White terraces and lost springs – Pamukkale and Hierapolis

For thousands of years warm, mineral-rich water has flowed down the hillside and turned it into white pools. Above lies Hierapolis, the city people travelled to for healing – with a theatre, a street of tombs and a cave whose poisonous breath was thought to be the entrance to the underworld. We set off early, explore the city from the north while it is still quiet, and finish by walking barefoot down through the terraces.

Highlights

• Barefoot across the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, UNESCO World Heritage
• Hierapolis: North Necropolis, Frontinus Street and the Roman theatre overlooking the Lycus valley
• The Plutonium – the “Gate to the Underworld”, rediscovered only in 2013
• Martyrium and tomb of the Apostle Philip
• Antique Pool: swimming among sunken columns (entrance extra)
• Pick-up from Kuşadası port, Izmir port or Izmir Airport optional

Full description

Hierapolis was founded by the kings of Pergamon in the 2nd century BC and under Rome grew into one of the great spa cities of Asia Minor. The sick came for the warm springs – and many stayed for ever: the necropolis at the north entrance is one of the largest of the ancient world, with hundreds of sarcophagi, tumuli and tomb houses. Through the Frontinus Gate we enter the city's main street, walk past the latrines and the agora and climb to the theatre, whose stage building with reliefs of Apollo and Artemis has been rebuilt.

Below the Temple of Apollo lies the Plutonium. Carbon dioxide rises from a crack in the rock; it killed animals but, according to ancient accounts, left the priests unharmed. Italian archaeologists rediscovered the site in 2013. On the slope above stands the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip, who according to tradition died here; his tomb was found in 2011 in a church next to it. Finally we walk barefoot down the terraces, looking across the valley to Laodicea. If you like, swim in the Antique Pool among fallen columns or visit the museum in the Roman baths.

What we see

We adapt order and selection to weekday, opening hours, weather and your wishes.

• 1 · North Necropolis and Frontinus Street
  Street of tombs with sarcophagi and tumuli, Frontinus Gate, latrines and agora; about 3 hours' drive from Kuşadası.
• 2 · Theatre and Plutonium
  Roman theatre for more than 10,000 spectators with restored stage building; below it the Temple of Apollo and the Plutonium.
• 3 · Martyrium of Philip
  Octagonal 5th-century pilgrimage building and the church with the apostle's tomb; short, steep climb.
• 4 · Travertine terraces
  Barefoot down the white travertine pools; shoes are not allowed on the terraces.
• 5 · Antique Pool and museum
  Swim in thermal water among ancient columns (entrance extra) or visit the archaeological museum in the Roman baths.

Included

• 11 hours private, state-licensed guide in your language (Mehmet Humayunoğlu or an experienced colleague from his team)
• Planning, coordination and time management of the day
• Headsets for groups of 16 or more
• Guided walk through Hierapolis, to the Plutonium, the Martyrium and across the travertine terraces
• Transfer with vehicle and driver from Kuşadası port, Izmir port or Izmir Airport (ADB), if booked

Not included

• Entrance fees (Hierapolis/Pamukkale, Antique Pool, museum)
• Lunch and drinks
• Transfer, optional: €400 + €10 per person
• Personal expenses, tips

Meeting point

With a booked transfer we pick you up at Kuşadası cruise port, Izmir cruise port or Izmir Airport (ADB) and bring you back there. Without transfer we meet at the North Gate of Hierapolis in Pamukkale.

You will recognise me by the sign “MeinReiseleiter.de” and the visibly worn guide licence. We confirm meeting point and time with your booking.

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Important information

German, English, Turkish, French, Italian, Spanish – 25 more languages on request.

• Barefoot – Shoes are not allowed on the terraces – please bring a small towel and a bag for your shoes. The travertine is rough in places and slippery in others.
• Sun – There is hardly any shade in Hierapolis: bring a hat, sun protection and water. In summer we start especially early.
• Swimwear – Bring swimwear for the Antique Pool; changing rooms and lockers are available on site.
• Long drive – Pamukkale is about 200 km from Kuşadası and 250 km from Izmir, roughly 3 hours each way. Without transfer you need your own vehicle.
• Cruise guests – Only possible with a very long time in port. Please state ship and time in port; we plan the return to the ship with ample buffer.