Daily Pamukkale Tour From Istanbul
Experience one of Turkey’s most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Daily Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul, available at a discounted rate with the Istanbul Explorer Pass. This tour combines natural wonders with ancient history and is guided by a professional English-speaking guide. Discounted tours can also be booked beyond your pass validity days.
Sample Itinerary
- Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul (time depends on flight schedule)
- Private transfer to the airport and direct flight to Denizli
- Group shuttle transfer from Denizli Airport to the tour starting point
- Full-day regular group tour of Pamukkale & Hierapolis (approx. 09:30 – 17:00)
- Evening transfer back to Denizli Airport for return flight to Istanbul
- Pick-up at Istanbul Airport and private transfer to your hotel
Tour Program
Hierapolis – The Holy City
Explore the ruins of Hierapolis, once called the “Holy City” for its abundance of temples and sacred structures. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988, this ancient settlement includes the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium (Hell Gate), and one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the Mediterranean.
Necropolis
Walk through one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, filled with tumuli, sarcophagi, and house-shaped tombs that tell the stories of past civilizations.
Major Landmarks
- Domitian Gate
- Main Street
- Byzantium Gate
- Temple of Apollo
- Ancient Theatre
- Plutonium (Hell Gate)
- Travertine terraces
- Cleopatra’s Antique Pool (entry optional with extra fee)
What’s Included
- Roundtrip domestic flight tickets (Istanbul – Denizli – Istanbul)
- Roundtrip private transfers between your Istanbul hotel and the airport
- Shared shuttle transfers between Denizli Airport and Pamukkale
- Guided full-day Pamukkale tour in English
- Entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
- Lunch during the tour
What’s Not Included
- Beverages at lunch
- Dinner
- Entrance fee to Cleopatra’s Antique Pool
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
Highlights
Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle
Pamukkale is famous for its bright white travertine terraces, formed by thermal springs with temperatures ranging from 35–100°C. These calcium-rich waters have been used since ancient times for their healing properties.
The Temple of Apollo
A sacred site within Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo was once a place where priests gave prophetic guidance to visitors.
Plutonium – The Gate to the Underworld
Located beside the Temple of Apollo, Plutonium was considered a mystical gateway to the afterlife. In ancient times, pilgrims left offerings here to honor the gods.
Why Take a Pamukkale Tour From Istanbul by Plane?
Traveling by plane is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Pamukkale. Instead of a 10+ hour drive, the flight takes just about 1 hour, allowing you to enjoy a full day at the site without the exhaustion of long road travel.
Best Time to Visit Pamukkale
The most pleasant months are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November). Summer can be hot, while winter is cooler and less crowded.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimsuit and towel for Cleopatra’s Pool
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
- Water bottle
- Light jacket in cooler months