Balloon Rides in Cappadocia

It is no secret that one of the highlights of Cappadocia is hot air ballooning, in fact it has been a tradition since 1991. Here travelers are attracted by the magnificent views of valleys, mountains, rock formations and fairy chimneys. In addition, most are scheduled at sunrise, allowing you to enjoy a tranquil perspective with soft light and warm colors.

Although less in demand, there are also sunset flights with displays of the golden and reddish tones that characterize the region. During this type of experience you can take unforgettable photographs, enjoy a Turkish breakfast or discover interesting stories. It is advisable to do it with a reliable agency, to get an optimized route and feel safe. Keep in mind that some areas are cheaper and less touristic, but still worthwhile.

An excellent option to enjoy Cappadocia without worries is a balloon flight over the most exotic plains. This type of experience takes you on a scenic journey of about an hour, with the comforting company of an expert pilot and the possibility of obtaining a certificate of participation. Be prepared to discover the magical fairy chimneys from another angle, as well as be dazzled by the excavated churches.

Note that it usually starts at dawn and is completely worth it, as the scenery will be clear. Without a doubt, you will create a connection with nature and the best thing is that you will be able to stay 300 meters above the ground. Another thing I like about these activities is that they can include a nutritious Turkish breakfast, with snacks and traditional tea. To bring the adrenaline down, you're likely to be offered a bubbly glass of champagne.

Although the chimneys are a sight to behold from the balloon, you can complement the experience by booking a quad bike tour to see them from the inside, or even stay in the hotels built over the excavated caves.

Details of interest

• Price: from 115 € per person.
• Duration: the whole experience takes about three hours, although the flight itself takes about an hour.
• Means of transportation: it usually includes round-trip transportation, something very important considering that it is difficult to find public transportation.
• Advantages of this option: breakfast with Turkish tea may be offered. In addition, children as young as 4 years old are usually allowed.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users or travelers with health problems.

Although most flights share similarities, you will discover that each experience is unique. Joining an activity designed just for your group can be fun. On board you will find the ideal conditions to relax and listen better to the pilot, who often provides informative commentary on the sights and history of ballooning in the region.

As these are more private encounters, you may be able to customize them to your liking, choosing the valleys to visit. One of the most interesting is the Soganli Valley, which is among the least known and is considered a real local treasure. It is also one of the most romantic places, so the experience can be an option for couples looking for a quiet getaway without tourists.

Specifically, you will see the wonderful rock carved churches that are a work of nature and its first settlers. As such, you'll be immersed in their history and even be tempted to take an off-road jeep ride to tour their rugged trails from another perspective.

Details of interest

• Price: from 108 € per person, generally flights through the Soganli Valley are cheaper in November.
• Duration: you will have to spend about three hours (counting transfers), however the usual flight time is one hour.
• Means of transportation: usually includes round-trip transfers.
• Advantages of this option: only your group will participate.
• Disadvantages of this option: in the rainy season it is likely that the flight will be rescheduled or cancelled.

Portrait photography is very important for some tourists visiting Cappadocia, if this is your case I recommend you to book it in advance. There are different ways to get the best pictures, so there are no excuses. As a first option, you can hire a balloon flight that includes photographs and videos of the experience, by a professional photographer. In most experiences you will have about an hour, that is, a sufficient window of time to capture a good shot.

It is an investment so I recommend staying in the corners, where you get cleaner shots. On the other hand, for a more touristy shot, the best thing to do is to hire props and costumes and the services of a professional photographer. This way, you will be immortalized in the highest part of the valleys, with the balloons strutting in the background. Nor can you miss the classic photograph with the flying dress, which is very popular in the region.

For those who prefer to stay on land, there are not only photo sessions, but also other experiences such as balloon watching tours and the possibility of booking a dinner with traditional show in a cave restaurant in the middle of the valleys.

Details of interest

• Price: flights with sessions included can be found from 190 € per person, while there are sessions on land from 30 € per person or 190 € per group, all depending on the number of photographs and type of experience.
• Duration: about two hours.
• Means of transportation: transfers can be included, which brings comfort and tranquility to the experience.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to obtain edited photographs of your ballooning experience in the region.
• Disadvantages of this option: it runs out quickly.

If the whole family is planning to visit Cappadocia, then it's time to look for an experience where everyone can participate. The advantage is that there are flights for large groups, where you can make sure that no one misses out on this special moment. For safety reasons, some include a limit of 14 or 20 people and there may also be weight restrictions.

However, the region is prepared to receive all kinds of tourists and it is possible to find cabins for between 60 and 100 people, which are more spacious and completely safe. The main advantage is that you will be able to share expenses and therefore the flight will be more economical. In addition, the itineraries are complete and take you through the most enchanting landscapes.

In general, you will be able to see Göreme village from the heights and venture on a tour flying over the Ihlara valley. You will see the main archaeological sites, valleys full of charm, fairy chimneys and the light colors of the sunrise.

Details of interest

• Price: from 65 € per person.
• Duration: between 30 and 75 minutes.
• Means of transport: transfers are usually included.
• Advantages of this option: generally these experiences are in high demand, since regardless of the weather the activity can be done safely. This is because they can fly through any of the valleys of Cappadocia, which reduces the likelihood of last minute cancellations.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include photographs, although there are usually photographers in the surrounding area who will offer packages for an external cost.

