Introduction Of Cappadocia
Table of Contents
With its surreal landscapes and fairytale-like scenery, Cappadocia is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. But for me, the main highlight was always the hot air balloons. While the region has numerous historical and natural attractions, my adventure revolved around experiencing the balloons in multiple ways. I wanted to witness them from different vantage points: from the rooftops of hotels in both Goreme and Uchisar, by riding in one, and by chasing them as they soared through the sky.
However, the hot air balloon experience is highly dependent on weather conditions. Flights can be canceled due to inclement weather, so it’s essential to factor in extra days to increase your chances of taking flight. Ideally, I would have stayed a full week, but I managed to schedule a five-day stay, allowing for four potential mornings to witness the balloons. Cappadocia
1. Riding the Hot Air Balloon
- Operator: De Luxe Balloons
- Location: Karağandere, İstiklal Cd. No:59/5, 50350 Ürgüp/Kayseri
Since this was a last-minute trip, I couldn’t book a ride in advance. Fortunately, Selim, the manager at Henna Hotel, helped arrange a ride with De Luxe Balloons. Their service was impeccable, catering to all our needs and ensuring a smooth booking process.
Our adventure began at 3:00 AM, fueled by pure excitement. A van picked us up at 4:30 AM and took us to the launch site, where we enjoyed a light breakfast before witnessing the magical sight of balloons being inflated. As the flames lit up the sky, the anticipation was overwhelming.
We strategically positioned ourselves at the corner of the basket for an unobstructed view. Our pilot, Captain Sureya, was outstanding—her smooth takeoff, flight, and landing made the experience flawless. The one-hour journey above Cappadocia felt like a dream. The silence in the sky, the sight of hundreds of balloons dotting the horizon, and the breathtaking sunrise made for an unforgettable moment.
After landing, we received commemorative flight certificates and toasted with champagne—a perfect way to end a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
2. Watching the Balloons from a Rooftop Hotel in Goreme
- Hotel: Henna Hotel
- Address: Konak Sk., No. 2, Goreme, Nevsehir
One of the most iconic images of Cappadocia is of travelers watching balloons from a rooftop. This was a must for me! Initially, I thought only one hotel offered this experience, but I soon realized that rooftop and cave hotels are common in Goreme and Uchisar. Henna Hotel turned out to be a fantastic choice, offering impeccable service and breathtaking views.
I was eager to capture every moment, so I convinced my husband to head to the rooftop while it was still dark. Witnessing the transition from night to dawn, and then the first balloon lifting off, was a magical experience. Though other guests joined us later, the intimate setting of cave hotels meant it never felt overcrowded.
3. Watching the Balloons from Uchisar
- Hotel: Museum Hotel
- Address: Tekeli mah, Eski No.1, 50240 Uchisar
For a different perspective, we stayed at the luxurious Museum Hotel in Uchisar. This was a splurge, but worth every penny. The hotel itself is a historical masterpiece, offering stunning panoramic views.
While the balloons were slightly farther than in Goreme, the various photo spots at the hotel compensated for the distance. The view, amenities, and exceptional service made our stay an experience in itself.
4. Chasing the Balloons
One thing I planned but, unfortunately, couldn’t do was chase the balloons by following them across the valleys. On the morning we scheduled this activity, the flights were canceled due to bad weather. If you want to chase balloons, I highly recommend asking your hotel the night before where the launch sites will be so you can plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Although I didn’t achieve all four of my goals, three out of four isn’t bad! This only gives me more reason to return to Cappadocia. It remains one of the most mesmerizing places I have ever visited, and I cannot wait for another adventure in this enchanting land.
