Hot Air Balloon Tour in Turkey - Standard Ride

Hot Air Balloon Tour in Turkey - Standard Ride -- A balloon provides you with a priveleged platform from which to observe the splendour that is Cappadocia. Imagine as you effortlesly drift over unique rock formations & richly fertile valleys, all set against the dramatic volcanic landscape that formed 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, flown by our expert national and international pilots; your mind and camera bursting with images that will last a lifetime.
Whether adventurous or merely curious this is a spectacular experience for people of all ages. Join us in Cappadocia and allow us to show you some of the warm Turkish hospitality that has made our company famous for almost a decade.

A little before sunrise our pilots will check on the weather and the appropriate land for flight. We pick you up from your hotel/hostel with our luxury vehicles (Mercedes Sprinter or Vito) and take you our launch site in the early morning. While crew inflation the balloons, you will have a Turkish style breakfast for our complimentary brunch; day is dawning, balloons are inflating, and you are having breakfast with a marvellous view. After the inflation finished, balloon flight begins.

We go where the wind takes us. The sky is layered with air currents, so the pilot heats the air inside the balloon with the burner to rise into currents with different directions. The balloons rise approximately 1000 feet to show you the sunrise and extraordinary views of Cappadocia. Then they descend, float through valleys, between fairy chimneys and caves which you will have nice views to take pictures or videotape. Our crew will be happy to take pictures of you in the balloon. So, bring your camera and lots of film! Your flight time will be approximately one hour. We are welcome to land in the many open fields in the area we fly over. Your pilot will begin the gentle descent when he finds an appropriate landing site where we are met by our experienced ground crew.

After packing up the balloon, while you are toasting champagne, we will give you your certificates. Then you will be transported back to your hotel. The whole experience lasts 3 to 4 hours, so you will have the rest of the day to enjoy the many attractions of the Cappadocia.

Cappadocia

The ancient region of Cappadocia lies in central Anatolia, between the cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri and Nigde. Here, the traveller finds one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world. Three million years ago, violent eruptions of the volcanoes Mt. Erciyes (3891m) and Mt. Hasan (3250m) covered the surrounding plateau with tuff. Wind and weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock into hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and "fairy chimneys", often very tall, and in every shade from pink through yellow to russet browns.

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 cave churches, chapels and monasteries. There are over 600 churches scattered through the valleys. The art style of the churches can best be considered in two categories: the 8th and 9th centuries are the iconoclastic years, with decorations in red earth tones and symbolism in simple geometric motifs; the 10th to the 13th centuries saw decorations on a plaster base and show the lives of Christ and various saints. Interestingly, in some of the churches the frescoes of the later period have fallen off, revealing earlier decorations underneath. The architectural plan of the churches is uncomplicated.

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

Goreme is an important area for shopping, with its wonderful carpets and kilims, onyx souvenirs, and very fine local wines. It is also a wonderful region for trekking and for photo-safaris. The scenery is breathtaking in all four seasons: miniature poppies in the springtime, the touring hot-air balloons and flowers of summertime, autumn's grapes and blaze of gold, and the winter blanket of snow.

Hotel pick ups are included. 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.