Departure from Izmir

According to your tour pick-up time, meet your friendly guide at your hotel or designated meeting point in Izmir.
Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus toward Pamukkale, located approximately 3 hours away. During the drive, enjoy scenic views of rural Aegean landscapes, dotted with olive groves, cotton fields, and charming villages.

Your guide will provide insights into the history, culture, and legends surrounding the region as you prepare to experience one of Turkey’s most photographed natural wonders.

Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle

Upon arrival, marvel at the breathtaking white travertine terraces that cascade down the hillside like frozen waterfalls.
These terraces were created over thousands of years by mineral-rich thermal waters, forming natural pools with water averaging 35°C (95°F).

Stroll along the warm terraces barefoot — a UNESCO requirement to preserve the delicate formations — and feel the soothing, mineral-rich water under your feet.
Your guide will share the science and mythology behind this natural spa, known since antiquity for its healing powers.

Hierapolis Ancient City

Next, explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, built atop the Pamukkale terraces by the Phrygians and later expanded by the Romans.
This city was once a center of art, healing, and worship, where travelers from across the ancient world came to rejuvenate their bodies and souls.

Highlights include:

• The Necropolis – The largest ancient cemetery in Anatolia, home to more than 1,200 monumental tombs.

• The Roman Theater – A magnificent amphitheater with stunningly preserved reliefs and seating for 15,000 spectators.

• The Temple of Apollo – Dedicated to the god of prophecy and medicine.

• The Roman Baths and Agora – Once the heart of social and economic life in Hierapolis.

Your guide will bring these ruins to life with stories of emperors, pilgrims, and the timeless allure of Pamukkale’s sacred waters.

Cleopatra’s Sacred Pool (Optional Swim)

Inside the Hierapolis archaeological area lies one of the most iconic experiences — Cleopatra’s Pool, also called the Sacred Pool.
Legend says that Cleopatra herself bathed here, captivated by the pool’s beauty and mineral-rich waters.

Swim among ancient marble columns and fallen Roman stones, surrounded by thermal waters that bubble naturally from underground springs.
The swim is optional and subject to a small entrance fee (payable on-site).

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

After your explorations, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant featuring Aegean specialties such as mezes, grilled meats, and fresh salads.
This relaxed meal is a great chance to chat with fellow travelers and experience the warmth of Turkish hospitality.

Return to Izmir

In the afternoon, relax in your comfortable minibus for the return journey to Izmir.
Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the original meeting point — concluding a day filled with natural beauty, history, and cultural discovery.