"This tour is to the natural phenomenon that is Pamukkale. It is also called Cotton Castle because the natural thermal springs have overflowed down the mountainside and over time, has created calcified terraces, making it look like a cotton castle. The Romans used it as a health spa. You will be able to see the ruins of Hierapolis and the Necropolis, the Thermal Baths, the Roman Theatre and the Main Street and Gates. You will be taken back to Kusadasi or Izmir. Lunch is included."
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $837.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 17.
A magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world, Pamukkale (Hierapolis) is a fairyland of dazzling white, petrified castles. Thermal spring waters laden with calcareous salts running off the plateau's edge have created this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The hot springs have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Both the thermal centre with its motels and thermal pools, and the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, are situated on the plateau. Another thermal centre northwest of Pamukkale, Karahayit is known for its water's high iron content. Honaz Dagi National Park is 20 km east of Denizli, near the town of Honaz. Mt. Honaz is one of the most beautiful and highest peaks (2528 m) in the Aegean region. It is covered with a gorgeous alpine forest. Early Christians settled on the northern slope; the name of this ancient site is Colossae, and remains of the settlement can be seen.
In spreading Christianity in Anatolia, Hierapolis played an important role and was where one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, Phillip, died. This is why Hierapolis was established in the 4th century AD to be an important religious hub. It was later given the title of East and Hierapolis Guide, which became a metropolitan bishopric in 395 AD, under the rule of the Eastern Roman Empire. The name Hierapolis is also a holy city. It has the Necropolis, the Domitian Gate, the Reliefs Theatres, the Frontinus St., the Agora, the Byzantine Tower, the gym, the Triton Fountain, Apollo sacred site, water-ways and Nymphea, the City Walls, the Martyrdom of St. Philip and the Bridge, the ruins of Column Church, the Basilica and Roman Baths. All stand in all their glory and ready to be visited in Hierapolis.
Since ancient times, Anatolia 's thermal water sources have been used. Some settlements are situated near thermal springs, in the Anatolian lands rich in thermal springs and mineral waters. Pamukkale has a thermal spring in the Ancient City of Hierapolis. The ancient swimming pool in Hierapolis has 2500 years of history. The settlements of the town of Hierapolis were demolished and the thermal waters rose during the earthquake which took place in 692 AD. Following the earthquake, the ancient city columns were submerged by a natural thermal pool. Visitors are attracted by the opportunity to enter the old pool, at which the temperature always reaches 36 degrees, irrespective of the weather. The healing water of Hierapolis old swimming pool was so famous that the Egyptian queen Cleopatra visited the pool frequently and named the swimming pool as Cleopatra's pool.
The Museum of Archaeology of Hierapolis has been housed since 1984 close to Roman Baths, one of the biggest buildings in the Ancient City of Hierapolis. This museum has artefacts from Laodicea, Colossae, Tripolis, Attuda and other towns of the Lycus (Çürüksu) valley beside the historical artefacts that were found in Hierapolis. Besides, the museum also includes some of the finest examples of the Bronze Age craft and an extensive section devoted to artefacts found at Beycesultan Mound. This lovely museum also displays artefacts from the regions of Caria, Pisidia and ancient Lydia. There are three closed areas of Hierapolis Bath and open areas on the eastern side known as the library and gymnasium in the exposition area. The museum also has a private exhibition space. The artefacts are mainly marble and stone in this open exhibition area. Impressive Tombs & Statues, Small Artefacts and Theatre's Ruins Galleries are just impressive and not to be missed!
Karahayıt, which is known for its high iron content of its waters, is another thermal centre to the northwest of Pamukkale. The colour of the spa is surprisingly red due to its high iron content. Like Pamukkale's calcareous content, Karahayıt also delivers health since ancient times. Despite the same wing and fault, the temperature of the water of Karahayit is significantly higher than Pamukkale's spring water. Therefore, it gives more healing power. The spa has also less CO2 ratio which also improves the quality of this spa. It's a miracle of the mother nature.
- Hand sanitizers and masks will be available for the best hygiene practice. - Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time and let the lobby staff know that you are expecting a tour guide. - Comfortable shoes are advised - Wheelchair users must inform our agent whether guest(s) is/are fully dependent on the chair or partly able to walk or move. - Cruise port pickups from Izmir International Cruise Port are included in the tour price. - Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport pick up service is included in the tour price
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 354 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Pamukkale, The Cotton Castle by Khalid lasts about 8 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
Prices start at $441 per person for this Izmir experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $837. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. - Hand sanitizers and masks will be available for the best hygiene practice. - Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time and let the lobby staff know that you are expecting a tour guide. - Comfortable shoes are advised - Wheelchair users must inform our agent whether guest(s) is/are fully dependent on the chair or partly able to walk or move. - Cruise port pickups from Izmir International Cruise Port are included in the tour price. - Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport pick up service is included in the tour price Pickup points include Proxima Hotel, Ala Da Vinci Hotel.
The experience is available in EN, TR.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Specialized infant seats are available Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible Wheelchair accessible
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 2 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Halit Degerli.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
We had a memorable day with our private tour of Pamukkale. Our guide, Halit, was wonderful. Not only he provided us with a great deal of useful information, but he was warm, friendly, and funny. The drive from Izmir to Pamukkale is a long one, but Halit made it memorable. The vehicle was extremely comfortable and very clean. I absolutely recommend this tour, this company and Halit.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pamukkale, The Cotton Castle by Khalid | 8 hours | 5.0 (2) | $441 | |
 From Izmir; Cotton Castle - Pamukkale Tour With Small Group | 12 hours | 5.0 (1) | $149 | View |
 İzmir Tour by Khalid | 5 hours | — | $270 | View |
 Private Pamukkale Tour from Izmir with Lunch | 10–13 hours | — | $553 | View |
 Pamukkale, The Cotton Castle | 8 hours | 4.0 (1) | $660 | View |
 Pamukkale Hierapolis Tour From Izmir | 9–10 hours | 5.0 (6) | $173 | View |
 Pamukkale Tour from Izmir | 10–12 hours | 4.9 (955) | $124 | View |