November 26: Pamukalle

We had an awesome morning as we first visited Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. before literally dipping our toes into the thermal pools of Pamukalle.  The highlights from Hierapolis were definitely the entry gate along with the spectacular theater.  The theater, like the one in Myra, was immense although the one at this site was even more well preserved and a great architectural marvel. The pools at Pamukkale provided a ton of outstanding photo opps and we took full advantage.  We even took a full body dip in a secluded area — warm, relaxing and super cool.  I also paid $100 Turkish lira to swim in a larger pool that was built over the ruins — I actually waded over Roman columns – super cool. 

Accommodations: A+++++ (Doga Thermal Health & Spa)

We decided to treat ourselves by splurging on a 5 star hotel in Turkey.  The Doga Thermal Health & Spa didn’t disappoint with an incredible room with its own thermal tub.  The outdoor pool was amazing — went from the extremely warm thermal pool to the cool standard one.  We scheduled a workout at 5:30; sauna & steam at 6:30; and topped it off with a massage at 8.  Wow — it’s a long way from the $18 room that we stayed at in Marmaris.  The Turkish Bath and oil massage were memorable— I felt like a baby getting a bath during the first half hour.  After the initial shock, I got used to the fact that I was getting so pampered.