One of Mother Nature's masterpieces, Pamukkale, which translates as Cotton Castle, is a spectacle of water-filled terraces that've been slowly sculpted over thousands of years. You'll head out from Bodrum to check out this UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Mehmet, one of our local expert guides, says, “people travelled for weeks to bathe in the waters of Pamukkale, believing they brought strength, clarity and even a bit of luck. The same springs that drew ancient travellers are still flowing today, shaping the terraces day by day. The landscape never stops evolving.”
You'll arrive at Pamukkale with time to explore at your own pace, taking in the mountainside terraces where natural springs have solidified into snowy-white stalactites, ripples and cliffs. Just above the terraces sit the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city that once drew visitors from across the empire. Its grand theatre, necropolis and old bathhouses are spread across the plateau, giving you plenty to explore beyond the white pools below.
Pick-up will be in the early morning so that you can set off in time to reach Pamukkale for early afternoon, with a comfort break in the town of Mugla along the way. After your visit to the terraces and ruins, you'll stop to recharge at the Pam Thermal Hotel. There's a lunch included, too, and there's even time for a dip in the hotel's thermal pool if you fancy it – the perfect way to wrap up a day spent checking out one of Turkey's most iconic natural wonders.
