Skip to content

Top Navigation

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Trip Inspiration
  • Plan Your Trip
  • World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises
  • Travel Tips
  • News
  • Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Explore

    Explore

    • World's Best

      World's Best

      The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Read More Next
    • The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

      The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

      Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2021. Read More Next
    • Let's Go Together Podcast

      Let's Go Together Podcast

      Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Read More Next
  • Trip Inspiration

    Trip Inspiration

    • Trip Ideas
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Spring Travel
    • Summer Travel
    • Fall Travel
    • Winter Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Luxury Travel
    • Beach Vacations
    • Adventure Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Family Travel
    • National Parks
    • Holiday Travel
    • Travel Photography
    • Photo of the Day
    • Culture and Design
  • Plan Your Trip

    Plan Your Trip

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line hopes to resume sailing out of the U.S. on or around July 4.
    • Travel Deals
    • Attractions
    • BookTandL.com
    • Amusement Parks
    • Festivals and Events
    • Bus and Trains
    • Flight Deals
    • Budget Travel
    • Hotels and Resorts
    • Disney Vacations
    • Airlines and Airports
    • Ground Transportation
    • Travel Guides
  • World's Best

    World's Best

    • Top Hotels
    • Top Cities
    • Top Islands
    • Domestic Airlines
    • International Airlines
    • Tours
    • Safaris
    • See All World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises

    Cruises

    • Find A Cruise
    • Caribbean Cruises
    • River Cruises
    • European Cruises
    • All-Inclusive Cruises
    • Family Cruises
    • Alaskan Cruises
    • Disney Cruises
    • See All Cruise Vacations
  • Travel Tips

    Travel Tips

    • Travel Trends
    • Packing Tips
    • Points + Miles
    • Budgeting + Currency
    • Customs + Immigration
    • Responsible Travel
    • Travel Etiquette
    • Travel Warnings
    • Weather
    • Mobile Apps
    • See All Travel Tips
  • News

    News

    • Wellness
    • Celebrity Travel
    • Animals
    • Jobs
    • Offbeat
    • See All News
  • Food + Drink

    Food + Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Cocktails + Spirits
    • Bars + Clubs
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Cooking + Entertaining
    • Food Fairs + Festivals
    • World's Best Restaurants
    • See All Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories

    Travel Accessories

    • Travel Bags
    • Shoes
    • Travel Tech
    • Shopping
    • Style
    • Gift Guides
    • See All Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Attractions
  3. Flying in a Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia Should Be on Your Bucket List

Flying in a Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia Should Be on Your Bucket List

By Elizabeth Preske
October 02, 2018
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Hot Air Balloons, Festival, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: EyeEm/Getty Images
A rocky landscape of natural wonders and human aptitude, Cappadocia is Turkey's very own fairytale kingdom. Initially shaped by volcanic eruption and erosion, locals and religious refugees worked the already-breathtaking topography into an impressive network of underground chambers, tunnels, and cities thousands of years ago.

Now a World Heritage site, Cappadocia's rich and diverse cultural and political history is enough to attract anyone to the region — but what brings tourists to Cappadocia these days is the chance to see it from a hot air balloon.

With fairy chimneys and pillars, river valleys and cliffs, the region is certainly a magnificent site to behold from the air. Luckily, it's fairly easy to book a trip to the area and see it for yourself.

Scroll down to learn how to plan your trip and take your next favorite travel photo.
Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

How to Choose a Hot Air Balloon Tour

Hot Air Balloons, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: TAMVISUT/Getty Images

There are many hot air balloon tours to choose from. The one you want will depend on your personal preferences in terms of length of flight, capacity of balloon, and cost.

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Types of Flights

Hot Air Balloons, Rock Landscape, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Tatiana Popova/Getty Images

Tour companies offer a few options to meet your needs. Standard flights carry more people and don’t last as long, but they are more cost friendly. Although deluxe flights cost more, they carry less people and stay up in the air longer. Most companies also offer private tours for special occasions.

2 of 25

3 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Duration of Flight

Hot Air Balloons, Sunrise, Goreme National Park, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Achim Thomae/Getty Images

Flights can last anywhere between 45 minutes to two hours. It depends on who you book your tour with, and which flight deal you pick. For example, