Side City: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Day Tour

Embark on a mesmerizing journey from Side to Pamukkale, where nature's artistry meets ancient history, offering an unforgettable experience that captivates the senses.

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Overview

Pamukkale, aptly named the "Cotton Castle," showcases stunning white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down the mountainside. These terraces create a surreal landscape, inviting visitors to walk barefoot along the warm, calcium-rich formations and immerse themselves in the natural thermal pools renowned for their therapeutic properties.

Adjacent to Pamukkale lies the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 2nd century BC, Hierapolis boasts well-preserved ruins, including a grand amphitheater, expansive necropolis, and the Temple of Apollo. Strolling through these historical remnants offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of ancient civilizations that once thrived here.

Enhance your visit with a dip in the Cleopatra Antique Pool, where legend suggests Queen Cleopatra herself once swam. This unique pool, filled with warm, mineral-rich waters, is dotted with submerged ancient columns, providing a one-of-a-kind swimming experience that blends relaxation with history.

The excursion from Side to Pamukkale offers more than just a destination; it's a journey through Turkey's picturesque landscapes. Traveling across the Taurus Mountains and quaint villages, you'll witness the country's diverse natural beauty, making the trip as enriching as the destination itself.

Savor traditional Turkish cuisine with included meals that highlight local flavors. From a hearty breakfast to energize your day to a satisfying lunch amidst your explorations, these culinary experiences complement your adventure, offering a taste of the region's gastronomic heritage.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1, Child x 0 , Infant x 0

Adult

Age 9-25+

Child

Age 4-8

Infant

Age 0-3

Excursion Itinerary

Side
Start Activities

Van (Transfer)
Duration: 2 Hours

Yazır, Cafe Mola, Korkuteli/Antalya, Türkiye
Break time, Breakfast,
Duration: 1 Hours Optional, Extra Fee

Guests who do not have a breakfast package can purchase it here.


Van (Transfer)
Duration: 2 Hours Optional

Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Denizli, Türkiye
Guided tour, Free time,
Duration: 1 Hours Optional, Extra Fee

When you arrive at the ancient city of Hierapolis, guests whose entrance fees are not included can purchase them from the guides for an additional charge.


Pamukkale, Pamukkale Travertenleri, Pamukkale/Denizli, Türkiye
Break time, Free time,
Duration: 1 Hour Optional, Extra Fee

Pamukkale, Cleopatra Antique Pools, Pamukkale/Denizli, Türkiye
Break time, Guided tour, Free time, Swimming,
Duration: 1 Hours Optional, Extra Fee

Van (Transfer)
Duration: 30 Min

Merkez, Tuğba Restaurant, Gaz İç Yolu, Pamukkale/Denizli, Türkiye
Lunch,
Duration: 1 Hour Optional, Extra Fee

Van (Transfer)
Duration: 3 Hours

Side
Finish Activities

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Marvel at Pamukkale's white travertine terraces and soak in their thermal pools.
  • Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, including its grand amphitheater and necropolis.
  • Swim in the historic Cleopatra Antique Pool, surrounded by submerged ancient columns.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains, capturing Turkey's diverse landscapes.
  • Indulge in traditional Turkish meals, enhancing your cultural experience.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Side.
  • Air-conditioned transportation.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • Breakfast and lunch.
  • Entrance fees to Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

Not Included

  • Entrance fee to Cleopatra's Antique Pool (optional).
  • Beverages during meals.
  • Personal expenses and gratuities.

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • People with mobility impairments

Not Allowed This Activities

  • Smoking in the vehicle

Important Information

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Swimwear
Towel

Information Before Booking

  • This tour involves a significant amount of walking, including uneven surfaces and steps, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
  • The journey from Side to Pamukkale is approximately 4 hours each way, with comfort stops included.
  • Travelers are advised to consider their physical fitness and stamina before booking.

Know Before You Go

  • Entrance fees to Cleopatra's Antique Pool are not included and are payable on-site if you choose to swim.
  • The itinerary includes scheduled stops for breakfast and lunch; however, beverages during meals are not included.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off times may vary; please be ready at the designated time provided in your booking confirmation.
  • Bringing a pair of non-slip water shoes is recommended for walking on the travertines, as surfaces can be slippery.

