The ultimate guide: Our hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia and why this flight belongs on every travel itinerary.
Watching the sunrise is always magical – but seeing it from a hot air balloon makes it even more special. For our final stop in Turkey, I booked a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia for myself and my friends. Here’s my honest experience and review of this bucket list activity.
Hot air balloon in Cappadocia: My Experience and Review
Table of Contents
Quick summary
Is it worth it? Absolutely. A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia offers breathtaking and surreal views of the region’s unique landscapes.
Who is it for? This experience is ideal for adventurous travellers who are comfortable with heights and appreciate sweeping panoramic scenery.
Verdict: The hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a must-do experience and well worth trying at least once in your lifetime.
Rating: 5/5
Planning our hot air balloon ride
While finalising our itinerary, I came accross Lord Balloons, a service provider that amusingly shares my name. That alone convinced me to book with them. The only downside was that their flights depart from Soğanlı Valley, rather than Göreme, the heart of Cappadocia. This meant extra travel time and a very early hotel pick-up.
Hot air balloon ride reservation
It’s best to book your Cappadocia hot air balloon ride several weeks in advance, especially if you have a specific date in mind. Many operators allow reservations without immediate payment, offering greater flexibility for travel plans. Payment deadlines vary depending on the provider and payment method.
Confirmation (or cancellation) a day before the flight
For safety reasons, the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority closely monitors weather conditions and advises balloon operators on whether flights can proceed. Passengers are usually informed of the final decision via email or WhatsApp one day before the scheduled flight.
In our case, our original flight was cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions in Soğanlı Valley. Fortunately, the company offered two alternatives:
1. Still fly on the same day, but with their sister company, Royal Queen, departing from Göreme where the weather is good and flights have not been cancelled.
2. Still fly with Lord Balloons in Soğanlı Valley, but on the next day if the weather is better.
Because of our tight schedule, we chose the first option. After confirming our choice, the company moved and processed our booking at no extra cost. If none of the given options work for you, they will give you a full refund.
Early hotel pick-up and breakfast
Yup, that’s my cup! 😉 A quick breakfast pre-flight.
Since our hot air balloon ride in Göreme was timed to catch the sunrise, our hotel pickup was at 04:30. If we had flown from Soğanlı Valley, it would have been even earlier. I also didn’t realise we’d be stopping for breakfast before the flight. A hot cup of coffee was the perfect way to warm up on the cold dawn and shake off the early-morning sleepiness. And the hearty breakfast gave us just the right fuel for the adventure ahead. After eating, we hopped back on the bus and made our way to the balloon launch site.
Ready to take off and catch the sunrise
Shades: Ray-Ban; Scarf: Hermès; Top and bottom: MUJI
While the crew prepared our ride, we snapped some photos on the ground, with other hot air balloons already floating in the background. Soon, we were climbing into the basket. The balloon had five compartments – four for passengers and one in the middle for the pilot. After a quick but essential safety briefing, we were ready to go.
The hot air balloon flight experience
Our pilot’s name is Tolga Eke, and with him at the helm, every movement was precise and smooth. As he blasted the hot flames of the burner, it not only lifted the balloon higher into the sky, but also provided some much-needed warmth on a rather chilly morning.
The hot air balloon continued to rise, and occasional turns revealed a full 360-degree panoramic view of Cappadocia. From above, we were treated to a surreal landscape of fairy chimneys, valleys, ancient cave dwellings, churches, and hundreds of other balloons dotting the sky. We took turns snapping photos and recording videos. And with the golden hues kissing our faces, I couldn’t help but stop and soak in the beauty of the moment.
Catching the sunrise in Cappadocia 🌄 Photo: Andrea Lau
Tolga shared interesting stories while cracking jokes along the way. He even let me “drive” the hot air balloon for a few seconds. Kudos to him for making the entire flight incredibly enjoyable. Check out the footage of our flight above that he took with Insta360.
After around an hour floating above Cappadocia’s dreamlike scenery, we slowly descended back to the ground. But the fun wasn’t over just yet!
A little awarding ceremony post-flight
Post-flight ceremony: Getting a medal and a glass (or two) of champagne. Photo: Lord Acuña
As soon as we landed and stepped out of the basket, the crew began setting up champagne glasses, light bites and medals on a small table. One by one, we were presented with a medal – a keepsake marking the completion of our hot air balloon flight. To cap it all off, we raised our glasses for a celebratory toast. The ceremony was a thoughtful touch, far more special than simply being sent back to our hotels.
Final verdict
I thoroughly enjoyed our hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia. The price is reasonable, the service excellent, and the views absolutely unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia, a hot air balloon ride is a must-do activity that should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
So there you have it — my full experience and honest review of our hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. I hope you found it helpful, and I wish you a smooth planning process and a truly memorable balloon flight! If you still have questions, be sure to check the FAQs below before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hot air balloon ride safe in Cappadocia?
Yes. Hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia are strictly regulated by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority, which closely monitors weather conditions. All flights are operated by licensed, professionally trained pilots.
How much does a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia cost and what is included?
A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia typically costs around SGD 130-250 per person, depending on the operator, season, and basket size. The price usually includes hotel pick-up, breakfast, a one-hour flight, a post-flight champagne toast and medal, and return transfer to your hotel.
What happens if my hot air balloon flight is cancelled?
Operators usually confirm your flight's status one day in advance. If a flight is cancelled, guests are typically offered rescheduling options at no additional cost or a full refund.
Is a hot air balloon ride suitable for kids?
Yes, hot air balloon rides can be suitable for older children. Most operators accept children aged 5 or 6 and above. Children should be tall enough to see over the basket, understand safety instructions, and be comfortable with loud noises, heights and standing for long periods.
How long does the hot air balloon flight last?
The flight itself lasts around one hour. This does not include hotel pickup, breakfast, pre-flight preparation, the post-landing ceremony and the return transfer to your hotel.
What is the best time of year to fly in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia?
Hot air balloon flights operate year-round. The best seasons are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) for mild weather and clear skies. Summer offers sunny conditions and larger crowds, while winter provides snowy scenery with higher chances of cancellations.
What items are not allowed on a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia?
For everyone's safety, drones, wheelchairs, prams, cigarettes and illegal substances are strictly prohibited on hot air balloon flights. Operators may also restrict large bags or sharp objects.
Are there sunset hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia?
Yes, sunset hot air balloon flights do operate in Cappadocia, but they are far less common than sunrise flights.
Discussion
Be the first to comment!