Cappadocia is one of the best places (if not the best place) to take a hot air balloon ride thanks to the surrealistic landscape made out of unique rock formations. The balloons will gently fly between Pigeon houses and fairy chimneys, above vineyards and old cave villages overlooking the otherworldly scenery. I could not miss the opportunity to have this enchanting once-in-lifetime experience. So, here is exactly what you can expect from ballooning in Cappadocia!
On my first morning in Cappadocia I woke up at 4 a.m. and to my surprise I was wide awake when my alarm went off. I knew that today would be a highlight in my travels through Turkey. Excited would have been an understatement!
A shuttle bus took us to the office of Voyager Balloons in Göreme. After a quick breakfast, the eight of us and the crew hopped on a minibus and we made our way to Cappadocia.
Up, Up & Away
After watching one after another balloon lighting up and lifting in the sky, I was eager to step into the basket myself. Finally, it was our turn. The excitement started to build up again. We quickly climbed into the basket, got some safety instructions from our pilot and we were ready to take off.
Our balloon was lifting gently off the ground. The tranquility when flying in a hot air ballon over Cappadocia is hard to describe. Everything was calm and the only noise that you could hear was the sound of fire that took as up in the sky.
We rose gently higher and higher and I was awe-strucked. I had the biggest smile on my face. My eyes were wide as I tried to take in all the beauty that surrounded us. My boyfriend can assure you that I was as excited as a little kid on Christmas.
Lifting hundreds of meters surrounding by countless balloons while the color of the sky kept on changing was as magical as as it sounds. I couldn’t felt more relaxed while the balloon smoothly flew above the bizarre looking valleys.
Anyone that knows me, is aware of the fact that I am quite scared of heights. Naturally, I was a little nervous before flying the balloon, but the whole ride was serene and calm. Although I have to admit that it was a little daunting at about 800 meters over the ground. However, the stunning view made immediately up for that.
When looking down, everything resembled the terrain of another planet. You could see incredible rock formations, valleys filled with “fairy chimneys” that Cappadocia is known for and old villages with empty caves. This landscape is otherworldly!
We flew over an hour until it was time to wake up from this dreamy moment. Our pilot landed smoothly on the ground. The tradition says to have a celebratory glass of champagne after a successful hot air balloon flight. Cheers to one of the most memorable and enchanting travel experiences of my life!!
When you’re traveling to Cappadocia, taking a hot air balloon ride is mandatory! I flew with Voyager Balloons and had a great experience with them! The entire organization and the flight itself were professional. In addition, you receive breakfast beforehand, a flight certificate, flight insurance and champagne (who can say no to champagne?).
Thank you to Voyager Balloons for this incredible experience! The opinions expressed on this blog are always my own.