From Alanya: Pamukkale and Salda Lake Day Trip with Dinner

Thinking about taking a day trip from Alanya to see some of Turkey’s most fascinating natural and archaeological sites? This tour promises a visit to Pamukkale’s stunning white travertine terraces, a look into Hierapolis’ ancient ruins, a relaxing dip in Cleopatra’s Roman Pool, and a visit to Lake Salda. Sounds like an adventure, right?

While the itinerary sounds enticing and offers a chance to tick off multiple must-see spots in one day, the experience isn’t without its pitfalls—mainly related to organization and timing. Still, if you’re flexible and eager to see a mix of natural beauty and history, this could be worth considering.

Two things we like about this trip: first, it covers some of Turkey’s most photogenic locations, and second, it offers a chance to relax in thermal waters and swim in Cleopatra’s Roman Pool. On the flip side, a significant concern is the long travel time—about 12 hours round trip—plus some reviews mention poor organization and guides.

This tour might suit those who prioritize seeing iconic sights despite the long travel hours and are comfortable with a more structured, possibly rushed schedule. It’s probably less ideal if you’re after a relaxed pace or high-quality guided experience.

Key Points

• Long travel hours: Expect around a 12-hour round trip from Alanya, so prepare for a full day on the road.
• Natural and archaeological highlights: You’ll see the famous travertines, ancient city ruins, and mineral-rich lakes.
• Thermal baths and swimming: Opportunities to soak in Cleopatra’s Roman Pool and Pamukkale’s thermal pools.
• Mixed reviews on organization: Some travelers report poor guides and rushed stops; check reviews before booking.
• Cost considerations: Entrance fees aren’t included, so you’ll pay around 10 EUR for Cleopatra’s Pool and 30 EUR for Pamukkale.
• Scenic countryside: The return journey offers beautiful views, adding to the overall experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Departure

The tour kicks off with pickup right from your hotel in Alanya. The tour provider will contact you about the pickup time, so be ready in the hotel lobby about 10 minutes early. The transportation is likely a bus, and the journey to Pamukkale is quite lengthy—around 12 hours round trip.

While this might sound exhausting, it’s pretty standard for full-day excursions covering distant sights. Just be prepared for a lot of time on the road, with some stops for quick breakfasts and lunches—sometimes described as Spartan-style by previous travelers.

First Stop: Pamukkale’s Travertine Terraces

Once you arrive, the main attraction is the famous white cascading terraces. These terraced thermal pools are formed naturally by mineral-rich waters, and they’re a sight to behold—like snow or ice but warm and inviting. You’ll have a chance to bathe here, which many find relaxing and even therapeutic.

However, some travelers, like Viktoriia, question whether the trip is worth the time just for this. She mentions, “Why spend so much time traveling to spend just over two hours in Pamukkale?” which is a common concern. The journey is long, and the actual time spent at the site could be limited, especially if the schedule is tight.

Exploring Hierapolis

Next, you’ll visit Hierapolis, the ancient city ruins adjacent to Pamukkale. Expect to see archaeological sites, a theatre, and some ruins that give a glimpse into the past. It’s not as extensive as some other archaeological sites, but it adds historical context to your trip.

Some travelers appreciate the opportunity to walk among ruins that are over 2,000 years old, while others may find the visit rushed depending on the guide and timing.

Cleopatra’s Roman Pool: A Historic Spa

A highlight for many is swimming in Cleopatra’s Roman Pool. The water here is warm, and the setting is quite historic—dating back to Roman times. You’ll need to pay an entrance fee of around 10 EUR, which is additional to the tour cost.

This part can be a relaxing break, especially after a long morning of sightseeing, but some reviews suggest the guide’s attitude affects the experience. Firat shared a negative review, describing a rude guide who smoked constantly and threatened to leave travelers behind. This kind of behavior can definitely put a damper on what should be a relaxing experience.

