One of the reasons that Cappadocia is so iconic and a must-see destination is the hot air balloon rides Cappadocia offers. The views of the fairy chimney valleys can be enjoyed to the maximum, cruising in a hot air balloon.
Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia don’t have a season. The rides can happen all year round from January to December. Still, weather conditions have an effect on the rides. Most cancellations due to weather happen between December and April. They are usually caused by strong winds. Still, when it is possible, the most incredible views can be captured during winter. Snow covered fairy chimneys are quite the sight to behold from up on a hot air balloon. If you are planning to take a hot air balloon trip in the winter, take caution with your clothing. Cappadocia itself has a rougher winter than many seaside regions of Turkey, and going up in the air makes it even colder. It is best to dress accordingly and make sure to bring clothes that will protect you from temperatures dropping below freezing.
Cappadocia’s balloon rides are not dangerous, but they are not completely without their risks either. Cappadocia is getting more popular and the sky is getting crowded with hot air balloons, which increases the chance of collisions. Still it is a highly unlilely to occur. The local companies have pilots who are properly educated. In accordance to a new law, when the weather forecast shows elevated risks for hot air balloon rides, all companies are required to stop their flights, which was at company discretion before.
Cappadocia’s hot air balloon rides’ costs change from firm to firm, and it is possible to find cheap hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia. It all depends on what you would like to have in your balloon ride package. The rides start from $200 for a basic flight service. If you’d like to get pampered with tours that include special Turkish meals, drinks and sightseeing opportunities, the price may go up to $250 and more. The important thing is the fact that a hot air balloon ride is a once in a lifetime experience that is worth every penny.
There are many different companies for hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, so it is easy to find something that goes well with what you’d like to experience, and your budget. Here are some of the best options to have some unforgettable memories on a hot air balloon.
Turista Travel offers a variety of services such as pick up from your hotel, hot drinks and snacks before taking off and champagne after landing. You share the basket with 15-20 other people and enjoy the views from 3000 feet above ground. Their experienced pilots ensure that your safety and comfort is their top priority. After about an hour of floating above the beautiful Cappadocian scenery and safely landing, the visitors enjoy their complimentary champagne while receiving their certificate. Then the experience ends with free drop off at their hotels.
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Butterfly Balloons’ deal comes with free pickup and drop off service, breakfast before taking off and champagne after landing. The company also prides themselves with having the most leg room among all the balloon ride companies. Butterfly balloons have the balloon divided into four parts, each part having a maximum of four people. They also change the take off point according to the weather and always try to find the optimum location for that day’s wind and weather conditions. They also offer free certificates, postcards and insurance.
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Royal Balloon Cappadocia offers its customers the services of pick up and drop off, along with a certificate and insurance. They also offer a catered breakfast while their pilot is picking a spot to take off from. Royal Balloon company takes its pride from being the only company on site that has silver coated Lindstrand Balloons, known for their quality and safety. Royal Balloon also offers a champagne toast after landing like the the other companies and they give their participants silver medals instead of certificates.
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Ephesus tours attracts customers who would like to experience luxury during their hot air balloon ride. They include hotel transfer, celebratory champagne and insurance in their services like the rest of the companies, along with a warm breakfast at their headquarters. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the view.
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Along with the insurance, pick up/drop off service, breakfast and cake, Enkatravel’s services include commentary about the geography as you enjoy the views floating in the sky. The company also prides itself in the fact all their pilots have at least 2500 to 3000 hour flight experience along with the proper certificates. The maximum number of people on a flight is 16 people with Enkatravel.
Enkatravel also offers hot air balloon rides followed by a day tour of Cappadocia. This tour includes a full day tour of Cappadocia stopping at the most visit-worthy spots in Capadocia, such as Devrent Valley, Monks Valley, and Göreme Open Air Museum. With these tour, you can experience the different aspects of Cappadocia, from the natural beauty of fairy chimneys to the history that left behind by monks that went into hiding here. Another part of this spectacular experience is a pottery class that teaches you the ancient techniques of this land.
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Cappadocia’s Balloon Festival is a magical event where balloons with fun shapes in numbers as high as 150 take off at the same time and make a visual show. In the evening, the balloon shows include synchonized light and music to blow visitors’ minds. The visitors can either choose to go on a hot air balloon or stay on the ground to watch them float. Between shows, there are free concerts and folklore dances from Turkey and neighbour countries to make sure there is never a dull moment.
Özge Erdem
Özge’s career goals changed big time during the third year of her major, when she realized she had no wish to be a chemical engineer. After traveling Asia and doing various nomadic jobs, she settled back in Turkey to start her dream job of building websites and copy-writing with her high school friend.
