Experiences

Things to Know Before Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia

Hundreds of hot air balloons may be seen in the backdrop, softly ebbing and flowing over valleys, this is the view you will get when you visit Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia. Furthermore, the volcanic "fairy chimney" formations in central Turkey's Cappadocia are possibly what makes the place so beautiful to visit. Travel to Turkey and discover Cappadocia, located around 3 hours to the southeast of Turkey's capital, Ankara, right in the middle of the country.

Hot air ballooning is among the most popular activities over there for several reasons, despite the fact that it is one of the many things to do in Cappadocia. A Cappadocia hot air balloon flight is a once-in-a-lifetime event you should not miss as long as you can afford it. As the sun makes its arc in the sky, altering the hues of the fiery landscape like a rainbow, it provides a mesmerizing view for tourists. It requires meticulous planning while going for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, although it is an amazing experience

Here is the list of tips to know before going to Cappadocia hot air ballooning:

Best Hot Air Balloon Rides In Cappadocia

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01

How to Choose a Hot-air Balloon Tour in Cappadocia?

Hot-air balloon trips in Cappadocia come in a variety of options. The balloon flight above Cappadocia's lunar landscapes is one of the must-do activities when visiting Turkey. You can see the honeycombed hills and volcanic spires from above with this experience. The best thing, though, is that you may book various hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Depending on the features and duration, the cost of each hot air balloon in Cappadocia varies.

Simply put, whatever one you choose will rely on your own choices for flying time, balloon capacity, and price. The cost of each hot air balloon in Cappadocia varies depending on its features and duration. You need to check various aspects before choosing the hot-air balloon tour, like the pilots' skill levels, if they will go into the valley, the location of the launch, how large and how many people fit in each basket, etc.

02

Types of Flights in Cappadocia

Several alternatives are offered by tour companies to suit your preferences.

1. Standard Flight: A standard hot-air balloon journey in Cappadocia lasts 45 to 1 hour, and the baskets utilised are typically designed to accommodate 16, 20, or 24 passengers in addition to the flight captain. Breakfast before the trip, pick-up, and drop-off at your hotel, as well as refreshments, are all included in the cost.

2. Private Flight: Booking a private hot-air ballooning tour for your family or party is the most elegant choice. Private flights typically last 75 minutes, and the basket fits the number of passengers in your group. Standard flights are less expensive but have a higher passenger capacity and shorter duration.

3. Luxurious Flight: Luxurious flights are more expensive but typically carry fewer passengers and remain in the air for longer. The majority of companies also provide private trips for those special occasions.

03

After Landing from Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia

The ground team will pack the balloon for transport while the passengers enjoy a quick snack and beverage at the drop-off point after leaving the balloon. Most balloon companies also provide certificates to customers here, acknowledging the ride. When the balloon is dismantled, the guests board the provided transportation (a minibus or 4WD) and are then driven one by one to their respective hotels.

Depending on where in Cappadocia your accommodation is, the journey from door to door takes around three and four hours. You'll often get back to your accommodation between 8, and 8.30 am because of the early start. You may still enjoy the complimentary breakfast provided by your hotel before getting ready to go sightseeing again for the day, and you have plenty of time to spend another hour or two in bed.

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04

In Flight Experience of Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia

Due to the absence of wildlife, one of the reasons Cappadocia is so well-known for hot air ballooning is that balloons are permitted to drop relatively close to the ground while in flight. This allows you to fully appreciate the region's bizarre nature from both a close-up and afar perspective.

You will occasionally soar up to 900 metres (3,000 feet) during the ride, giving you amazing bird's-eye views of the sinewy valley networks. Sometimes, as you descend, you'll soar over the plateaus covered with orchards and into the valleys themselves.

During the trip, the flying captain will serve as your tour guide and point out geographical landmarks in the area. The company's ground staff will follow you back on the ground while you are in the balloon and accompany the balloon as it lowers to the landing place. The balloon will frequently be able to land straight on the ground crew's trailer on days with ideal weather.

