Side/Alanya: Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Flight w/Lunch

When we think about a trip to Turkey, the natural wonder of Pamukkale and its famous white travertine terraces often top the list. For those staying in Side or Alanya, combining this with a hot air balloon ride offers a truly memorable experience — and that’s exactly what this tour promises.

From sunrise balloon flights to exploring ancient ruins, this day-long excursion aims to blend natural beauty, history, and a touch of adventure. We love how it offers the chance to see Pamukkale from a bird’s-eye view, plus the opportunity to walk on the calcium terraces and soak in Cleopatra’s Pool.

One thing to keep in mind is that weather conditions can affect the balloon flights, so there’s a small chance of cancellation. But if the skies are clear, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas and unique photo opportunities. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic views, historical sites, and are looking for an all-in-one day trip that combines thrill and relaxation.

If you’re eager to see Turkey’s famous terraces from above and experience its ancient city, this tour could be a perfect fit. Just be prepared for a long day — but with so much packed in, it’s a worthwhile adventure.

Key Points

• Breathtaking Balloon Views: Float over Pamukkale at sunrise for unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Historical Wonder: Explore the ruins of Hierapolis, the ancient Greek city, combined with a visit to Cleopatra’s Pool.
• Value for Money: The tour includes transportation, lunch, and a commemorative certificate, making it a convenient package.
• Weather Cancellations: Balloon flights are weather-dependent and could be canceled, with a partial refund if so.
• Family-Friendly Considerations: Not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.
• Authentic Experience: Includes a buffet lunch at a local restaurant and a champagne toast after the flight.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on this Pamukkale Tour

This tour is a full-day affair, lasting around 16 hours, so it’s best suited for those ready for a long, immersive experience. You’ll start with a hotel pickup, usually early in the morning, and settle in for a comfortable 3-hour drive through scenic countryside towards Pamukkale. Along the way, you might even stop for breakfast, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and prepare for the adventure ahead.

The Journey and Arrival

The trip begins with a friendly guide providing insights into the region. Once you arrive at Pamukkale, you’ll have the option to watch the balloons being prepared or to go up in one if you’ve booked that part of the experience. The balloon briefing is handled by a professional pilot, and you’ll get to see the crew fill the balloon with hot air — a spectacle in itself. You might want to capture some photos of this process, as it’s quite photogenic.

The Balloon Flight

If you’ve chosen to go up, you’ll ascend early in the morning, just as the sun rises — this is considered the optimal time for calmer winds and spectacular light. During the flight, you’ll glide above the cotton castle and the ancient city of Hierapolis, marveling at the vast white terraces and surrounding countryside. As some reviews noted, the views are truly “spectacular,” with one reviewer stating, “It was nothing more than spectacular!! so professional, so much fun with views which were amazing.”

The experience lasts around 45 minutes, depending on weather conditions, and concludes with a champagne toast or a non-alcoholic drink for a celebratory finish. Touching down, you’ll receive a personalized flight certificate to remember the day.

Watching the Balloons and Exploring Pamukkale

For those who opt out of the balloon, you’ll still get to watch the balloons soar into the sky, which is pretty impressive in its own right. Meanwhile, the group gathers to explore the calcium terraces, which are formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Walking barefoot on the terraces is quite the experience — the textured surfaces are cool and slightly slippery but absolutely worth it for the views and the photo ops.

One of the highlights here is Cleopatra’s Pool, where you can take a relaxing dip in thermal waters amidst ancient ruins. The waters are reputed to have healing properties, and the setting makes for a memorable swim.

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The Ancient City of Hierapolis

Next, you’ll visit the historic site of Hierapolis. The ruins include well-preserved theatres, baths, and temples that reveal the grandeur of this ancient Greek city. It’s a fascinating contrast to the natural scenery, adding depth to your visit. As one reviewer noted, “the ancient city next to the Pamukkale thermal baths was amazing!”

