OUR DESTINATIONS
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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Europe
- Turkey
- Aegean Coast
- Bodrum
- Pamukkale
Pamukkale
Calcium-rich mineral springs surging over the edge of a mountain
plateau for thousands of years has resulted in an intriguing
natural masterpiece. The rock formations of Pamukkale ('Cotton
Castle') are a series of natural shelves and ridges, terraces that
have been turned white from the solidified chalky calcium deposits
left behind as the thermal waters tumble into further basins
clinging to the cliff edge below. From a distance it appears to be
a dazzling white fairytale castle, with a formation of tiers rising
from the ground containing warm water pools. The hot springs have
been used since Roman times to cure certain ailments. On the
plateau is the Pamukkale Thermal enclosing the bubbling 'sacred
pool of the ancients', the main source of the springs creating the
white terraces, and its mineral waters are open for public bathing.
Pamukkale is also the site of the ancient Roman spa-city of
Hierapolis, and there are several ruins scattered about the area,
including an impressive Roman theatre. It was considered a sacred
site for its magic healing waters and was the weekend destination
of kings and emperors of the Pergamum and Roman Empires.
Information & Facts
Language
Turkish is the official language, but English is widely
understood in the main tourist areas.
Money
The official currency is the New Turkish Lira (TRY), which was
introduced on 1 January 2005, whereby six zeros were dropped from
the TL and the sub-unit New Kurush was created. Currency can be
exchanged at banks, exchange booths, post offices, airports and
ferry ports; banks have the worst rates and highest commissions,
but will exchange lesser known foreign currencies. Banks open
mainly Monday to Friday, but some are open daily in tourist areas.
ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas, but
Turkish ATM keypads usually do not have letters of the alphabet on
their keys. Most bank branches have ATMs which accept Cirrus and
Plus. Major credit cards are widely accepted; the most popular are
Visa or MasterCard, but American Express is accepted in many of the
more expensive places. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at some
banks and currency exchange offices, but are not as welcome as cash
or credit cards. US dollars or Euros are preferred. Some pensions
and hotels in the most popular destinations accept US dollars as
payment.
Opening Times
Open daily. The Pamukkale Thermal is open 8am-8pm
(closes 5pm in winter)