READY TO BOOK THE BEST ANTALYA TO PAMUKKALE TOUR TO EXPLORE THESE INCREDIBLE WHITE TERRACE POOLS?

Well, you’re in the right spot, as here are 6 of the best Pamukkale tours from Antalya, so you can join in on swimming in these famous natural pools and maybe even take a hot-air balloon ride for the sunrise.

This is my fourth time in Turkey, and I’ve finally made it to this famous landmark; about time! And I would say Pamukkale is the best natural attraction I’ve seen in this region of Turkey.

Antalya is one of the closest main cities to start a tour from Pammukale and one of the few where I could recommend a day trip. From most other cities like Istanbul or Izmir, a multi-day trip would be much better.

To explore all your options, here are the best 6 Antalya to Pamukkale day tours, all carefully evaluated to make sure they’re highly rated with great feedback.

My Top 3 Picks: Best Pamukkale Tours from Antalya

A Bit About Pamukkale

Pamukkale’s stunning white terraces are a natural phenomenon formed by mineral-rich waters cascading down the hillside for thousands of years.

When you visit, step into a surreal dreamscape where cascading falls have frozen into gleaming white tiers. This is Pamukkale, which translates to “Cotton Castle” in Turkish.

Entrance to this UNESCO World Heritage Site includes an exploration of Hieropolis, an ancient Roman planned city, complete with baths, temples, an ancient theatre, and colonnades.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a hot-air balloon ride, parasailing, or a gyrocopter ride over Pamukkale.

Antalya to Pamukkale Distance

The distance between Pamukkale and Antalya is approximately 240 kilometers or about 150 miles, taking about 3 to 4 hours by road.

The journey takes you through various scenic landscapes, from coastal views to rolling hills, making the trip enjoyable despite its length.

Top Pamukkale and Hieropolis Tours from Antalya

1. Pamukkale Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s Pool Tour

Best Overall Pamukkale Tour

 RATING: 5/5 Stars |  TOUR LENGTH: 12 Hours |  Book it!

This fantastic 5-star rated tour from Antalya is one of the best day tours to Pamukkale Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s Pool, with hundreds of excellent feedbacks.

This day trip covers all the highlights of Pamukkale, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors.

You’ll be picked up by a professional English-speaking guide who will give you information throughout the trip. And with a small group of just 16 people, you will have plenty of opportunities to ask all your questions.

Kick off the trip with a 7 am pickup to explore the unique landscape of Pamukkale.As you step inside, you’ll come across ruins upon ruins of Hierapolis, a significant Greco-Roman city from back in the day.

Then it’s onto the incredible terraces of Pamukkale, formed by calcium deposits from thermal springs that have been used as a spa since the 2nd century BC.

Afterward, you can even dip in Cleopatra’s Pool, where the Egyptian Queen herself is said to have swum!

This small-group tour includes a buffet lunch, round-trip transportation, and entrance fees to Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

This private Pamukkale Tour is perfect for large families or groups of up to 12 people.

With this option, you get a VIP pickup and drop-off from your Antalya hotel, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and an experienced local guide who will customize the excursion according to your preferences.

You can choose from three different departure times: 7am, 7:30am, or 8am. Still early, but at least you have a bit of choice.

Once you arrive at Pamukkale, explore the natural formation at your own pace and soak up the atmosphere of this surreal location before having the chance to soak in the hot springs of Cleopatra’s Pool.

The tour includes a guided tour of Hierapolis, a delicious lunch, and an English-speaking guide for additional information about the attractions.

Take your Pamukkale experience to the next level with this Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience from Antalya! This excursion is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of Pamukkale from a bird’s eye view.

The early pickup at 3 am is well worth it to make it in time for the sunrise.

On the itinerary, you’ll get to watch the crew preparing the balloons for your 1 hr Hot Air Balloon flight. Witness an amazing sunrise with views of the surreal white terraces cascading down the hillside next to the Roman ruins of the Hierapolis ancient city.

After the flight, you’ll have some free time at the site of Pamukkale to explore the area on foot. Then, eat at one of the finest local restaurants in Pamukkale for lunch before taking short stops to discover local Turkish goods like cotton textiles and “buldan” fabric.

Finally, after a long full-day tour, you’ll be dropped off in Antalya with a ton of incredible photos and memories to share with your friends back home.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, plus a 1-hour balloon flight with an experienced pilot.

For those with smaller families and groups, make your Pamukkale experience extra special with a private tour tailored to you!

