Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour

Discover the stunning beauty of Pamukkale, the "Cotton Castle" of Turkey, with a tour that combines natural wonders, historical exploration, and the thrill of an optional hot air balloon flight.

Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
×
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania

Overview

Start your day with a scenic drive from Side to Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dazzling white travertine terraces. These natural formations, created by the flow of mineral-rich thermal waters, resemble a cascading frozen waterfall. As you wander along the terraces, marvel at the ethereal landscape and feel the soothing warmth of the geothermal waters underfoot.

Adjacent to the travertines lies the ancient city of Hierapolis. This Greco-Roman spa city offers a fascinating glimpse into history. Visit its well-preserved theater, walk through the colonnaded streets, and explore the ruins of ancient baths and temples. Don’t miss the Necropolis, one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Turkey, which tells stories of the past through its ornate tombs.

For an unforgettable experience, opt for a hot air balloon flight over Pamukkale’s travertines and the surrounding valley. As you ascend into the sky at sunrise, witness breathtaking views of the Cotton Castle and the rolling landscape bathed in golden light. This magical flight is a photographer’s dream and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Pamukkale’s thermal waters have been renowned for their healing properties since ancient times. Enjoy a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool, a thermal spa pool filled with submerged ancient columns. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters and imagine the Romans who once bathed here for health and leisure.

After a morning of exploration, recharge with a delicious lunch featuring local Turkish cuisine. Enjoy freshly prepared dishes in a comfortable setting before continuing your day. This culinary experience is a perfect blend of flavor and hospitality, adding to the charm of your journey.

Conclude your tour with free time to revisit your favorite spots, shop for unique souvenirs, or capture the perfect photographs of this extraordinary destination. Whether you prefer to relax or dive deeper into history, this time allows for a personalized experience.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1

Adult

Age 10-25+

Excursion Itinerary

Side
Start Activities

Van (Transfer)
Duration: 3.5 Hours

Set off on your journey with a comfortable ride to your first destination. Relax and enjoy the scenic views as your journey begins.


Pamukkale
Sunrise, Balloon flight,
Duration: 45 Minute

Upon arrival at the Pamukkale destination, guests who have purchased the package including the balloon flight will be transferred to the balloon services. Guests who have chosen the balloon observatio


Doğan Onyx Factory
Break time, Visit, Shopping, Food market visit, Wine tasting,
Duration: 30 Minute , Extra Fee

When you arrive at this store, you will see a unique range of stones and jewelry and you can buy them on request.


Aphaea Bazaar
Visit, Free time, Shopping, Wine tasting, Wine,
Duration: 30 Minute , Extra Fee

When you arrive at this store, you will see a selection of wines and Turkish delight, which you can buy on request.


Hierapolis Antik Kenti
Visit, Guided tour, Free time,
Duration: 3 Hours , Extra Fee

extra fee


Cleopatra Antique Pools
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Free time, Swimming,
Duration: 1 Hours , Extra Fee

You can buy extra Cleopatra pool tickets if you want and you can swim


Van (Transfer)
Duration: 30 Minutes

Tuğba Restaurant
Lunch, BBQ,
Duration: 1 Hours

The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast for the perfect start of your day.


Van (Transfer)
Duration: 3.5 Hours

Side
Finish Activities

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Witness the stunning natural beauty of Pamukkale’s travertine terraces.
  • Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and its fascinating ruins.
  • Optional hot air balloon flight for unparalleled views of the region.
  • Relax in Cleopatra’s Pool, a thermal spa steeped in history.
  • Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch and local hospitality.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Round-trip transportation from Side to Pamukkale
  • Guided tour with an experienced guide
  • Entrance to Pamukkale and Hierapolis
  • Lunch featuring local cuisine

Not Included

  • Drinks during lunch
  • Hot air balloon flight (optional and available for an additional fee)
  • Entrance fee to Cleopatra’s Pool
  • Personal expenses such as shopping or additional activities 

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Pregnant women

Not Allowed This Activities

  • Luggage or large bags

Important Information

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Swimwear
Towel

Information Before Booking

  • This tour is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a mix of nature, history, and relaxation. Be prepared for a full day of exploration, including walking and standing for extended periods. The optional hot air balloon ride requires early booking to secure your spot.