Lunch and Return Journey

After a good amount of exploring, you’ll sit down for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. The meal is often described as satisfying, with a variety of options to keep you energized for the rest of the day. Some reviews mentioned that the food was buffet-style, with wine available, which added to the relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

Post-lunch, you’ll head back through the countryside, with your guide sharing stories and providing additional insights. The return trip is usually lively — some groups even sing along to music, as one reviewer fondly recalled.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package is quite comprehensive, including hotel pickup and drop-off, safety briefing, insurance, a commemorative certificate, and an open buffet lunch. The balloon flight is, of course, the main attraction, and it’s paired with a knowledgeable guide to make sure you get the most out of your day.

However, note that Pamukkale entry fees are not included, nor are drinks (apart from the champagne toast). This allows you some flexibility to explore further or choose your own refreshments, but it’s good to keep in mind when budgeting.

Pricing and Value

Considering the full experience — transportation, the balloon flight, lunch, and guided exploring — this tour offers good value for those craving a memorable day. The reviews indicate that many find it worth the money, especially because of the professional organization, stunning views, and the unique opportunity to see Pamukkale from above.

Real Travelers’ Perspectives

One reviewer shared, “We were picked up at 1 am and the balloon flight was nothing more than spectacular,” emphasizing how impressive the experience can be. Others appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the fun atmosphere, with one saying, “Apo was amazing; he made the day even better.”

Some small downsides include the possibility of cancellation due to weather or the quality of the buffet lunch (which some found lacking). The weather dependency for balloons warrants planning for potential changes, but the overall consensus is that the view from the ground is still worth it.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves stunning vistas, history, and a touch of adventure, this trip could be ideal. It’s especially appealing for travelers who don’t mind a full day on the go and want to tick off multiple highlights in one outing. But, if you’re pregnant or have mobility limitations, be aware that the tour isn’t suitable for you, especially with the balloon component.

It’s also a good choice if you enjoy social experiences, as many reviews mention the fun atmosphere, music, and camaraderie on the way back.

The Final Word

This tour offers a well-rounded experience combining aerial views, natural beauty, and ancient history. The balloon flight is the crown jewel for most, providing a perspective of Pamukkale that’s hard to match. The inclusion of a guided tour, lunch, and a certificate adds value, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

For travelers in Side or Alanya wanting to see Pamukkale from above and explore its archaeological sites, this tour hits most of the right notes. The key is to be flexible with weather conditions, and come prepared for a long, active day.

If you’re up for it, the memories — from floating over terraces at dawn to soaking in thermal pools amidst ruins — will be worth the early start and the long hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the hot air balloon flight weather-dependent?
Yes, the balloon flights are subject to weather conditions. If the weather isn’t suitable, the flight may be canceled, and you’ll receive a 65% refund if canceled by the civil aviation authority on the day of the tour.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, safety briefing, insurance, a flight certificate, all fees and handling charges, a hot air balloon flight if booked, and an open buffet lunch. Guide services are also included.

Can I join the tour without the balloon ride?
Yes, if you choose not to participate in the balloon flight, you can watch the balloons and still enjoy the sightseeing, including walking on the terraces and visiting Hierapolis.

Is it suitable for children or pregnant women?
The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues. The balloon ride, in particular, is not suitable for pregnant travelers.

How long does the entire trip last?
Expect around 16 hours from pickup to return, making it a full-day adventure. Be prepared for an early start and a late return.

Are entry fees to Pamukkale included?
No, the entry fees are not included, so you’ll need to budget for that separately if you wish to explore the terraces and other sites more extensively.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking, and layers for an early morning balloon ride when it’s cooler. Closed shoes are recommended, especially when walking on the terraces.

Is lunch vegetarian-friendly?
The buffet lunch is generally an open-style meal, so vegetarian options are likely available, but it’s best to check with the tour provider if you have specific dietary needs.

If you’re craving a stunning, adventurous, and historical day trip from Side, this tour could be the highlight of your Turkish holiday. Just keep in mind the weather factor, be ready for a big day, and you’ll come away with some incredible memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: