Hot Air Balloon Rides over Cappadocia

 

There is no doubt that the landscape of Cappadocia is unique. Cave houses and hotels dotted among the lunar rock formations have made it a top holiday destination in Turkey.

 

To fully explore the region on foot would take months. There are many valleys as well as separate towns and outdoor attractions such as the Goreme Open air museum. Indeed, the best way to see Cappadocia is from the air.

 

Hot Air Balloon Rides over Cappadocia

 

The balloons are the biggest attraction of Cappadocia. I remember my previous visits to the region when I would wake up early in the morning and sit on the balcony with a cup of coffee.

 

From there, I could see more than thirty hot air balloons floating across the horizon just as the sun was starting to rise. I could hear the rush of hot air flowing into the balloons and see miniature figures in the basket. One morning, someone even waved at me and shouted hello.

 

The scene is really quite unreal. Just as the sky starts to get rid of the darkness of the night, the hot air balloons come into sight with their colorful balloons and brown wicker baskets.

 

Booking a Ride

 

The balloon trips are certainly not for anyone who is a late riser. It is an early start to be at the takeoff field in time for sunrise. After a short in-flight briefing, it is time to get in the basket and take off for a once in a lifetime experience. Be sure to have the camera or video recorder ready.

 

A hot air balloon is a great platform for viewing the volcanic formations off the landscape. The balloon travels in existing air streams so there is no motion and at times, it is possible to forget that your feet are firmly off the ground.

 

This method of travel was invented in 1776 and the hot air balloons found a home in Cappadocia because the wind streams flowing through the valley are the perfect conditions in which to fly.

 

Rising to around 1000 feet, the pilots will often descend and rise back up again giving the perfect panoramic view of the region. Float over pigeon valley and the Goreme open-air museum, head to see the castle of Uchisar from the sky and finish by floating over the cave hotels of Goreme.

 

Finally, there is no better way to celebrate your first hot air balloon trip, than by indulging in a champagne toast upon landing.

 

Going to Cappadocia and not doing a hot air balloon trip is like going to Paris and by passing the Eiffel tower. Cappadocia is all about hot air balloons and the experience will certainly give you memories for a lifetime.

 

About The Author - By Natalie Sayin

 

Natalie Sayin is blog author for the Turkey Travel Team. Based in Turkey, she has made it her life's ambition to travel to every town, city and village in the country. When not writing, she can often be found in museums, wandering around historical sites or conversing with locals in a disastrous attempt to learn the language. Follow her on Google Plus.