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Lunch Break and Scenic Drive

After the pools and ruins, it’s time for a break to eat. The tour includes lunch, but the quality and timing can vary. You’ll have options to purchase food, and it’s often a good idea to carry some snacks just in case.

The drive from Pamukkale to Lake Salda takes about 2 hours. It’s a scenic route, and you’ll pass through Turkey’s countryside, which can be quite beautiful and give you a chance to relax after a busy morning.

Lake Salda: Nature’s Hidden Gem

Lake Salda is a standout for its mineral-rich waters, and many travelers find it a peaceful spot for photos and reflection. It’s sometimes called “Turkey’s Maldives” due to its white sandy shores and clear water, although it’s not as tourist-heavy as some other lakes.

Spending some time here allows you to experience a different kind of natural beauty—a crater lake with mineral waters thought to have healing properties. This stop is often praised for its stunning scenery and tranquility, offering a nice contrast to the busy archaeological sites.

Dinner and Return Trip

The day ends with dinner, included in the package. The quality of the meal can vary, but it provides a chance to relax and reflect on the day. Afterward, you’ll be driven back to Alanya, hopefully arriving late evening or night.

Pros:
– The tour covers several must-see sights in one day, saving you the hassle of planning multiple trips.
– You get the chance to relax in thermal pools and swim in Cleopatra’s Roman Pool.
– The scenery en route to Lake Salda is reportedly beautiful, making the long drive more bearable.
– Knowledgeable guides are available in multiple languages, according to the company.

Cons:
– The long travel time—about 12 hours round trip—is demanding, especially if you prefer a slower pace or more time at each stop.
– Some reviews, like Viktoriia’s, highlight poor organization and rushed visits, which can diminish the experience.
– The guide’s attitude can significantly impact your day. Firat’s review describes a rude guide, which is a red flag.
– Entrance fees for Cleopatra’s Pool and Pamukkale are not included and will add to your costs (around 40 EUR total).
– Given the reviews, the value for money might be questionable if you’re expecting a seamless, well-organized experience.

If you’re someone who really wants to see Pamukkale’s terraces and Lake Salda in one go, and you’re okay with spending most of the day on a bus, this trip can be worthwhile. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize seeing iconic sights and are flexible about the tour’s flow and organization.

However, if you dislike long bus rides or prefer more relaxed, detailed explorations, you might find this tour tiring and somewhat rushed. Be prepared for possible issues with guides and organization, and consider whether the value matches the time and cost involved.

How long is the total trip?
The trip from Alanya to Pamukkale and Lake Salda takes about 12 hours round trip, including stops for sightseeing and meals.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the tour package. However, quality may vary, and some travelers suggest bringing extra snacks.

What are the additional costs?
You will need to pay for entrance fees—around 10 EUR for Cleopatra’s Roman Pool and 30 EUR for Pamukkale’s travertines. These are not included in the tour price.

Is it suitable for children?
The tour isn’t specifically designed for children, but older kids who can handle a long day on the bus might enjoy the sites. Keep in mind the long hours and potentially rushed schedule.

How good are the guides?
Reviews are mixed. Some travelers mention knowledgeable guides, but others report rude behavior and poor organization. It’s worth reading recent reviews before booking.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, your passport, and some cash for entrance fees. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are also recommended for comfort and safety.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans are uncertain.

This tour offers a packed day for those eager to see Turkey’s famed thermal terraces, ancient ruins, and mineral lakes. It’s a good option if you’re comfortable with long travel hours and don’t mind a potentially rushed schedule. While there are some drawbacks—particularly related to organization and guide quality—the sights themselves are undeniably stunning.

If your goal is to check off major attractions in a short timeframe and you don’t mind the bus ride, this trip can be a memorable part of your trip. Just go in with expectations that the day will be long and that some parts might feel hurried or less organized than ideal.

For travelers seeking a more relaxed pace or a highly organized experience, it might be worth exploring other options or planning a trip that allows more time at each site.

Remember: Always check recent reviews and confirm what’s included before booking, so you can make the most of your adventure in Turkey.

You can check availability for your dates here: