Hot air balloons over Pamukkale, Türkiye; the miraculous white thermal springs.

I traveled by boat from a Greek island to Turkey, then took a train to Denizli province in the southwest, where I found the enchanting Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle." I woke up at 5 am to prepare for a hot air balloon ride to greet the sunrise! 🎈 This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its spectacular white travertine terraces and rich ancient ruins. 🏛️ Explore Ancient Treasures: Hierapolis Atop Pamukkale sits the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis. This city boasts well-preserved theaters, baths, temples, and cemeteries, showcasing the splendor of ancient civilization. The ancient theater, capable of holding approximately 15,000 spectators, was a significant entertainment venue at the time. 💧 Immerse Yourself in History at Cleopatra's Pool Legend has it that Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, bathed here, and this ancient hot spring pool remains open to the public today. Ancient stone pillars and ruins are scattered throughout the pool, allowing visitors to soak in the historical atmosphere while enjoying the hot springs. The pool water is approximately 36°C, rich in minerals, and said to have therapeutic effects. 🎟️ Ticket Information (2025) is subject to change! • Pamukkale & Hierapolis Combined Ticket: €30, includes access to the travertine terraces, ancient city ruins, archaeological museum, and Cleopatra Pool. • Cleopatra Pool Admission: Approximately €10 extra for a swim in the ancient hot springs. 🚍 Transportation Guide From Denizli: • Minibus (Dolmuş): From door 76 on the lower level of Denizli Otogar, minibuses depart for Pamukkale every 15-20 minutes. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs approximately 3.50 Turkish Lira. From Istanbul: • By plane: Fly to Denizli Çardak Airport, then take a bus or taxi to Pamukkale (approximately 1 hour). • By train: Take a high-speed train from Istanbul to Eskişehir or Ankara, then transfer to a regional train to Denizli, and finally take a minibus to Pamukkale. 📸 Tips • Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and are ideal for visiting. • Suggested route: Enter from the North Entrance, visit Hierapolis, and then descend along the travertine terraces to the South Entrance to avoid the fatigue of climbing uphill. Whether you are a history buff, a nature photographer, or a traveler seeking relaxation, Pamukkale offers an unforgettable experience. Here, you can stroll among ancient ruins, soak in soothing hot springs, admire the dreamlike white terraced fields, and feel the charm of time passing between eras. #GreatPlacesForDragonBoatFestival