One of the top tourist attractions in Cappadocia, Turkey, is undoubtedly the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride over this magical landscape. It offers an unforgettable view of the entire region. As you lift off at sunrise, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning panorama below – fairy chimneys, orchards, and vineyards.
The standard flight lasts about an hour, and upon landing, you’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast and a celebratory toast. At approximately 150 euros, it’s worth every cent.
At least, that’s what I’ve heard…
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon
And What Happened to me
Keep in mind that each balloon can carry up to 20 people per flight. Even though many balloons take off at sunrise, this experience is incredibly popular, especially among American and Japanese tourists.
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When I visited, I tried for five days to get a spot on one of these rides. Despite dozens of balloons lifting off every morning, there wasn’t a single seat available! Several agencies told me that rides were fully booked in advance by groups from the US and Japan.
So here is a link to one of the tours with breakfast included and beautiful sunrise views. If you would rather take a camel ride and watch the balloons from afar, this lovely safari is another great option. I probably don’t have to say it twice since it’s crucial to book in advance.
Assuming there are now more agencies offering Cappadocia hot air balloon rides than when I was there, here’s a simple piece of advice: if you know when you’ll be in Cappadocia, book your balloon ride well ahead of time (see the links above). Otherwise, you might find yourself on the ground, photographing them from afar – just like I did that last morning, watching from my bus seat as we left for Syria. What a farewell!
But next time…
The End
The full Cappadocia SERIES
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5 responses
Oh no! That’s sad. But worth knowing. Thanks for the heads-up. I’m definitely intending to visit Cappadocia, and a balloon ride is one of the must-do things there.
It is, that’s why I’ll go back some day! 😉
That looks like a wonderful place! I will now put it in my bucket list. It’s a shame that you were not able to ride one during your stay. And thank you for the advice. I’ll take note of that.
It gives me a reason to go back, and I kind of like that. 😀 Glad I could have helped with a tip or two. Thanks!