Know Before You Go

  • The hot air balloon flight is subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons.
  • Entrance fees to Cleopatra’s Pool are not included and must be paid on-site.
  • The exact itinerary may vary based on traffic, weather, and group preferences.
  • Vegetarian meal options are available upon request; please notify the tour operator in advance.
  • These details will also be stated on your voucher to avoid misunderstandings.

4.5/5

14
Reviews

About This Activity

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today

Duration 16 Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Instructor

English, German, Russian

Pickup Optional

Most of the hotels in Side region has got high privacy rules. Please meet us at the main entrance gate of your hotel not the reception.

Location

Side Türkiye

Book Today

From

€40.00

per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Novica Brandner - Austria
30 July

This trip was truly incredible. Our guide was exceptional extremely skilled, knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. The entire tour was very well-planned. He shared fascinating stories and information about the area, guided the group thoughtfully, and gave everyone plenty of free time to explore Pamu...

Read More

Katsumasa Karasawa - Japan
29 July

My Pamukkale trip and hot air balloon ride were truly unforgettable and exceeded everything I could have hoped for. The entire experience was flawlessly organized, safe, and stress-free. The balloon flight was magical; peaceful, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking. I'd especially like to express my g...

Read More

See More Reviews

Customer Reviews

All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.

Overall Rating

4.5/5

Based on 14 Reviews

Guide

4.5/5

Transportation

4.5/5

Value for Money

4.5/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
N
Novica Brandner - Austria
30 July

This trip was truly incredible. Our guide was exceptional extremely skilled, knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. The entire tour was very well-planned. He shared fascinating stories and information about the area, guided the group thoughtfully, and gave everyone plenty of free time to explore Pamukkale independently. He even prepared a playlist of the group's favorite songs for the return trip a lovely touch. Thank you so much.

Helpful? Yes

K
Katsumasa Karasawa - Japan
29 July

My Pamukkale trip and hot air balloon ride were truly unforgettable and exceeded everything I could have hoped for. The entire experience was flawlessly organized, safe, and stress-free. The balloon flight was magical; peaceful, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking. I'd especially like to express my gratitude to our guide; he was so much more than just a tour guide; he was our heart and soul throughout the entire trip. His calm demeanor, kindness, extensive knowledge, and warm approach created a warm and comfortable environment for everyone. He was always available, cheerful, and willing to help, making us feel safe, comfortable, and united as a group. Thank you for being such a respectful, attentive, and friendly guide. This experience will remain etched in my mind forever.

Helpful? Yes

Y
Yukihiko Teranishi - Japan
28 July

The guide was fantastic; he gave us very useful information and supported us in every way he could. We had a transfer from Alanya and everything went perfectly thanks to his help.

Helpful? Yes

H
Hironori Tanno - Japan
27 July
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania

The overall experience was enjoyable, but it turned out to be quite a long day. One downside was the visit to the onyx factory, which felt more like a sales stop where you're encouraged to purchase pricey decorative stones. Also, keep in mind that once you're inside Pamukkale, there's little to no shade—so be ready for the heat.

Helpful? Yes

T
Tomohiro Ozawa - Japan
26 July

Our guide was fantastic, very kind, helpful and a joy to be around. Unfortunately, the food was substandard. No one in our group ate and the place was full of flies.

Helpful? Yes

G
Giwa Ima - Japan
25 July
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania

The trip was truly enjoyable. While the journey was quite long, it was part of the experience. Watching the sunrise from the hot air balloon was unforgettable. We also had a wonderful time exploring Pamukkale, learning so much and taking some amazing photos afterwards.

Helpful? Yes

K
Kisakae Kume - Japan
24 July

All in all, the day was truly wonderful. The balloon ride was fantastic, absolutely fantastic. The only downside was the poor quality of the restaurant and the unnecessary stops at the wine tasting and mineral jewelry shop. Other than that, it was a wonderful experience.

