Pamukkale is in western Turkey and is known for its mineral-rich thermal waters. The pure white travertines are one of the most popular landscapes sitting among vast green fields. Indeed, a sight to behold.
Planning Your Itinerary around Pamukkale
If Pamukkale was not on your Turkey itinerary, then you can still manage to spend a day planning a trip to this town. Ideally traveling by road through car rentals is the best option. You not only get to spend some quality time enjoying the scenic views but also get to visit the local markets and enjoy their local cuisine.
There are a lot of travel agencies such as Toursce, located in Fatih, Istanbul that can organize a Pamukkale day trip from Istanbul. You get to travel with licensed tour guides who will explain the historic landmarks. The package also covers lunch, airport transfers, and round-trip flights from Istanbul and Pamukkale, and entrance fees for popular landmarks.
Places to Visit in Pamukkale
It is always better to make a list of the popular destinations you would want to visit in Pamukkale so that you can manage your time accordingly. Some of the popular landmarks include:
- Strolling through the Pristine Travertines
- Exploring the Hierapolis City Ruins
- Cleopatra’s pool
- Tomb of St. Philip
- Antique Pool in Pamukkale
- Ruins of Laodikeia
Pamukkale, fondly known as the Cotton Castle, got its name due to the Pristine Travertines. These are while calcite cliffs formed due to calcium deposits from the hot springs in nearby areas. You can take a stroll through these travertines that begins from Pamukkale Village and ends at the central entrance of the Hierapolis.
The Hierapolis City ruins were founded by King Eumenes II which was a military colony. These ruins are made from rocks and the height of their steps is approximately 100 meters. This ruin is also famous for its cemeteries popularly known as a necropolis where you get to tombs, mini mausoleums, and sarcophagi.
Your Pamukkale tours are incomplete without seeing Cleopatra’s pool, which resides within the boundaries of the Hierapolis ruins. This artificial pool was a gift from Marc Anthony to Cleopatra.
It is said that St. Philip along with his daughters settled in Hierapolis and was martyred and buried here. Later, archaeologists supposedly found the tomb which is located in one of the most Christian sites in Turkey.
The Pamukkale Antique Pool is right in between the Hierapolis Museum and the Apollo Temple. If you are tired after traveling, you can soak in this mineral-rich hot spring and soothe your muscles.
Last, but not least, you can visit the Ruins of Laodikeia which is approximately 12kms south of Pamukkale. This was a commercial centre famous for medicine and trade. Over the years, earthquakes destroyed this centre and now it is a wonderful place to explore and is known for its two amphitheatres.
Conclusion
Pamukkale is one destination that you would like to tick off your bucket list. If you want to explore the package tours offered by Toursce, then you can check out their Facebook page, which they regularly update.