4.9/5

52
Reviews

About This Activity

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today

Duration 15  Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Live Tour Guide

English, German, Russian, Turkish

Pickup Optional

Most of the hotels in Side region has got high privacy rules. Please meet us at the main entrance gate of your hotel not the reception.

Location

Side Türkiye

Book Today

From

€40

per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

AFZAAL - United Kingdom
01 November 2024

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We had an amazing trip! Our guide, Kaan, was outstanding helpful from start to finish and full of fascinating information. The experience is unforgettable, and the open buffet lunch was delightful.

Joanna - Norway
07 November 2024

Our guide, Khan, was incredible, making the tour truly exceptional. The site is a must-see at least once in a lifetime. Transport was punctual, and we had ample time to explore. The trip was absolutely worth it, and the price was unbelievably affordable!

See More Reviews

Customer Reviews

All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.

Overall Rating

4.9/5

Based on 52 Reviews

Guide

4.9/5

Transportation

4.9/5

Value for Money

4.9/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
A
AFZAAL - United Kingdom
01 November 2024
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We had an amazing trip! Our guide, Kaan, was outstanding helpful from start to finish and full of fascinating information. The experience is unforgettable, and the open buffet lunch was delightful.

Helpful? Yes

J
Joanna - Norway
07 November 2024

Our guide, Khan, was incredible, making the tour truly exceptional. The site is a must-see at least once in a lifetime. Transport was punctual, and we had ample time to explore. The trip was absolutely worth it, and the price was unbelievably affordable!

Helpful? Yes

L
Lydia - United Kingdom
21 November 2024
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This was an excellent trip, though it was a very long day with much of the time spent traveling to and from the site. Everything was exceptionally well-organized, and the transport was top-notch. Our guide, Shahin, was outstanding—his expertise and enthusiasm made the day enjoyable and engaging. Shahin shared fascinating insights at key moments and kept the group entertained while allowing time for rest during the journey. Regular breaks made the long travel more manageable (for reference, I was picked up at 3:30 AM and returned after 9 PM). While entrance fees weren’t included, the trip featured a delicious lunch at a great restaurant. We also visited an onyx stone store and enjoyed some wine tasting, both of which were excellent. There was no pressure to buy anything, which was appreciated.Hierapolis and Pamukkale were breathtaking. I highly recommend paying extra to swim in the antique pool—it was absolutely worth it! My skin felt wonderfully smooth afterward, as if I’d used a luxurious moisturizer.A fantastic experience overall—thank you, Shahin and the team, for a memorable day!

Helpful? Yes

K
Katarzyna - United Kingdom
15 October 2024

The trip was fantastic! Kadir was an outstanding guide, incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. I highly recommend this experience!

Helpful? Yes

J
Joel - Germany
13 October 2024

The trip was amazing and packed with great insights. Pamukkale is truly a world treasure that deserves preservation. Big thanks to Apo for sharing detailed information about the places we visited. I’ll definitely recommend this experience to my friends planning to visit next year!

Helpful? Yes

M
Maria - Poland
12 October 2024

An enjoyable and fascinating trip! Thank you, Kaan, for being an excellent guide. He shared intriguing facts about Pamukkale and was incredibly helpful and friendly throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

A
Alexandra - Russia
04 October 2024
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Thank you for an incredible trip! Our guide, Kaan, was so helpful and cheerful throughout. Hierapolis is absolutely a must-see destination!

Helpful? Yes

T
Tom - United Kingdom
23 September 2024

It was a fantastic day and absolutely worth the cost. Abby was wonderful—so friendly, approachable, and full of knowledge.

Helpful? Yes

C
Christina-Louise Lund - Denmark
23 September 2024

Abby, our guide, was fantastic—fun, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. Pamukkale was stunning! We had 2.5 hours of free time, which was plenty to explore, though an extra 30 minutes would’ve been perfect. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and definitely worth the early start!

