Pamukkale, Western TURKEY

Pamukkale is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Turkey. The big attraction here is a vast white cliff-side with scallop-shaped basins of water and frozen waterfalls. It really looks as if it's made out of snow or cloud or balls of cotton. The scientific explanation is that hot thermal springs pouring down the hillside deposit calcium carbonate, which solidifies as travertine.

Right next to Pamukkale lies the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. The city was founded in 190 B.C. by Eumenes II, king of Pergamon. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries, it reached the height of its development as a Roman thermal bath center. The baths are still full of hot water and you can swim at a whopping tourist ripp-off fee.

Next stop is ancient city of Ephesus, west of Pamukkale.