Visiting the Ancient City Hierapolis, Pamukkale and Cleopatra Pool From Marmaris

Exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis and the mesmerizing Pamukkale thermal pools from Marmaris presents a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and natural wonders of the region. Visitors can wander through well-preserved ruins, including a grand theatre and Roman baths, while indulging in the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters. The highlight of the tour is the optional swim in Cleopatra’s Pool, surrounded by fascinating ancient structures. This full-day adventure promises breathtaking views and a truly immersive cultural experience. But what makes this tour truly special, and why should one consider adding it to their Marmaris itinerary?

Key Points

• The tour provides a full-day excursion from Marmaris to explore the natural wonder of Pamukkale’s thermal pools and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.
• Highlights include walking along the cascading limestone terraces, optional swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool, and visiting the well-preserved Greco-Roman sites in Hierapolis.
• The tour includes breakfast, an open buffet lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off, with a maximum group size of 48 travelers.
• Accessibility and health considerations are important, as the tour involves moderate physical activity and may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues.
• Customer reviews generally praise the stunning scenery and knowledgeable guides, but mention concerns about logistics, such as inadequate air conditioning and forced shopping stops.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day tour from Marmaris to Pamukkale and Hierapolis allows visitors to explore the ancient ruins and natural wonders of the region.

Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars by 18 reviewers, the tour is provided by Arbek Travel and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

The day trip’s highlights are visiting Pamukkale’s thermal pools, exploring the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, and an optional swim in Cleopatra’s Pool.

Breakfast and lunch are included, with the latter being an open buffet.

The tour has a maximum group size of 48 travelers and additional costs may apply for certain hotel pickups.

While the tour offers a unique blend of history and nature, customer feedback suggests logistical issues and meal quality can be inconsistent.

Exploring Pamukkale’s Thermal Pools

The tour begins with a visit to the remarkable thermal pools of Pamukkale. These limestone terraces, cascading down the hillside, are a striking natural wonder.

Visitors can wander along the pools, feeling the warm, soothing waters flow over their feet. An optional activity is a dip in the famous Cleopatra’s Pool, where visitors can swim among ancient Roman columns and ruins.

The pools’ unique mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic benefits, making this a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

After exploring the pools, the tour continues to the ancient city of Hierapolis, offering a chance to delve deeper into the region’s rich history and heritage.

Discovering the Ancient Ruins of Hierapolis

The ancient ruins of Hierapolis beckon visitors to uncover the captivating history of this once-thriving Greco-Roman city. Amidst the well-preserved remnants, travelers can explore the grand theatre, the impressive necropolis, and the intricate Roman baths. The city’s rich heritage is further brought to life through the Archaeology Museum, housing an impressive collection of artifacts. To enhance the experience, a visit to the Martyrium of St. Philip offers a glimpse into the city’s early Christian traditions. Hierapolis’ diverse architectural wonders and cultural legacies provide a profound connection to the past, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts.

Architectural Highlights	Cultural Significance
Grand Theatre	Martyrium of St. Philip
Necropolis	Archaeology Museum
Roman Baths	Greco-Roman Heritage

Optional Swim in Cleopatra’s Pool

As part of the tour, visitors have the opportunity to take an optional swim in the iconic Cleopatra Pool.

This historic pool is located within the ancient site of Hierapolis and is renowned for its warm, mineral-rich waters. Guests can enjoy a dip in the soothing waters, surrounded by the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city.

The entry fee for the Cleopatra Pool is €11 per person, payable on the day.

While swimming in the pool is optional, it’s considered a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the ancient history and natural beauty of the Pamukkale region.

Meals and Dining Experiences

Typically, the tour includes breakfast and an open buffet lunch. The breakfast is provided either at the hotel before departure or at a local restaurant along the way.

The lunch is served at a local restaurant near the Hierapolis ancient site, offering a variety of Turkish dishes. While the food is generally satisfactory, some travelers have reported issues with the cleanliness of the restaurant facilities and the quality of the meal.

Plus, the tour guide may take the group to shopping stops during lunch, which can lead to complaints about overpriced drinks and limited time to explore the historical sites.

Pickup and Transportation Details

Visitors participating in the full-day tour from Marmaris to Pamukkale and Hierapolis can choose from various hotel pickup locations across the city. The tour provider, Arbek Travel, offers complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off services for most hotels in the area. However, for certain hotels, there’s an additional one-way charge of €20, payable directly to the guide.

Pickup Points	Additional Cost
Cooks Club Adakoy	None
TUI Blue Marmaris	None
Certain other hotels	€20 one-way

The tour returns to the original meeting point at the end of the day, providing a convenient and hassle-free transportation experience for participants.

Accessibility and Health Considerations

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are permitted, and infants must sit on laps.

While the experience offers a blend of historical exploration and natural beauty, it may not be suitable for all travellers. The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, as it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Visitors should consider their health and mobility before booking this tour:

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems

Customer Feedback and Expectations

Most reviewers seem generally satisfied with the tour, praising the friendly and professional guides as well as the stunning views and enjoyable experiences in Cleopatra’s Pool and Hierapolis.

However, some customers have raised concerns about logistics, such as inadequate bus air conditioning, forced shopping stops, and poor lunch quality.

Common complaints include overpriced drinks at lunch, unclean restaurant facilities, and insufficient time at the sites.

While the tour offers a blend of historical exploration and natural beauty, the quality of certain aspects can vary, so it’s essential for visitors to have realistic expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

There is no specific dress code for this tour. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and exploring the ancient ruins and thermal pools. Sun protection is also recommended.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

While it’s generally not allowed to bring your own food and drinks on the tour, you can bring snacks and water if needed. The tour provides breakfast and lunch, so outside food is typically not necessary.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions, but it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems or those who require a high level of physical fitness. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

What Should I Bring to the Tour Besides My Camera?

Travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, and water. Bringing snacks and extra cash for purchases at the sites is also recommended. Dress for the weather, as the tour involves outdoor exploration.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour in Advance?

The tour provider does not offer any discounts for booking in advance. Prices remain the same whether you book the tour beforehand or on the day of the activity. Early booking is not required to secure a spot.

Sum Up

The tour to Hierapolis, Pamukkale, and Cleopatra’s Pool offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and relaxation. Visitors can explore well-preserved ancient ruins, enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich thermal waters, and have the option to swim in the iconic Cleopatra’s Pool. This full-day adventure provides breathtaking views and an enriching cultural experience, making it a memorable excursion for travelers to Marmaris.