Helpful? Yes

S
Shyann - United Kingdom
06 September 2024
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Abby was an amazing guide—knowledgeable, funny, and full of charm. I absolutely loved exploring Pamukkale and Hierapolis! If you’re passionate about history, culture, and ancient ruins, this trip is perfect for you. The only downside was not knowing in advance about the €30 entrance fee to Hierapolis. Was it worth it? Absolutely! ????

Helpful? Yes

K
Kamila - Poland
05 September 2024

Kadir was an outstanding tour guide—his humor and knowledge made the experience unforgettable!

Helpful? Yes

G
Giuseppe Marco - Germany
23 August 2024

The tour was delightful, giving us the chance to explore a truly beautiful destination. Abbie and Eric, our guides, were highly professional. Abbie ensured everyone was comfortable and shared insightful knowledge about the history of Hierapolis and Pamukkale. My only complaint is that the free time to explore was quite short compared to the 8 hours of travel we had. Thank you!

Helpful? Yes

S
Shaidul - United Kingdom
17 August 2024

Overall, no complaints! Our guide, Apo, was excellent—informative, attentive, and very knowledgeable. The site was stunning, though the amphitheater may be challenging for those with mobility issues. The transport was punctual, with clean, modern, and very comfortable buses. Thank you for an amazing trip!

Helpful? Yes

A
Anna - Netherlands
01 August 2024
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We had an incredible day! Apo, our tour guide, was fantastic—so friendly, informative, and funny, keeping us entertained throughout. The bus driver was great too, very relaxed and professional. The day was packed with exciting adventures and so much to take in. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Apo as your guide! Whoop whoop!

Helpful? Yes

C
Claire - United Kingdom
24 July 2024

Our guide, Apo, was excellent—helpful, knowledgeable, and engaging. We had a fantastic day and would highly recommend this tour!

Helpful? Yes

S
Shareen - United Kingdom
08 July 2024

Khan was an outstanding tour guide—knowledgeable about the area, incredibly patient, and with a great sense of humor. I truly enjoyed this trip!

Helpful? Yes

P
Peter - Germany
03 July 2024

It was a fantastic tour, and Kaan was an excellent guide! Thank you so much!

Helpful? Yes

T
Tibor - Hungary
03 July 2024

We had a wonderful, full-day experience, and the highlight was definitely the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale. Our guide, Kaan, was kind, shared plenty of information about the sites, and spoke great English! :)

Helpful? Yes

I
Irina - United Kingdom
02 July 2024

Kadir was an excellent guide, and this tour was a fantastic experience. Pamukkale is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen!

Helpful? Yes

T
Tisyl - United Kingdom
01 July 2024

I highly recommend this tour—it’s a wonderful place to visit in Türkiye!

Helpful? Yes

S
Sara - United Kingdom
28 June 2024

Kadir was an incredible guide! As it was my first time in Turkey, he truly made me fall in love with the culture and the stunning environment. He shared so much knowledge about the country, and I’m already looking forward to returning to experience more and hopefully meet Kadir again. Thank you, Kadir, for sharing your passion for Turkey—it was unforgettable!

Helpful? Yes

C
Cringasu - Romania
21 June 2024

We had a fantastic day, learning about history, local places, and traditions. This incredible journey wouldn’t have been possible without Apo’s skills and professionalism. We’d give our guide a perfect 5/5 stars!

Helpful? Yes

C
Clare - United Kingdom
20 June 2024

What a fantastic day out! Kadir was an amazing guide who made the trip so enjoyable. I’d highly recommend this experience to everyone!

Helpful? Yes

B
Barbara - United Kingdom
15 June 2024
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Everything was perfect ???? Kadir was a friendly and professional guide. The pickup was quick and hassle-free, and the places and views were absolutely stunning. The visit to try pomegranate wine was a lovely surprise!

Helpful? Yes

C
Charlotte - United Kingdom
14 June 2024

As a history enthusiast, I found the day trip absolutely fascinating and enjoyed every moment. Our guide, Apo, was polite and knowledgeable, providing us with a deep understanding of the area's rich history. My personal highlights included the amphitheater, the museums, and swimming in the antique pools above ancient ruins—a truly unforgettable experience. I’m also grateful for the visit to the winery; it was intriguing to learn about and sample the variety of Turkish products. An incredible day all around!

