· 05:30 (Kundu) 06:15 Departure
· Arriving Pamukkale via Korkuteli, Çavdir and Acipayam
· Lunch
· Visiting the Hierapolis and The travertine basins (calcareous formations) called Pamukkale (the cotton castle)
· Picture taking and Swimming
· Visiting a Turkish carpet making (from a to z )workshop
· Dining at the Salda Lake on the way back
· 22:00 Return and transfer to hotels

PAMUKKALE-HİERAPOLİS 

“‘It is almost certain that the unique appearance and the curative properties of Pamukkale springs attracted settlers from very early times.” says a historian. Today it also attracts settlers and swarms of visitors from all over the world. Pamukkale means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish taking its name from the travertine’s white color. It is not an exaggeration. The calcium in the hot water has been collecting on the side of the mountain over thousands of years and has formed huge basins that from a distance do look like a Cotton Castle. The foundation of Hierapolis and where the name comes from is unclear. Some think the name comes from the legendary queen of the Amazons and wife of Telephos Hiera who fought against the Greeks on their first expedition leading the women of Mysia and who was killed by Nireus. Some say it simply means ‘the holy city’ and if spelled ‘Hieropolis’, it would mean ‘the city of the temples’. It had adopted Christianity at an early date probably due to a fair size Jewish community that assisted them. Philip the apostle is said to have lived here and was martyred here too. A martyr ion was erected in commemoration. Upon entering, the first to greet a visitor at Hierapolis is the vast necropolis. It is most likely the largest necropolis in all of Asia Minor. The burial styles change in shape and size from the Hellenistic period till early Christian period. It stretches along the road for 2 km. The tumuli stand out clearly. After the cemetery you are in the city. You can now walk along the main street running through the city in the north-west direction. Past the north bath, starting with the Arch of Domitian, you are on a real Roman main street; the colonnaded street with the public lavatory and all. One needs a long time to visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Roman Theater, the temple of Apollo, Martyr ion of the Apostle Philip, the Roman bath that is now a museum, etc. But when you get tired you can go to the antique pool or soak your feet in to hot water at the travertines. The antique pool is open for the public where you can swim in natural hot water and have tea, coffee or snacks if you wish. The travertine terrace is a must and do not forget to take your camera to take some of the cotton castle home with you.