05

What You'll See in Cappadocia?

The most well-known valley networks, Love Valley, Gülludere (Rose) Valley, Kzlçukur (Red) Valley, and Meskendir Valley, which connect the villages of Göreme and avusin, are what you'll often be flying over in the morning. There are times when you will fly over the lesser-known valleys around the town of Ortahisar, which is capped by a rock citadel, or you may cross Pigeon Valley on your way to the hillside village of Uçhisar, which is also topped by a rock citadel. The direction of the wind affects balloon flight trajectories; thus, they cannot be predicted.

However, the excellent wind and thermal conditions in Cappadocia have contributed to the region's growing popularity for hot air ballooning since you will often be flying over some of the region's most picturesque vistas.

06

Booking Your Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia

In Cappadocia, there are about 20 businesses that provide hot air balloon rides. The majority of them have offices in Göreme, Avanos, or Ürgüp. It is recommended to make advance bookings. The most well-liked activity in Cappadocia is hot air ballooning, although guests frequently lose out on a spot since the balloons fill up quickly, especially in the summer.

The majority of customers reserve their balloon flight together with their hotel room. One of the most famous and well-established balloon operators is Butterfly Balloons in Göreme.

Their regular flights have a maximum passenger capacity of 16 and a minimum duration of one hour. Their more expensive airfare ensures a minimum 90-minute flight time and a basket that can only fit up to 12 passengers. Another well-known balloon company in Avanos is Voyager Balloons, whose normal flights are similarly promised to last at least an hour. However, they employ larger baskets, which may accommodate up to 24 passengers on a standard flight.

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07

What to Wear While Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia?

You can put on closed, flat shoes while going for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. You'll have to get into and out of the basket, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Flip-flops are inappropriate for this sport, and high heels are absolutely out of the question. Bring a jersey, jacket, or other warm clothes to put over your shoulders, even at the peak of summer.

This is because you will quite certainly spend some time outside watching the balloon inflate in the cold early mornings of Cappadocia. This is among the few important points to keep in mind.

Read More: What to Wear While Hot Air Ballooning

08

Watching The Balloons From The Grounds of Cappadocia

Getting up early to see the balloons soaring above the valley is especially noteworthy if you're staying in Cappadocia for a few nights. The finest location to view this extravaganza is Göreme. The terraces of several of Göreme's boutique cave-hotels, cut into the mountainside, offer views that span the village to the Red and Rose Valleys. If your hotel doesn't offer a valley view, there is a viewpoint called "Sunset View Point" on the cliff ridge above the community.

Views of the major valley network and Uçhisar's rock castle can be seen from here as well as across the hamlet to the opposite side of the settlement. Watching the balloons in the morning is a fantastic experience. The café next to this site collects a reasonable fee from those who wish to observe balloons in the early morning hours. Entry is free for the rest of the day.

09

Planning Your Stay in Cappadocia

It is impossible to reach Cappadocia from Istanbul or a beach resort base for hot air ballooning in one day, contrary to what several tourists wrongly think. If you want to sail high in the air in a hot air balloon, you will have to spend at least a night before your journey because hot air ballooning takes place before dawn.

Though some travellers may remain for only one night, most who plan this quick tour and tack it onto their vacation regret not staying longer. The region's remarkable Byzantine ruins of subterranean towns, cave churches, and monasteries, as well as its wild and peculiar landscape, might keep you engaged for weeks. Hot air ballooning is only one small aspect of Cappadocia's appeal. Consider staying a few nights so you may at least check out some of the tourist sites in this area while going for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.

10

Getting to Cappadocia

Nev?ehir Kapadokya Airport, located 29 kilometres northwest of Nev?ehir city, is one of the two airports in the Cappadocia area. The distance from the airport to Göreme, the main tourist destination in Cappadocia, is only 38 kilometres. However, there are more flight alternatives to and from Kayseri Airport, located in the city of Kayseri, 75 kilometres to the east of Göreme. Both airports provide airport shuttle service to the Cappadocia villages. Both airports have car rental options.

