Antalya/Alanya: Pamukkale With Hot Air Balloon Option

Discovering Pamukkale from Alanya: An Honest Review of the Tour Experience

If you’re considering a day trip from Alanya to Turkey’s famous natural wonder and ancient city of Pamukkale, you might find this tour offers a mix of fascinating sights and some practical challenges. While the allure of walking on the famous terraces and swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool is undeniable, the overall experience can vary widely depending on expectations and personal preferences.

What we find appealing about this tour is its affordability at just $57 per person, the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Hierapolis, and the chance to experience the thermal waters that have drawn visitors for centuries. Plus, including stops at Salda Lake (the “Maldives of Turkey”) and shopping at local stores adds a bit of variety.

However, potential travelers should consider the long travel time—around 6 hours each way—and the fact that reviews highlight issues with communication and overall organization. This trip might suit those who are eager to see multiple sights in one day and are comfortable with a packed schedule, but it might be less ideal for those seeking a relaxed experience.

Good To Know

• Affordable Price Point: At $57, it’s a budget-friendly way to visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
• Full-Day Commitment: Expect around 20 hours of travel, including driving and sightseeing.
• Highlights Include: Ancient ruins, Cleopatra Pool, Red Water Travertines, and shopping opportunities.
• Potential Drawbacks: Long journey, some reviews mention poor communication and organization.
• Optional Extras: Swimming in Cleopatra Pool is at an additional cost, hot air balloon options are limited to specific days.
• Suitable For: Travelers who love history, nature, and don’t mind a day-long trip with some logistical quirks.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience Itself: What to Expect from the Tour

This tour from Alanya offers a dense itinerary packed with cultural, historical, and natural highlights. Starting early in the morning, you’ll be picked up by a midibus and set out toward Pamukkale, a journey that takes approximately six hours each way. While that sounds lengthy, the ride gives you a chance to see the changing landscape of Turkey, from coastal coastlines to inland plains.

Breakfast in Korkuteli Town

Your day begins with a breakfast stop in Korkuteli, a town renowned for being the only place in Anatolia that was never conquered. This stop offers a chance to fuel up before a full day of exploration. Expect a straightforward breakfast, probably a local-style spread, that sets the tone for the day ahead.

Exploring Hierapolis and the Temple of Apollo

Your first major stop will be Hierapolis, an ancient city that dates back around 2,500 years. The guided tour here typically includes walking through streets, gates, baths, and the agora, giving you a real sense of what life was like in antiquity. The Hierapolis Archaeology Museum offers a glimpse into the historical artifacts unearthed from the site, providing context to the ruins.

One of the highlights is the Temple of Apollo, where you can imagine ancient worshippers gathering thousands of years ago. The ancient theater and St. Philippe Martyrion Church are also notable stops, giving you visual and tangible links to history.

The Unique Pamukkale Terraces and Cleopatra Pool

Next, you’ll visit Pamukkale’s famous travertines—a stunning natural formation where mineral-rich waters have, over millennia, created terraces of white calcite. Walking barefoot on these terraces is a surreal experience, and you’ll likely want photos of the breathtaking views.

While swimming in Cleopatra Pool is included in many other tours, this particular experience is not included in the basic package and involves an extra fee. The thermal waters are renowned for their supposed healing properties, and the pool is dotted with ancient artifacts submerged in the warm, mineral-laden waters.

One reviewer mentioned that “swimming in Cleopatra Pool is optional and at an additional cost,” highlighting it’s an extra expense for those who want to take the plunge. The water temperatures range from 35°C to 100°C, which can be quite warm, especially in the hotter months.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting the Red Water Travertines and Shopping Opportunities

After exploring the terraces, you’ll head to Karahayt Red Water Travertines, another striking natural site with reddish mineral deposits that contrast vividly with the white terraces. It’s a great spot for photos and a chance to admire Turkey’s diverse mineral landscapes.

On the way back, you’ll stop at Onyx Stone Store, where you can browse local crafts and gemstones—a decent stop for souvenirs if you’re into jewelry or unique stone items. A leather and textile store is also included in the visit, offering a chance to pick up locally made products.

