Hierapolis & Pamukkale

Turkey is nearly twice the size of California, and we’re only covering a small part on our tour, but most days have required a 2-3 hour drive between major sites. Today’s destination was another ancient city—Hierapolis—alongside the terraced thermal pools of Pamukkale.

Hierapolis was a spa town in Roman times as early as 2nd century BC. But long before that, it was mythologized as a gateway to the underworld due to gases emanating from a cave located there. On the cave site now is a replica statue of Hades with his dog and snakes seated at the entrance of the cave along “the River Styx.”

We saw well-preserved and partially restored ruins of baths, temples and other Greek monuments. Most impressive is the recent restoration (2009-2013) of the 10,000-seat theater.

From the archaeological site, we were given time to explore the blue waters and limestone formations of Pamukkale. The water was just lukewarm where we waded in, along with hundreds of other visitors, many from Turkey.

Apparently our day is not complete without another visit to a sales showroom. We did get to watch how onyx is carved using a type of lathe. Before returning to our hotel, the two of us wandered the promenade and winding streets of Kuşadası along the Aegean Sea.Read more