Helpful? Yes

M
Monika - United Kingdom
06 June 2024

Kadir was extremely professional, helpful, polite, and always cheerful and friendly. I highly recommend him!

Helpful? Yes

B
Bernadett - Hungary
26 May 2024

The tour was exceptionally well-organized and accompanied by a great group! Our guide, Apo, was absolutely fantastic—a phenomenal person who was kind, intelligent, and incredibly organized. Huge thanks to him!

Helpful? Yes

C
Christina - United Kingdom
10 May 2024

An incredibly insightful day with stunning sights that my friends and I thoroughly enjoyed. Our host, Kadir, was wonderful—charismatic and very helpful. Highly recommend this experience!

Helpful? Yes

J
Jerome - United Kingdom
03 May 2024
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Apo was fantastic—he communicated clearly and even played with our son, making the experience extra special. He was incredibly accommodating and thoughtful throughout!

Helpful? Yes

B
Bogdan - Romania
01 May 2024

It was a great trip with an excellent guide and driver! Ahmet and Özhan did an amazing job, making the experience enjoyable and smooth.

Helpful? Yes

T
Timothy - United Kingdom
04 April 2024

The trip was fantastic! It was a bit long for my 4-year-old, but he seemed to enjoy it. The guide and driver were excellent, and the lunch was the best we’ve had compared to other tours. We’ve booked three tours with this operator during our trip!

Helpful? Yes

B
Barbara - United Kingdom
11 March 2024

My kids absolutely loved it! Osman was incredibly helpful throughout the trip.

Helpful? Yes

J
Joey - United Kingdom
24 February 2024

I absolutely loved this experience! Kadir, our tour guide, was highly experienced, spoke excellent English, and provided fascinating information throughout the tour. He ensured every guest was happy and comfortable at every step.The trip started with a punctual pick-up, followed by a one-hour drive to Antalya, where we transferred to a larger, air-conditioned coach. After a few hours on the road, we stopped at a quaint Turkish café for breakfast—reasonably priced for extras—and Kadir allowed us to rest during the early part of the journey.As we made our way to the attraction, Kadir gave a captivating talk, sharing over an hour’s worth of history, culture, and insights while answering any questions. Lunch was served before heading to Pamukkale, where we had to pay a 700 TL entry fee and an optional 200 TL for the thermal baths (highly recommended!). Kadir explained the historical and mythological significance of the ruins before giving us three hours of free time to explore.The trip was well-organized, with timely departures. The driver was friendly, though I didn’t interact with him much. Overall, an outstanding experience—5/5!

Helpful? Yes

A
Andrzej - Poland
21 February 2024

This excursion felt like stepping into a fairy tale! Nur was an amazing guide—always cheerful and full of fascinating information. A special thanks for the onyx egg; it was such a lovely touch!

Helpful? Yes

S
Shereen - United Kingdom
08 October 2023

Get ready for a long day, but if you’re prepared, it’ll be an incredible experience! Breakfast was decent, but lunch was fantastic, and the scenery was absolutely magical.

Helpful? Yes

I
Izabela - Poland
23 September 2023

Wonderful trip! The guide was fantastic, and although the ride was long, the fascinating stories made it enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

H
Hajar - United Kingdom
05 August 2023

This day trip was incredible! The tour guide was friendly, straightforward, and spoke excellent English. We started with a Turkish breakfast, with the option to purchase additional snacks. While the journey was long, it was absolutely worth it! Salda Lake was magical, and Pamukkale was breathtaking, with so much to explore. The ancient theater was awe-inspiring, and the Cleopatra Pool was wonderfully relaxing, with water over 36 degrees—entry was just 200 TL per person. Lunch was delicious and very satisfying. The trip included a few well-timed stops to ensure everyone was comfortable during the long drive. Overall, it was an amazing experience and excellent value for the price. If you’re visiting Antalya or Side, I highly recommend adding this trip to your itinerary!