When you arrive in Cappadocia you will mostly hear about sunrise flights, as they are the most popular and easiest to do. In the afternoon there are also experiences that soar through the Turkish skies, but they are more exclusive and difficult to find. This is because the wind current is not always favorable at this time, so you won't know what to expect.

In any case, it is worth a try because there is a vibrant, but at the same time relaxing atmosphere in the valleys. You'll feel refreshed with the sunset bathing the curves of the chimneys, with all the golden hues that stand out in the photographs. However, you probably won't see as many balloons around, something to consider before making a decision.

If you are looking forward to flying at sunset, I would recommend you to complement the experience with another activity, to make the evening more interesting and have a plan B in case the weather is not favorable. A good option could be to hire a Dervish whirling show. This type of cultural representations are performed in special corners of this sacred land with visual arts, typical costumes and gyratory dances.

Another option is to book a camel ride, they are usually wonderful in the afternoon and allow you to see in the background the hot air balloons floating over the valleys of Cappadocia.

Details of interest

• Price: from 180 € perperson.
• Duration: about one hour flight.
• Means of transport: most of these experiences include transfers.
• Advantages of this option: the atmosphere in the afternoon is more relaxed, as there are fewer tourists, especially in low season.
• Disadvantages of this option: if it is very windy, the flight may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Cappadocia is a place known for its balloon flights, so there are many ways to book the experience. Even if you forget to do it in advance, you can find options in and around the hotel.

However, to enjoy the most attractive prices and guarantee the experience of your choice, it is advisable to book the balloon flight online through a reliable agency. Generally, you will only have to follow these steps:

• First step: select the date and number of participants, to check availability.
• Second step: enter your personal information.
• Third step: choose the language of your preference.
• Fourth step: add the pick-up information (if included), you must be very specific about the address of the hotel or accommodation. If you do not plan where to stay you can provide this information later.
• Fifth step: confirm the contact information where the reservation details will arrive, make the payment and get ready to enjoy the experience.

Arriving in Cappadocia you will feel like you are in another dimension, its beauty is inexplicable and it is difficult to know where to start. Balloon flights offer a panoramic glimpse of the most emblematic locations, it all depends on the chosen route. Among the most popular are:

• Valley of the Roses, one of the best places to appreciate the fairy chimneys and noted for the thousands of rose bushes on the banks of the Dades River.
• Red Valley, the contrast of its reddish sand with the rays of sunrise and sunset, is simply spectacular.
• Valley of Love, is one of the most visited and is an archaeological site millions of years old.
• Valley of the Monks, you will be fascinated by its natural monuments sculpted in lava and ash, it also collects stories of the ancient monks who hid in its caves during the invasions.
• Valley of the Pigeons, one of its outstanding features is that you can see different types of birds, hence its name.
• Imagination Valley, it is little known but it keeps ancestral stories and dreamy landscapes.
• Castle of Uçhisar, view the highest point of Cappadocia and delight yourself with the beauty of an authentic Turkish fortress.
• Göreme village, this place is known as the Open Air Museum, which is a spectacle from the heights.

• Be prepared to start your day very early, organize your itinerary around this time, as most flights leave at sunrise and pick-up can be around 3:00 or 4:00.
• Schedule your trip between April and November, as these are considered the best months for flying. Something indispensable considering that this activity needs good weather conditions.
• Book the balloon flight in Cappadocia with a reliable agency, to avoid bad moments and guarantee your safety.
• Take extra precautions if you are traveling with children, bring everything they need to feel comfortable and consider that some companies have age restrictions.
• Keep in mind that the flight time window is usually one hour, which can be a nightmare for people with vertigo or fear of heights.
• Most experiences include transfers, which is best since there are areas in Cappadocia that are only accessible by car.

Cappadocia is one of the best places in the world for ballooning, probably because of its landscapes, reasonable prices, variety of locations for the activity and other factors that result in an unforgettable experience. Additionally, the landing is quite comfortable, unlike other cities where they are a little more abrupt and uncomfortable.

Moreover, the fairy chimneys are only scattered in this region, making it an unrepeatable scenic trip. This type of activities also usually offers Turkish breakfasts, photo shoots and private flights.

Another alternative to realize the dream of climbing a balloon in Turkey is to travel to Pamukkale, as in this region there are fewer tourists and affordable prices. However, you must add the expenses involved in the trip of almost 5 hours by plane and the planning of every detail. In any case, you can join the best tours and excursions from Cappadocia that can give you this experience with all the necessary comforts.

The valleys of Cappadocia are worth touring both on the ground and from the heights. Most travelers prioritize a balloon flight, as it is a luxury experience designed for adventurous spirits. Some of the advantages of flying are:

• Getting an unparalleled perspective of Cappadocia, with surreal landscapes and glimpses of the terraces, archaeological areas and fairy chimneys.
• Take advantage of the best place to see the sunrise, as you will have privileged views.
• Take impressive pictures of the most beautiful locations.
• Avoid walking and get to know in the shortest time possible, allowing you to optimize your itinerary to enjoy other activities, such as booking a traditional Turkish bath.
• Enjoy the feeling of freedom in a safe way and live a once in a lifetime experience.