The main thoroughfares of Cappadocia are well-maintained and properly marked. Nev?ehir Bus Station serves as the usual point of disembarkation for passengers going by bus throughout the nation to Cappadocia. Regular direct buses run from Istanbul and Ankara, as well as prominent tourist destinations like Denizli (the city closest to Pamukkale), Konya, and coastal resort towns like Fethiye, Antalya, and Bodrum. Many buses make their last stop in Nev?ehir; however, others carry on to the Göreme bus station. Regular minibuses go to Göreme, Avanos, and Ürgüp from Nev?ehir Bus Station.

11

Prepare for Unpredictable Weather of Cappadocia

Flights in hot air balloons are subject to weather cancellation. Many companies can assist you in rescheduling or provide you with a complete refund in that case. You can consider staying a few days in Cappadocia so you can reschedule if something occurs while going for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. Weather conditions are among the most important points to keep in mind while booking your hot air balloon tour tickets.

12

Where to Stay in Cappadocia?

The region connecting the Cappadocian villages of Göreme, Uçhisar, and Ortahisar, as well as the little towns of Ürgüp and Avanos, forms a rough triangle that serves as the region's tourism hub. This region has the most well-known Byzantine rock churches in Cappadocia, as well as the valleys of fairy chimney rock formations that hot air balloons soar over. It doesn't matter which village or town you choose to stay in because all hot air balloon operators will pick up visitors from any hotel in the Cappadocia village region and take them on balloon rides.

The centre of the tourism industry, with the largest selection of hotels, is the hamlet of Göreme, which is also situated on the valleys' edges. Uçhisar is built around a rock fortress and offers beautiful views of the valley as well. Ortahisar feels more like a typical village. Both Ürgüp and Avanos have small-town amenities, including banks, a café scene, and decent-sized supermarkets if you desire other facilities.

13

Cancellation of Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia

Although ballooning is a year-round sport, weather conditions or severe winds may cause balloons to be grounded for safety concerns, which is obviously impossible to plan for. Balloon cancellations often occur during the early spring and winter seasons, although they can also occur occasionally during the busiest summer months.

In the event of a balloon grounding, the balloon businesses give whole flight refunds or, if feasible, they will upgrade you to the trip the following day. Be warned, however, that this latter option is becoming less readily accessible as hot air ballooning gains popularity, as balloons are frequently completely booked. This is also among the few points to keep in mind when booking your ride.

14

Best Season to Fly in the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons

While Cappadocia is a beautiful sight in the summer, it only gets prettier as the winter wears on. It is a magical sight and something out of a fantasy world when it snows in Cappadocia. Although the flights are a little more erratic in the winter owing to the weather, You might definitely contemplate going back even though you went in the summer.

In Cappadocia, April to October is the best time for hot air ballooning because of the mild evenings, clear skies, and chilly air. Even if the weather is a little more changeable in February, you will have the opportunity to fly over snow, which would be an unforgettable experience

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15

How Long Is the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight?

Despite the procedure taking many hours, the flight is only 60 minutes long. Your first step is to be picked up from your hotel and driven to the check-in location, where you will be given a little breakfast and coffee at 4:30 am. After that, you will travel in a minivan to the launch area, arriving about thirty minutes before daybreak.

You will land in the valley after the 60-minute trip, enjoy a drink of champagne and some appetisers, and then pack everything. Around 7 am, you will be brought back to the motel.

16

Best Tips For A Seamless Ballooning Experience

Timing and flexibility are crucial, and experience has shown that planning a few backup flying days is always a smart idea because ballooning flights are so weather-dependent. Booking a balloon tour early on in a trip is advised to provide the most flexibility if you need to reschedule. Either it will be a morning adventure or a dusk adventure.