Helpful? Yes

R
Rania - United States of America
06 August 2024

The experience itself was beautiful, but unfortunately, the transportation back to the hotel was disappointing. The air conditioner on the bus wasn’t working properly, and it became so unbearably hot that we ended up leaving the charter bus and taking a taxi to our hotel.

Helpful? Yes

A
Aylin - Türkiye
01 November 2024

It was an amazing experience! The day was totally worth it. Our tour guide, Kaan, was incredibly friendly and attentive to everyone’s needs. His passion for his job was evident, and he made sure we had a fantastic day. We’d happily join another tour with him in the future!

Helpful? Yes

M
Michael - Germany
01 November 2024

Ausgezeichnete Betreuung, äußerst informativ, sehr höflich und insgesamt ein wirklich gelungener Tagesausflug.

Helpful? Yes

P
Patricia - Germany
01 November 2024

Pamukkale ist auf jeden Fall eine Reise wert! Unser Reiseleiter Kaan war äußerst freundlich. Die Fahrt war zwar lang, aber absolut lohnenswert.

Helpful? Yes

T
Tim - Germany
29 October 2024

Kaan was an excellent tour guide, providing clear explanations about all the key stops. Overall, we had a great time on the tour. ????

Helpful? Yes

A
Anna - Poland
24 October 2024

Kaan was a well-prepared and highly skilled tour guide.

Helpful? Yes

S
Symone - United Kingdom
23 October 2024

It was a fantastic day and excellent value for money. Kaan was knowledgeable, friendly, and always open to questions, ensuring he was available to assist guests. The driver was safe and approachable as well. The sites were stunning, with ample time to explore. While it was a long travel day, it was absolutely worth it!

Helpful? Yes

A
Adam - Germany
22 October 2024

Apo was an excellent guide! I highly recommend this tour ????

Helpful? Yes

A
Allan - Denmark
21 October 2024

It was a long day ???? We were picked up from the hotel right on time at 03:30. The bus was quite cold until around 09:00, leaving many people feeling chilly. However, the guide, Hektor, was fantastic! I can definitely recommend this trip with him.

Helpful? Yes

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Xin - United Kingdom
21 October 2024

Apo was an excellent guide, providing us with thorough and insightful information about the location.

Helpful? Yes

V
Valentin - Germany
20 October 2024
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We highly recommend this tour! Our guide, Kaan, did an excellent job explaining all the sights in Pamukkale.

Helpful? Yes

K
Katarzyna - United Kingdom
15 October 2024

The trip was wonderful! Kadir was an outstanding guide, very knowledgeable and engaging. I highly recommend this tour!

Helpful? Yes

A
Agnieszka - United Kingdom
13 October 2024

Fantastic trip! Huge thanks to our guide, Apo. We absolutely recommend it 100%!

Helpful? Yes

B
Benjamin - Germany
28 October 2024

I rarely write reviews, but I felt compelled to share my thoughts on this trip. Overall, it was a positive experience. The bus arrived on time, and the journey itself was enjoyable. However, there were some unexpected additional costs that dampened the experience.The ticket only covered transport and lunch—no entrance fees. My biggest issue was the €30 entry fee for the entire park, which wasn’t clearly stated on the website. The website mentioned that swimming costs extra but didn’t specify the mandatory park fee. Transparency about these costs would be appreciated. Lunch was average at best—the location wasn’t very clean or appealing, especially considering other operators offer all-you-can-eat options at similar prices. Another inconsistency was the swimming fee: the website mentioned €8, but the guide said €10.Despite these drawbacks, it was still a memorable experience to explore such a beautiful place. However, it would be much better if the provider updated the website with accurate and current pricing to avoid surprises.

Helpful? Yes

D
Diana - Denmark
20 October 2024

My main complaint is the €30 additional entry fee for the park. This should have been clearly mentioned on the website, as it only stated that swimming required an extra charge.

Helpful? Yes

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Adult

12y+

01
Children

2 - 12 years

01
Infant

Below 2 years

01
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