Helpful? Yes

T
Takeji Kawamata - Japan
23 July

The guide was outstanding, and the driver was truly exceptional.

Helpful? Yes

S
Shingi Oda - Japan
22 July
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania

It was definitely a long day, but overall it was worth it; both the balloon ride and Pamukkale were amazing. The journey time was longer than advertised; for us, the entire trip took about 18.5 hours due to the multiple pickup and drop-off stops. The minibus's air conditioning wasn't working, which made the return journey quite hot, although a little airflow helped a bit. Our guide joined us in Antalya and allowed everyone to rest, as most of us were trying to sleep. After the balloon ride, he gave us some general information about Türkiye on the bus and showed those interested the highlights of Hierapolis.

Helpful? Yes

A
Akiko Narita - Japan
21 July

Everything, especially the logistics, was well coordinated. The hot air balloon tour was excellent, and the pilot clearly knew what he was doing. Despite my fear of heights, I felt completely safe I wasn't scared at all. Despite the early start, I'm glad I went. Still, if you're interested in history or ancient ruins, it's worth it. If you want to see more than just the theater, just be aware that you'll have to walk a bit; the necropolis is particularly fascinating. However, the guide at Pamukkale didn't really guide us. He just dropped us off with the return time. As for the onyx factory stop, skipping it felt unnecessary; it would have given us more time to explore Pamukkale.

Helpful? Yes

S
Sueyoshi Ishibashi - Japan
20 July

Be prepared for a very long day; you'll definitely feel it when you get back. If you skip the hot air balloon ride, you'll have to wait while others take off, so it's worth it. The flight itself was enjoyable, although I've been on some of the more elaborate ones. Sharing the basket with others kind of ruined the magic with all the chatter. In the ancient site, the highlight is the theater, followed by the thermal pools. The water isn't as hot as you'd expect, and walking in it can be a bit painful on your feet; it's still a unique experience and worth trying while you're there. One thing I didn't like was the transfer between different transfer vehicles. This made things feel a bit disorganized and even unsafe at times; be sure to wear your seatbelt. The guide gave us some information at the stops, but not much on the way. It would have been better if there had been more interaction during the trip. Overall, it was a decent day, albeit a bit tiring.

Helpful? Yes

N
Nadzieja Tyra - Poland
19 July
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania

We booked a tour that included hot air balloon viewing, and our guide handled everything flawlessly. Our first stop was Antalya, where we changed vehicles and headed to Pamukkale with the entire group. Watching the hot air balloons while sipping traditional Turkish tea was truly breathtaking. Upon arrival in Pamukkale, our guide gave us a brief but fascinating introduction to the region's history. Afterward, we had approximately three hours of free time to explore at our own pace. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch, but beverages were not included and had to be purchased separately. On the way back, we made a short stop at an onyx workshop. Overall, it was an excellent tour that I wholeheartedly recommend.

Helpful? Yes

R
Rozalia Kasak - Poland
18 July
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania

Overall, the experience was quite good for the price. Our pickup was about 30 minutes late, and then we headed to Antalya. There, we had a quick 10-minute stop at a gas station. However, due to the late arrival of the guide and a different transfer vehicle, this stop lasted another 30 minutes. We then went to watch the balloons. Those with balloon reservations were taken to the launch site in a separate minibus, while the rest of us were taken to a viewing area. We thought this part of the tour was a bit pricey. Luckily, we managed to book a last minute balloon tour near our drop off location, which meant we were a bit late for our next meeting. We then stopped at a cafe to pick up our tickets for Pamukkale. We stayed there for about three hours, during which the guide explained about Hierapolis. Lunch was hearty and offered a wide variety of salads and main courses. The return trip to Side was quite long, and we changed minibuses three times.

Helpful? Yes

F
Florian Bednorz - Poland
17 July
Side Pamukkale Day Trip with Balloon Flight & Watching Tour | ®ExcursionMania

Our guide was excellent, providing valuable insights throughout the entire experience.

Helpful? Yes

Book now

Select person

Adult

12y+

01
Children

2 - 12 years

01
Infant

Below 2 years

01
Proceed to Booking
From
€40.00 per person