Hierapolis site

WOW, don't miss this site if you come to Turkey, located near the city of Delizli. From Delizli catch a minibus from the Santral Garaji (Bus depot) for 2 tyl towards Pamukkale. Pamukkale is the town at the base of the white limestone cliffs. When you are on the minibus you can get dropped off at the far entrance to Hierapolis, you 'leave' town and head up the hills, about 5 min out there is an entrance you can get dropped at. Entry fee id five tyl.

Note: if you want to take your time there is camping for motorhomes and trailers and many reasonably priced pensions in Pamukkale. Pensions advertised 35tyl, but thats just a ballpark, on average I've been saving 25-50% off the price quoted when I walked in the door. Start walking out and you might save 10tyl, anymore you have to workout for yourself.

This is one of the most magical places I've ever been. It has amazing ruins, a wonderfully preserved theatre and the most fantastic white limestone cliffs white hotsprings flowing down these beautiful terrace pools.

It's no wonder this place was chosen to house many splendid sites and tombs of the prominent figures of the time. One really beautiful ruin was a 2nd centry AD church!

I would say in terms of comparing it to other places I've been, it certainly matches the Acropolis in Athens and has a feel of Yellowstone National Park to it too.

Most of the hotsprings are viewable only, but there is one place reserved to take off your shoes and socks or clothes (no, it wasnt me this time) and enjoy the warm waters of the hotsprings.

Its the last day of 2006 and I was wading around knee deep in the Cotton Castles pools. This is a must see experience, high up on white cliffs in warm water looking down on the world (cue sinister laugh here if appropriate).

I'm heading to another site with massive history tonight, Ephesus... The bus from Delizli to Selcuk is about three hours and 14 tyl, leaving at 1800.

Ok I think that is it, I got lots of great photos today, four include me in some way. A shadow, my foot in the spring, and two that another tourist took of me in the springs. Will upload soonest, don't know when that will be.

I hear there is more of my family reading now too... Rod, go to Turkey, I know travel agents who can hook you up on stuff in country. But wait until summer or early fall! It gets a tad chilly here, even for a transplanted BC/ONT guy.