Pamukkale Day Tour from Side & Manavgat – White Terraces, Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s Pool
Travel inland from the Side coast in one long day: walk barefoot across Pamukkale’s glistening terraces, wander through Hierapolis and, if you wish, swim among fallen columns in Cleopatra’s Pool – three meals on board.
- Duration
- 1 day
- Operating days
- Daily
- Pickup
- 06:30 → 22:00
- Destination
- Pamukkale
Terraces of pure white stone, with warm water glinting turquoise in their basins – the name Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’, and the hillside really does look like it. On this Pamukkale day tour from Side and Manavgat you travel inland and return to your hotel on the same day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are part of the programme, so the only thing to remember is your camera.
From the Side coast up to the travertines
The minibus collects you early in the morning from your hotel in Side, Manavgat or one of the nearby resorts such as Kumkoy, Sorgun or Titreyengol. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking. After a breakfast stop the road climbs into the Taurus Mountains towards Denizli. On the way the group calls at a leather showroom and an onyx workshop – short visits, and whether you buy anything is entirely up to you. Lunch is served before the sightseeing begins, so you arrive at Pamukkale rested and well fed.
What you see at Pamukkale and Hierapolis
- The travertine terraces – white limestone pools shaped by hot springs; shoes are not allowed on the travertines, so everyone walks them barefoot.
- Hierapolis – the ancient spa city above the terraces, with its Roman theatre, a vast necropolis and a long colonnaded street; together with Pamukkale it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Cleopatra’s Pool – also known as the Antique Pool: warm thermal water with marble columns that toppled into it during an earthquake in antiquity. Strolling around it and taking photos is free; only swimming is charged.
Good to know before you book
Entrance tickets for the travertines and Hierapolis are not part of the tour – you buy them at the gate on the day, and if you hold a Turkish Museum Card (Müzekart) you can use it there. Pamukkale is usually cooler than the coast, so pack a light layer, plus swimwear and a towel if you want to swim. After dinner on the way back and a short rest stop, you are dropped at your hotel late in the evening.
Would you like to add a lake to the day? The Salda Lake and Pamukkale tour from Side combines both. Another long day out from the coast is the Demre, Myra and Kekova tour.
Highlights
- Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces, explored barefoot
- Hierapolis with its Roman theatre and vast necropolis
- Optional swim in Cleopatra’s Pool among ancient columns
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
- Hotel pickup in Side, Manavgat and the nearby resorts
- There and back in one long day
Itinerary
-
06:30
Hotel pickup
Pickup from your hotel in Side, Manavgat or a nearby resort. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
-
Morning
Breakfast stop
Breakfast on the way inland (included).
-
Late morning
Leather and onyx showrooms
Two short visits; shopping is optional.
-
Midday
Lunch
Lunch (included) before the sightseeing.
-
Afternoon
Pamukkale travertines
A barefoot walk over the white terraces and their warm pools.
-
Afternoon
Hierapolis
The ancient city above the terraces: theatre, necropolis and colonnaded street.
-
Afternoon
Cleopatra’s Pool
Look around or swim among the fallen columns (swimming at extra cost).
-
Evening
Dinner and rest stop
Dinner (included) on the way back, followed by a short break.
-
22:00
Back at your hotel
Drop-off at your hotel in the Side area.
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Side, Manavgat and the nearby resorts
- Tour guide
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Not included
- Entrance tickets for the Pamukkale travertines and Hierapolis (bought at the gate)
- Swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool (extra fee)
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
Packages & options
Day tour – entrance fees paid on site
Hotel transfer, guide, breakfast, lunch and dinner; tickets for the travertines and Hierapolis are bought at the gate
Good to know
Good to know
- Shoes come off on the travertines – the terraces are walked barefoot.
- Wet limestone can be slippery, so take your time on the slopes.
- It is a long day on the road, with an early pickup and a late-evening return.
- Walking around Cleopatra’s Pool and taking photos is free; only swimming is charged.
- The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes and a bag to carry them on the terraces
- Swimwear and a towel for Cleopatra’s Pool
- Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen
- A light jacket – Pamukkale is cooler than the coast
- Cash for entrance tickets, drinks and the pool
- Your Museum Card (Müzekart), if you have one
Frequently asked questions
Can I really see Pamukkale in a day from Side?
Yes. The tour leaves in the morning and brings you back to your hotel the same evening – the whole visit fits into one long day, with breakfast, lunch and dinner along the way.
Are the entrance fees included?
No. Tickets for the travertines and Hierapolis are bought at the entrance on the day, and swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool is charged separately. If you prefer entrance fees included, have a look at our Salda Lake and Pamukkale tour from Side.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drinks are not included.
Can I swim in Cleopatra’s Pool?
Yes, for an extra fee paid on site. Walking around the pool and taking photos costs nothing – just bring swimwear and a towel if you want to go in.
Are there shopping stops?
Yes, two short ones: a leather showroom and an onyx workshop on the way. You are welcome to just look – buying is optional.
Can I use a Turkish Museum Card?
Yes. If you have a Museum Card (Müzekart), you can use it at the entrance to the travertines and Hierapolis.