The ideal ballooning conditions frequently occur several hours after sunrise or before twilight since winds are calmer during those times. Your morning will be jolted out of bed with a balloon trip. It is suggested that you have a full night's rest. You will be flying with the wind, so there won't be any wind factor, and the temperature in your flying air balloon will be quite close to the temperature on the ground that morning.

Dressing in layers is advised that you can remove when you warm up in the morning, which is the best way to prepare for the day. Get ready to meet the other visitors you will be travelling with. Including the pilot, commercial hot air balloons normally carry six to eight passengers. The whole journey will be spent standing. If you can handle a car ride, hot air ballooning should be no problem. You won't even notice the balloon moving because the elevation changes are mild and seamless, and you'll be captivated by the view.

17

The Best Time For Hot Air Ballooning In Cappadocia

In Cappadocia, the flying season for hot air balloons lasts the entire year, from January to December. You are welcome to travel to Cappadocia at any time of the year. The finest time of year is from April to November since these months have the most pleasant weather. The majority of cancelled balloon tours occur between December and April because the wind becomes more intense at the end of the fall and the beginning of spring.

Winter ballooning has a lesser chance of flying, but it may still be insanely beautiful. Usually, the air is cleaner, and visibility is significantly increased (up to 100 km visibility is often possible). The absence of trees makes it simpler to see animals.

The chilly weather, which may dip below zero, especially in January and February, is the only concern throughout the winter. The weather plays a vital role if you have to plan such an activity. The early morning is the best time for you if you're still unsure about the optimum time of day to go hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. It is a visual pleasure to see the dawn in front of you and the amazing rock formations below you.

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18

Quick Facts About Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons

With 250 flying days, Cappadocia has a ballooning season that lasts practically all year round, as compared to Europe's 60-day season. A winter hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is an additional travel option to the summer and spring tours. An amazing sight is the chimney stacks blanketed in snow.

Tourists adore the stunning chimney-pot rock formations in Cappadocia, located in central Turkey. These structures look like a view from a science-fiction film. While there are many alternative ways to enjoy the country, flying in a hot air balloon is probably the finest way to do it.

In Cappadocia, there are typically 50 extra hot air balloon flights an hour after the first 100 journeys that leave before sunrise each day. Each day, over 2,000 people fly above Cappadocia.

Even though there are several balloons that launch from this place every day, you may need to reserve your Cappadocia hot air balloon vacation weeks or even months in advance.

The ideal time to explore a hot air balloon trip is between April and November when the weather is perfect with moderate winds and pleasant temperatures. From December to March, on the other hand, there are a lot of balloon trip cancellations.

In Cappadocia, the majority of hot air balloon rides last for around an hour, while some last up to 1 1/2 hours.

16 people can fit in certain balloons; some may hold more.

Since baskets can soar up to 3,000 feet in the air, balloon rides are not recommended for individuals who are scared of heights. Additionally, they are capable of travelling at up to 13 mph.

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Cappadocia Cave Dwellings

Located in the Anatolian part of Turkey, the Cappadocia region is famous for its showcase of the ancient civilizations from thousands of years ago that are seen in carved houses and churches within the earth pillars. These cave dwellings are constructed on the foot of the mountains by cutting through rocks and stones. These cave houses are fundamentally old houses that were carved by people who lived here ages ago and which served as living and work spaces as well as religious buildings such as monasteries and churches. Embark on a memorable journey to Cappadocia as part of your Turkey vacation package, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of ancient civilizations and marveling at the remarkable cave dwellings carved into the earth pillars.It is said that about 30 million years ago there were three volcanic eruptions from the Erciyes, Hasan, and Melendiz Daðlari and the volcanic tufa that was accumulated led people from ancient times to build dwellings into them. These were very soft materials and thus building into them was easy. Moreover, they made for comfortable housing which was warm in winter, and cool in summer, and also served as a good hideout in wartimes. Today you can find several of these dwellings with murals from the Hittite Empire and the Neo-Hittite period. You can also witness some high standards of building techniques with several military tunnels as well as artistic features such as religious paintings on the walls.