Optional Visit: Salda Lake

Some tours include a stop at Salda Lake, dubbed the “Maldives of Turkey” for its crystal-clear waters. It’s a picturesque spot perfect for relaxing or taking photos, but note this is an add-on with a small extra fee. If included, it provides a relaxing break from the travel-heavy itinerary.

Return Journey and Dinner

The day concludes with a dinner stop on the way back to Alanya. While the details of the meal aren’t specified, it’s another opportunity to taste local cuisine and reflect on the day’s sights. You are usually back at your hotel in the evening, just in time for dinner.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Transportation: Included roundtrip transfer in a midibus, which adds a layer of comfort for such a long trip but can be cramped if the group is large.
• Guide: An English-speaking guide is provided, but reviews suggest communication could sometimes be inconsistent.
• Duration: The entire trip lasts approximately 20 hours, making it a long day but one that packs in a lot of sights.
• Cost & Value: At $57, this tour offers entry to major sites with transportation and some shopping included, but the long travel time and mixed reviews on organization warrant consideration.

What to Bring

To make your day more comfortable, pack comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and your camera. Remember, swimming in Cleopatra Pool is optional and at an extra charge, so bring your swimwear if you plan to indulge.

Important Tips

• Be ready outside your hotel on time, and note that hotel pickup is included only with the extended tour option.
• The hot air balloon ride is available only on specific days (Monday and Friday) and costs an additional $145.
• Not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users, due to the nature of the trip and walking involved.

Real Traveler Insights and Review Highlights

Of the few reviews available, one traveler described their experience as “horrendous”, citing “poor communication throughout” and a “long day from start to finish.” This highlights the importance of setting expectations for a long, busy schedule, especially if you’re prone to fatigue.

Another reviewer appreciated the opportunity to see the Red Water Travertines and Salda Lake, but overall, the feedback suggests that the trip can feel rushed, and organizational issues might detract from the experience.

On the plus side, many travelers enjoy the value for money and the chance to tick off multiple sights in a single day, especially for those eager to maximize their sightseeing time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for budget travelers who are comfortable with a long day of travel and sightseeing, and who want to see multiple attractions in one go. If you’re a history buff or nature lover, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to explore Hierapolis and the stunning travertine terraces.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to long bus rides, this might not be the ideal choice. Be prepared for potential organization hiccups and manage your expectations accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Pamukkale tour from Alanya offers a solid opportunity to witness some of Turkey’s most iconic sights without breaking the bank. It packs in history, natural beauty, and shopping, providing a comprehensive experience for those willing to endure a lengthy day on the road.

The experience’s success largely depends on the organization and your personal affinity for busy, packed itineraries. If you’re flexible and eager to see multiple highlights, you’ll likely find value here. But keep in mind the mixed reviews—long hours, communication issues, and optional expenses like Cleopatra Pool swimming can impact your overall enjoyment.

In the end, this tour is a good pick for adventurous travelers who want to make the most of their time and understand that some aspects might require patience. If you’re after a laid-back day, it’s worth considering alternative options or private tours.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transfer in a midibus is included, which makes the long journey more manageable.

How long does the trip last?
The entire day lasts approximately 20 hours, including travel time and sightseeing.

Can I swim in Cleopatra Pool?
Swimming in Cleopatra Pool is optional and involves an additional fee; the tour includes the visit but not the swim.

What are the main stops?
You’ll visit Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Pamukkale terraces, Cleopatra Pool, Red Water Travertines, and shopping stops at the Onyx Store and a leather/textile shop.

Is Salda Lake included?
It can be included as an optional stop at a small extra cost, offering a peaceful lake experience.

Are there extra charges?
Yes, swimming in Cleopatra Pool and optional hot air balloon rides (on specific days) cost extra.

Is this suitable for everyone?
Not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users due to the walking involved and tour structure.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, water, swimwear if you plan to swim, and a camera for photos.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is included only if you select the option when booking; otherwise, you’ll need to bring your own or buy during the stops.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour provides a practical way to see Pamukkale and Hierapolis for budget-conscious travelers willing to handle a long day of travel. Be prepared for a packed schedule, some organizational quirks, and extra costs for certain experiences, but enjoy the chance to step into a landscape shaped by both history and natural wonder.

You can check if your dates are available here: