Pamukkale is famous for its surreal terraces of mineral-rich thermal waters and ancient ruins, but it’s also a surprisingly good spot for wine tourism. Thanks to local vineyards and the area’s warm climate, you can combine stunning scenery with tastings of local wines. One of our favorite moments here is floating above the travertines during a hot air balloon ride, like the one offered in our top-ranked tours, which gives a view that’s hard to beat. The combination of aerial views and wine makes for a memorable trip.
While Pamukkale isn’t known as a major wine-producing region like Bordeaux or Tuscany, the wine tours here bring a delicious local flavor to your visit. Whether you prefer floating over the landscape in a hot air balloon or tasting wines directly from vineyards, there’s an experience to match your style. And if you’re keen on seeing both the ancient ruins and the vineyards in one go, some tours even combine sunset dinners with wine tasting, adding a relaxing end to your day.
In this list, we cover a variety of tours—from hot air balloon rides with champagne to winery visits paired with sunset dinners—each with its own unique appeal. If you’d like a bird’s-eye view of Pamukkale, the hot air balloon options are hard to beat, but for wine lovers wanting a more laid-back experience, the winery and sunset tour offers a different kind of charm. Let’s take a closer look at each.
1. Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates, Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer
At number 1, this hot air balloon experience is a standout, rated 5.0/5 with 194 reviews. For just over $114 per person, you get about two hours of floating over Pamukkale at sunrise. The tour includes hotel transfers, which makes logistics simple, and a non-alcoholic champagne toast after your flight.
What makes this tour special is the focus on a group experience with a professionally flown balloon, where your pilot will choose the best route based on weather updates. The reviews highlight the smooth landings, friendly crew, and incredible views. Many mention how the sunrise over the travertines and Hierapolis creates a magical scene. The flight lasts around 40 minutes, giving plenty of time to soak in the white terraces, the ancient city, and the lush landscape below.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a once-in-a-lifetime aerial experience with guaranteed logistics handled. It’s well-suited for honeymooners, first-time ballooners, or anyone who simply wants a spectacular view of Pamukkale’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The price offers excellent value considering the included transfer, flight certificate, and champagne toast.
Bottom Line: If you want a smooth, well-reviewed hot air balloon ride that includes all the extras, this is your top pick.
2. Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Champagne
Coming in at number 2, this hot air balloon tour also costs around $230 and promises a roughly 2-hour flight with champagne to celebrate the experience. It’s slightly more expensive but offers an immersive, peaceful float over Pamukkale’s white travertines and the surrounding hills.
This tour emphasizes the tranquility of floating and the visual spectacle of seeing other balloons drifting overhead. The highlight is the one-hour flight during which you’ll witness spectacular views of the thermal pools, Hierapolis, and the ancient city from hundreds or even thousands of feet in the air. This tour’s smaller reviews (11 total) suggest it’s a premium experience, with a focus on serenity and scenic beauty.
What makes this tour unique is the quality of the float, the chance to see other balloons in the sky, and the chance to enjoy champagne while still in the air. It’s ideal for travelers who want a luxurious, less crowded experience and are comfortable spending a bit more for a more exclusive feeling.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a premium balloon flight with beautiful scenery and champagnes, this tour offers a quieter, more relaxed ride with excellent reviews.
3. Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight, Certificate, Champagne
At number 3, this sunrise balloon ride combines the iconic views with special touches like a flight certificate and champagne. Priced at just over $117, it lasts about 2 hours and 25 minutes including pick-up, balloon inflation, and flight time.
What makes this tour stand out is the early morning start that guarantees clear skies and stunning sunrise views over Pamukkale. The flight typically lasts around an hour, during which your pilot will point out the travertines, the ancient city of Hierapolis, and the Pool of Cleopatra. The float close to the thermal pools offers amazing photo opportunities, especially if the weather cooperates.
Guests praise this tour for its smooth operation and experienced pilots, with reviews highlighting the beautiful and well-organized experience. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off, plus the ability to enjoy breakfast afterward, makes it very convenient.
Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice if you want a full morning of scenic beauty and comfort, especially if catching the sunrise is a highlight for you.
4. Pamukkale Hot-Air Balloon Flight with Champagne
Ranking number 4, this hot air balloon tour offers a longer flight—about 3 hours—and a more intimate experience with a maximum of 16-18 people per basket. For approximately $172, you’ll enjoy breakfast before takeoff, a scenic flight, and a champagne toast upon landing.
This tour’s key highlight is the larger basket size, which allows for a more comfortable and less crowded experience. The flight takes you over the thermal pools, Hierapolis ruins, and surrounding landscapes, with plenty of photo opportunities. The breakfast service with coffee, tea, and snacks adds a relaxed start, and the champagne toast caps off the flight with a celebratory touch.
Guests describe the experience as “amazing” and note the professional pilot and stunning views. The longer flight duration also means more time to drift over the landscape, capturing the magnificent scenery from all angles.
Bottom Line: If a longer, more comfortable balloon flight with a full breakfast and champagne sounds appealing, this tour fits the bill, especially for those wanting a more exclusive experience.
5. Winery and Pamukkale Sunset Tour
Finally, the number 5 spot goes to the Winery and Sunset Tour, rated 5.0/5 with a single review but promising for wine lovers. For about $215, this 5.5-hour experience combines vineyard visits, wine tasting, and a sunset dinner overlooking Pamukkale’s natural pools.
This tour takes you to Saraplari Vineyard, where you’ll learn about local wine production and taste varieties made from local grapes. Afterward, you’ll visit the thermal pools and Hierapolis, with free time to explore or relax. The highlight is watching the sunset with a glass of Pamukkale wine and enjoying a delicious dinner with a view.
Guests describe this experience as relaxed and intimate, perfect for those who want to combine gastronomy with sightseeing. The wine tasting and sunset dinner provide a delightful end to your day, especially if you’re interested in local food and drink.
Bottom Line: For wine aficionados who want to combine vineyard visits, sightseeing, and a sunset dinner, this tour offers a relaxed, flavorful experience.
How to Choose the Best Pamukkale Wine and Balloon Tours
When selecting the right experience, consider your priorities: Do you want to soar high over the travertines? The hot air balloon rides are perfect for a panoramic view, especially with options including breakfast or champagne. If your focus is wine tasting and relaxing at sunset, the winery and sunset tour offers a laid-back but indulgent experience.
Budget and time also matter. The most affordable is the early morning sunrise flight, while the longer 3-hour balloon or sunset winery tour offers more depth and comfort. Booking early during peak seasons (spring and fall) is recommended, especially for the popular balloon rides.
And if you’re trying to decide between a spectacular aerial view or a deliberate wine tasting experience, remember that both can be combined into a memorable Pamukkale trip. Consider your travel style—adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both—and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Pamukkale offers more than just its famous terraces—it’s a place where you can enjoy spectacular views from the sky or relax with local wines while watching the sunset. The top-rated hot air balloon experiences are perfect for those after breathtaking photos and a sense of wonder, while the winery and sunset tours appeal to visitors wanting a more leisurely, wine-focused afternoon.
For those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime aerial adventure, the Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates, Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer is hard to beat. But if you’re more into wine and relaxing scenery, the Winery and Pamukkale Sunset Tour offers a charming, flavorful alternative. Whatever your choice, these tours highlight the best of what Pamukkale has to offer—beautiful scenery, rich history, and good wine. Be sure to book early, especially if a balloon ride is on your wish list, and enjoy your trip.