the Taurus Mountains, where you’ll stop for breakfast at a family-owned restaurant.

Next, you’ll visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, exploring its baths, gymnasium, basilica, and renovated theater.

Don’t miss the opportunity to wander through the necropolis, which boasts over 1,000 sarcophagi.

With ample time to explore, you’ll get a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating Roman ruin.

Pickup and Timings

Tours depart from outside the hotels in Belek and Kadriye, typically near the security gates.

The tour operates from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays during the seasons of April 1 to October 31 in 2024 and 2025.

Pickup times may vary depending on your hotel location, but the tour guides will ensure you’re collected promptly for the day’s adventure.

With a climate-controlled van and a professional driver, you’ll enjoy a comfortable journey to the Pamukkale and Hierapolis sites.

The pickup point is clearly marked, making it easy to find your transportation for the exciting day ahead.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes a hearty breakfast or dinner, depending on the departure time, as well as a buffet lunch to refuel visitors during their day of exploration.

Entry to Cleopatra’s Pool is also covered, allowing guests to bathe in the famous thermal waters.

Confirmation is provided upon booking, and a minimum of 2 people per reservation is required.

Drinks throughout the tour aren’t included, so visitors should budget accordingly.

Dining Experiences

Visitors can expect a hearty breakfast or dinner, depending on the departure time, to fuel their exploration of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

The tour includes a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, offering a variety of traditional Turkish dishes.

While the quality of the food has received some minor criticism from past travelers, the overall dining experience is satisfactory and provides a chance to sample local cuisine.

Beverages are also included, ensuring visitors stay hydrated throughout the day.

The combination of breakfast or dinner and the included lunch ensures travelers are well-fed and energized for the exciting activities and sights that await them.

Hierapolis Highlights

Typically, the highlight of the Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour is the extensive Roman ruins of Hierapolis.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved baths, gymnasium, and basilica, as well as the renovated ancient theater that once seated over 15,000 people.

The necropolis, containing over 1,000 sarcophagi, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history.

Guests can wander through the ruins, marveling at the impressive scale and level of preservation.

The tour also provides an opportunity to learn about the site’s significance and the lives of its ancient inhabitants from the knowledgeable guide.

With ample time to explore, the Hierapolis ruins are a captivating and educational highlight of the day.

Cleopatra’s Pool

Nestled within the ancient city of Hierapolis, Cleopatra’s Pool invites visitors to indulge in a unique bathing experience. This thermal spring, once used by the Egyptian queen herself, offers a chance to soak in its mineral-rich waters.

Visitors can explore the pool’s ancient ruins and swim amongst the remnants of columns, creating a memorable and historic atmosphere. While entry to Cleopatra’s Pool is at an additional cost, it’s a highlight of the Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour.

Guests can enjoy the pool’s therapeutic benefits and imagine themselves transported back in time, surrounded by the grandeur of this captivating ancient site.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers who embark on the Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour often share their impressions, providing valuable insights for future visitors.

With an overall rating of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews, the tour has received positive feedback on the professionalism and knowledge of the guides.

While some comments mention the quality of the food, the majority of travelers recommend the tour agency, Metin Tours, for its organization and the fascinating historical attractions.

The Hierapolis site, in particular, seems to captivate visitors with its well-preserved ruins, including the amphitheater, temples, and extensive necropolis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Tour on My Own?

You can visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis on your own. The tour provides the convenience of transportation, meals, and a guide, but you’re free to explore these sites independently if you prefer.

How Long Does the Tour Typically Last?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 9-10 hours, from morning pickup to evening drop-off. Visitors can expect to spend several hours exploring the UNESCO-listed Pamukkale and Hierapolis sites, with time for meals and breaks throughout the day.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?

There don’t appear to be any standard discounts mentioned for this tour. However, the tour operator may offer occasional promotions or discounts, so it’s best to inquire directly about any available savings when booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The package includes breakfast and a buffet lunch. However, you can purchase additional snacks or drinks at your own expense during the stops.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally suitable for children, with opportunities to explore ruins and bathe in Cleopatra’s Pool. However, the full-day itinerary and extended walking may not be ideal for very young kids. Families should consider their children’s stamina and interests before booking.

Sum Up

The Pamukkale hot springs and Hierapolis ancient city tour from Belek offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Turkey’s captivating natural and historical wonders. Travelers can witness the breathtaking travertine terraces, explore the well-preserved Roman ruins, and even enjoy a soak in the legendary Cleopatra’s Pool, all while gaining valuable insights from knowledgeable guides. This comprehensive tour provides an enriching and seamless way to discover the mesmerizing landscapes and remarkable heritage of this captivating region.