Hierapolis: Day Trips and Tours from Izmir

Turkey is a history lover’s paradise, and the ancient cultures and myths of the region are reflected wherever you go. One of the most significant places in ancient times was the magnificent spa city of Hierapolis. While today only remnants of this destination known for its healing waters remain, it is still one of the Anatolian province's top attractions.

To the west of Hierapolis, Izmir is a busy metropolis on the Aegean coast. A day trip from Izmir to Hierapolis and the adjacent terraces at Pamukkale is the perfect way to combine the natural beauty, rugged landscapes and cultural history of one of the Mediterranean’s most remarkable regions.

Here's all you need to know about Hierapolis, one of the most exciting day trips from Izmir.

How to get to Hierapolis from Izmir?

Hierapolis is located in the Anatolian province of Turkey. It lies to the south-east of the city of Izmir which is situated on Turkey’s Aegean coast.

From Izmir to Hierapolis by car

You can drive to Hierapolis from Izmir in around 3 hours. The most direct route is along the E96 which passes through Turgutlu and is approximately 245 kilometers long. The E87 via Aydin and Nazilli or the D565 and D555 are alternative routes.

From Izmir to Hierapolis by public transport

You can catch a train to Denizli, or an intercity bus to Sarayköy from Izmir. From both of these locations, you will need to make use of a local minibus taxi or private taxi to travel onwards to Hierapolis. A train journey will take around 5 hours while a bus trip is just over 4 hours if there are no delays. Schedules may change seasonally.

Guided tour to Hierapolis from Izmir

Sightseeing and enjoying the countryside is easy on a guided tour from Izmir. Tours include hotel pickups and drop-offs and you can either book seats on a shared excursion or opt for a private trip. Both types of tours are full-day experiences lasting 8 to 14 hours, including traveling time. Multi-day packages that include Hierapolis on the itinerary are also an option.

How much does the entrance ticket to Hierapolis cost?

For an entrance ticket to Hierapolis and Pamukkale, you can expect to pay TL400 (approximately US$18) per person. Tickets can be booked online for your visit, or you choose to purchase a museum pass which is valid for multiple museums and can be used over a 2-week period. Tickets are also available at one of the entrances to the site.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical full-day tour begins with an early morning collection. Travel southeast in comfort as your guide tells you more about the region. Once at Hierapolis, your experience will begin with a guided walk through the major points of interest, including Pamukkale’s travertine terraces.

Once you have an idea of the site, you will have time to explore at your leisure or to find respite and tranquility at one of the pools fed by the site’s hot springs.

Most tours include a tasty lunch, and there may be other short comfort breaks and opportunities to enjoy the scenery while you travel between locations. Multi-day tours include destinations like Ephesus, Kusadasi and Pergamon as well as Hierapolis and Pamukkale.

At the end of the excursion, you will return with your guide to Izmir and be dropped back at your hotel.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Hierapolis?

There are different kinds of tours to Hierapolis. Full-day and multi-day tours are both popular, and there are shared small-group and private tours available for both tour types.

Full-day guided tours to Hierapolis from Izmir

Full-day guided tours from Izmir last from 8 to 14 hours. You have the option of joining a small group trip or booking a tour on a private basis. As you head to your destination, your guide will point out places of interest and tell you more about the history, myths and culture of the Anatolian region of Turkey. On arrival in Hierapolis, you will already have enough knowledge on hand to be able to appreciate the complexity and magnitude of this once grand city.

Your guide will familiarize you with the site and its various significant landmarks and attractions before giving you time to explore independently. Adjacent to Hierapolis, the captivating travertine terraces of Pamukkale are also accessible and you can take a moment to appreciate this natural wonder or perhaps take a swim in the mineral-rich thermal pools nearby.

On a private tour, you will have exclusive access to your guide and vehicle, allowing you some freedom to customize your day to suit your preferences. Basic day tours include a shared vehicle and guide services. More comprehensive options also include entrance fees and meals.

Multi-day tour to Hierapolis plus Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kusadasi and Pergamon from Izmir

To explore beyond one historical site ideally requires a little more time, and a multi-day itinerary from Izmir provides just this kind of alternative. Spend 3 to 4 days traveling throughout the region, visiting locations such as Ephesus, Kusadasi and even Pergamon as well as Hierapolis and Pamukkale.

Multi-day trips can be booked on a small group or private basis and usually include 3 or 4-star accommodation, breakfasts and dinners, entrance fees, transport and guide services. Lunch may also be included, depending on the tour option.

How much does a day trip to Hierapolis from Izmir cost?

Full-day guided tours to Hierapolis from Izmir start from US$120 per person traveling on a shared tour. Private full-day alternatives cost from between US$130 and US$130 per person depending on the size of the group. Private tours start from around US$300 per person depending on group size.

A multi-day tour to Hierapolis plus Pamukkale from Izmir, typically includes visits to Ephesus and Kusadasi and may also include Pergamon. These types of tour cost from US$500 to US$700 per person sharing on a 3 or 4-day trip. Inclusions and itinerary may differ depending on the tour operator, and tours offered on a private basis may incur an additional surcharge.

What will you see and do?

Hierapolis reflects a rich tapestry of history atop the white calcium terraces of Pamukkale. Visitors can explore the stunning ruins of its grand Roman Theater, healing thermal baths, and the Ploutonion, a temple dedicated to the god of the underworld.

The site's ancient necropolis, one of the best preserved in the world, holds over a thousand tombs, ranging from simple graves to grand mausoleums. The Hierapolis Archaeology Museum, housed within the former Roman baths, offers a fascinating collection of artifacts and statues recovered on site.

The Byzantine Gate or Frontinus Gate, dates back to the Byzantine era and served as the city's main entrance. Its impressive arches and intricately carved stones direct visitors to Frontinus Street, a colonnaded road that once served as the city's main thoroughfare.

Nearby, the surreal Pamukkale hot springs are not to be missed. Their inviting terraced pools offer a unique blend of natural beauty, restful atmosphere and historical significance.

What are the opening times?

Hierapolis is open throughout the year. Opening hours are seasonal. The South Gate opens to visitors at 6:30 AM, and all other entrances open at 8 AM. In the summer, the site closes at 9 PM. Closing time in the winter is 6 PM, with an 8 PM closure during the spring and autumn months.

When is the best time to visit Hierapolis?

The best time to visit Hierapolis is in the spring (April to June) or autumn (September and October). The weather during these periods is moderate and pleasant, and the site is less crowded than in the high summer months.

Are there any tours to Hierapolis from other cities in Turkey?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Turkey:

• Day trips to Hierapolis from Side
• Day trips to Hierapolis from Antalya
• Day trips to Hierapolis from Kusadasi
• Day trips to Hierapolis from Fethiye
• Day trips to Hierapolis from Marmaris
• Day trips to Hierapolis from Alanya

Travel tips

• Due to the site's ancient terrain, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. However, to preserve the natural beauty of Pamukkale's travertine terraces, you have to go barefoot.
• To avoid the crowds, consider arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Temperatures can soar during the summer, so it's crucial to bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
• For an extra fee, you can swim in Cleopatra's Pool, a stunning bath surrounded by ruins.
• Don't forget your camera. Hierapolis and the terraces of Pamukkale are sights you'll want to capture!