From Antalya/Kemer: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Trip w/Meals

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey’s Aegean coast and looking for an adventure that combines stunning scenery with a touch of history, this Pamukkale & Hierapolis day tour might just be what you need. We’ve looked into this popular excursion offered by Payless Turizm, and it seems like a well-rounded way to see two of Turkey’s most iconic sites in one day—without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances comfortable transport with meaningful free time, giving you a chance to soak in the sights at your own pace. Plus, the inclusion of meals is a nice touch, especially considering how much you’ll be walking and exploring. Of course, no tour is perfect, and one thing to keep in mind is the long travel time from Antalya—around three hours each way—so it’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind a bit of a journey.

If you’re after a full, guided experience with plenty of opportunities for personal exploration, this trip could be just right. However, if you’re a traveler who prefers shorter, less intense outings or has mobility considerations, you might want to weigh the long bus ride and walking involved.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines natural wonder, ancient ruins, and free time.
• Comfortable transport: Modern, air-conditioned buses with stops for breaks.
• Includes meals: Open buffet lunch with vegetarian options and breakfast.
• Guided insights: Knowledgeable tour guides enhance understanding of the sites.
• Long day: Around 14 hours, including travel time—best suited for full-day explorers.
• Well-reviewed: A high rating of 4.7/5 from over 1,470 travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What That Means for You

This tour is a hefty 14-hour journey, but it’s designed to maximize your experience of Pamukkale and Hierapolis without the stress of planning. Starting early from Antalya or Kemer, you’ll travel in a comfy, air-conditioned bus that makes the long drive more bearable. Be prepared for around three hours of scenic road trips, broken up with convenient stops for breaks and food.

Early Morning Pickup & Long Drive

Your day begins with a hotel pickup—either from Antalya, Belek, Kemer, or Beldibi Bahçecik—and then it’s a roughly three-hour ride to Denizli. The journey is broken up with short stops, including a 30-minute breakfast break at Korkuteli. Many reviews mention that the transportation is comfortable, and having a friendly guide on board adds a lot to the trip.

Breakfast & Comfort Stops

The breakfast stop is appreciated, especially since it helps you recharge before a long day. There’s also a 30-minute comfort break once you arrive in Denizli, where you can use facilities and grab some refreshments. This is a smart touch, as it helps travelers prepare for the sightseeing ahead.

Arrival at Pamukkale and Free Time to Explore

Once at Pamukkale, your guide will share a detailed explanation of the site’s wonders. Then, you get about three hours of free time—plenty of opportunity to decide how you want to spend it. Many visitors mention that the free time is one of the best parts, as it allows you to soak in the views without feeling rushed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Walking on the Limestone Terraces

The main draw here is the quaint, shimmering travertines—those surreal white cliffs formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Some reviews note that certain areas are closed, so don’t expect every photo-perfect pool you see online to be accessible. Still, the scenery is breathtaking, and walking barefoot on the terraces is a unique sensation.

Baths & History

If you want a refreshing experience, you might dip your feet or even take a bath in the thermal waters—just be aware that the famous Cleopatra Pool isn’t included in this tour, as you need to pay separately for entry. For history buffs, the ruins of Hierapolis nearby are equally worth exploring, with a well-preserved theater and ancient necropolis. Several reviews praise the guides’ storytelling, making these ruins come alive with fascinating insights.

Optional Visits

Some travelers choose to visit Cleopatra’s Pool or walk through the historic ruins, while others prefer to simply relax and enjoy the striking views. The guide’s explanations help you decide what fits your pace and interest.

Lunch & Rest

Post exploration, a delicious open buffet lunch awaits in a fine restaurant. The menu includes ten types of cold starters, a variety of main courses—including vegetarian options—and fresh Turkish bread, fruits, and sweets. Many reviewers highlight the quality and variety, making it a solid value considering the tour price. Drinks, however, are extra, so budget accordingly.

Feedback on Food

People praise the lunch as “exquisite” and “very good,” and it’s a welcome break after hours of walking. If you’re a foodie or just hungry after all that sightseeing, this meal is a highlight for many.

Final Long Bus Ride & Return

After lunch, it’s a three-hour ride back to Antalya or your starting point. Many reviews mention that the transportation remains comfortable, and the guide keeps everyone entertained and informed during the return trip. The tour ends with drop-offs at your hotel, making logistics straightforward.

What the Reviews Say: Real Traveler Insights

The feedback from past travelers is overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.7/5 rating from over 1,470 reviews. Multiple travelers commend their guides—their knowledge, friendliness, and organization are consistently praised. For example, one reviewer called Kaan “knowledgeable, friendly, and very organized,” while others appreciated Apo’s enthusiasm and storytelling.

Several reviews note that the long travel time is manageable thanks to the comfort of the buses and breaks. A common theme is that the free time at Pamukkale is well-loved, allowing visitors to walk the terraces, take photos, or relax in the thermal waters.

Some disappointments include the closure of certain areas, which means you may not get that perfect picture of all the pools. Also, Cleopatra’s Pool and other attractions need separate tickets, so plan accordingly if you’re interested.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want to see both natural and historical sites in a single day with the convenience of guided transport and meals included. It suits those comfortable with a long day on the bus and walking. If you’re traveling with children or have mobility issues, keep in mind the amount of walking and the bus ride length.

If you prefer shorter excursions or are sensitive to travel times, this might feel a bit tiring. However, for those eager to experience the iconic terraces and ancient ruins without the fuss of logistics, this tour fits the bill.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
• Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen—the sun can be intense.
• Pack a swimsuit and towel if you want to enjoy the thermal waters.
• Carry some cash for drinks or optional entrance fees like Cleopatra’s Pool.
• Remember your passport to verify age for free entry at some sites.
• Check the weather forecast—it can be chilly near the mountains, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

FAQs

What’s included in the tour?
The tour price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation via modern air-conditioned buses, a guide, an open buffet lunch, and insurance. Entrance fees for Pamukkale are included if you opt for them during booking.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the lunch, so you should bring cash if you want beverages during or after lunch.

How long is the long drive?
The trip from Antalya to Pamukkale takes around three hours each way, with breaks for comfort and breakfast.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the tour is generally suitable for travelers who are comfortable with a full-day itinerary involving walking and bus travel. Children will need to present valid passports for free entry at some sites.

Can I visit Cleopatra’s Pool?
No, Cleopatra’s Pool isn’t included in this tour and requires a separate fee. The tour mainly focuses on Pamukkale’s terraces and Hierapolis ruins.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, passport, sunglasses, hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and cash are recommended for a smooth experience.

Final Thoughts

This full-day trip from Antalya to Pamukkale and Hierapolis offers a thorough way to see some of Turkey’s most famous natural and archaeological sites. The combination of well-organized transport, guided explanations, and ample free time makes it a practical choice for travelers who want an organized, stress-free day.

The experience is enhanced by knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and good value—especially with the included meals. While the long travel hours might not be for everyone, many reviews suggest that the overall experience more than makes up for it. If you enjoy exploring outdoors, soaking in thermal waters, or discovering ancient ruins, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck.

In summary, it’s best suited for full-day explorers who appreciate comfort, guided insights, and a chance to see a UNESCO World Heritage site in depth. For those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free adventure with great reviews backing it, this trip from Antalya is a solid pick.

You can check availability for your dates here: