Hot Air Balloon Tours from Cappadocia Turkey

Hot Air Balloon Tour in Turkey - Short Ride -- A leisurely balloon ride is a fantastic way to see and appreciate the gorgeous Cappadocia region of Turkey. Your balloon will take you on the ride of a lifetime as you drift effortlessly over unique rock formations and fertile valleys, all amid the dramatic volcanic landscape that helped to form the region over two million years ago.

In a hot air balloon there is no sense of motion. The balloon is a part of the airstream in which it travels. You come to earth gently, being guided by our expert national and international pilots; your mind and camera bursting with images that will last a lifetime.

Come to Cappadocia and experience some warm Turkish hospitality.

Just before sunrise, experienced pilots will monitor the weather and determine the appropriate land for flight. Pickup is from your hotel/hostel in a luxury vehicle; either a Mercedes Sprinter or Vito. You will arrive at the launch site in the early morning and while the crew begins the balloon inflation process, you will enjoy a Turkish style breakfast or brunch. Shortly after the meal, your flight will begin.

Go where the wind takes you on this tour! After takeoff, you will rise up about 1000 feet in the air to experience the sunrise and exquisite aerial views of Cappadocia. Then you will gently descend over valleys and caves as the wind current dictates, allowing you to take photographs or videos of your ride. The crew is happy to take pictures of you in the balloon as well, so don't forget to load up on film in preparation for your trip! Your flight time will be approximately one hour. When your pilot identifies an appropriate landing site, you will begin the smooth descent towards the ground where you will meet the experienced ground crew.

Upon arrival and after packing up the balloon, you will participate in a champagne toast and will receive your certificate of completion. After the festivities, you will be transported back to your hotel. The entire experience lasts about 3-4 hours, so you will still have the rest of the day to enjoy the numerous attractions of Cappadocia.

Cappadocia

The ancient region of Cappadocia lies in central Anatolia, between the cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri and Nigde. Here is where you will find one of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Three million years ago, the violent eruptions of the volcanoes Mt. Erciyes and Mt. Hasan covered the surrounding plateau with tuff, which has eroded over time from wind and weather. This caused hundreds of strangely shaped pillars and conical rock formations called "fairy chimneys" to form around the area. These cones can be seen in varying shades and add character to the gorgeous scenery.

Since the most ancient of times, men have hollowed out troglodyte dwellings in this soft rock and here, at the dawn of Christianity, the early Christians made countless chapels and monasteries with over 600 existing cave churches scattered through the valleys. The artistic style of the churches can best be categorized as 8th and 9th century iconoclastic and 10th to 13th century religious imagery. The former utilizes rich red earth tones and simple geometric motifs while the latter uses plaster to depict the lives of Christ and various saints.

Also in this region are a number of underground cities which were once used by Christians as places to retreat to and live in until danger from their enemies had passed. These cities were considered to be well-hidden and safe. There were rooms for grain storage, stables, sleeping chambers, kitchens and air shafts. Today they are well-lit and, therefore, easily viewed on your tour.

Goreme is an important area for shopping, with its wonderful carpets and kilims, onyx souvenirs, and fine local wines. It is also a wonderful region for trekking and photo-safaris. The scenery is breathtaking in all four seasons.

Please Note:
--The pick up and drop off times vary depending on seasonal and climatic conditions.

Hotel/Hostel pick ups are included from select Cappadocia hotels. Child rates apply to ages 6 to 12. Children under the age of 6 ride free. Rates are in US Dollars and include all taxes. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-317-3570.