This Private Pammukale tour for up to 4 people includes admission tickets to both attractions and Antalya hotel transfers. Upgrade to have a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool for an extra cost.

Your professional tour guide will give personalized attention to your family’s needs, allowing you to discover this UNESCO site at your own pace.

All travelers enjoy a comfortable vehicle, and lunch is included in the flat fee. You can also choose from three different departure times to start your tour, either at 7am, 7:30am or 8am.

Book this unique combination Pamukkale & Lake Salda Tour from Antalya and experience two of Turkey’s most breathtaking natural wonders together.

The tour starts with a pickup service from all hotels in Side, Antalya, Alanya, and Belek. You’ll be picked up in the early morning, with first pickups starting at 4:30 am.

Breakfast will be served, then it’s off to these two incredible sites!

First up, you will visit Lake Salda, also known as the ‘Maldives of Turkey’. This is a pristine mid-sized crater lake with insanely clear light blue water and long white beaches. Fun fact: NASA scientists have actually studied it for clues about life on Mars!

Then, you will travel to Pamukkale, the famous white terraces cascading down the hillside next to the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis.

On the return journey, stop to enjoy a traditional Turkish restaurant dinner in the middle of the forest.

The tour includes an experienced guide, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off from all hotels in the region. The group size is big though, with a maximum of 45 people, but hey, more options for potential travel buddies.

See this famous Turkish landmark on this Pamukkare and Hierapolis Daily Tour, one of the best value guided tours from Antalya to Pamukkale.

The tour includes the entrance fee combining the white travertines of Pamukkale with a visit to the ruins of Hieropolis, accompanied by your art historian guide. Admire the Grand Theatre, temples, monumental fountains, tombs, agora, and gymnasium while getting lost in time.

Afterward, swim in Cleopatra’s Pool, a natural thermal spring renowned for its warm, mineral-rich waters, where you can relax and soak amidst ancient ruins (entrance not included).

The group size for this tour is kept small, with a maximum of 17 travelers. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you’ll get a tasty Turkish lunch break.

Where to Stay in Antalya, Turkey

When it comes to finding a great place to crash in Antalya, this popular beachside city has got loads of options. Antalya has everything, whether you’re into luxurious resorts, cute boutique hotels, cozy guesthouses, or budget-friendly stays.

For the most convenience, stay in Antalya city center, near the main street or the old city of Kaleici. If you’re looking for a bit more quiet, stay east along the beach side.

Travel Tip! Booking.com is restricted in Turkey, so you won’t be able to book anything without a VPN.

Perge Hotels (18+)

 RATING: 9.0 out of 10 Stars | $$$

Book a stay at Perge Hotels where you’ll enjoy the hotel so much, you won’t want to leave! Their breakfast is amazing, with such a great selection of fantastic Turkish breakfast options, you’ll never manage to finish it all. Plus, the views are stunning; you can see across Antalya along the ocean all the way to the mountain ranges.

Mai Inci Hotel

 RATING: 9.2 out of 10 Stars | $$

Stay at Mai Ici Hotel, a newly built hotel in Antalya City Center. The rooms are spacious and include a great breakfast every morning that really makes it worth staying. They have special facilities like a massage service, restaurant and steam room, and the staff there are friendly and attentive too.

Be Bold Hostel

 RATING: 9.5 out of 10 Stars | $

I recently had an amazing experience when I stayed at Be Bold Hostel in Antalya. The location was perfect, right in the heart of the city center, and the beds were incredibly comfortable.

But what I loved most about this hostel was the sense of community it fosters. Every day, they held fun events like movie nights and city tours, bringing all the guests together. The kitchen was also spotless and fully functioning, making it easy to whip up a meal and connect with other travelers.

Tips To Prepare For Pamukkale

Before embarking on a Pamukkale travertines tour, here are some tips:

1. No Shoes on the Terraces: No shoes are allowed on the travertine terraces to keep the minerals intact and colors vibrant. You can leave your shoes at the designated area or bring a bag to carry them.
2. What to pack: Pack your swimsuit if you’re planning to take a dip in the pools. And make sure you bring sunscreen and sunglasses too – the summer sun can be pretty intense with its bright reflection!
3. Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) is the perfect time to visit Pamukkale! The weather is nice and you’ll get to see those amazing water pools you’ve seen in the pictures, which is only there in the spring. Just a heads up, summer gets crazy crowded, so try to come early when the gates open at 6:30 am.
4. Don’t Litter: Sadly, there’s quite a bit of trash in the mornings before the cleaning crew arrives. Help keep the site clean by not litterin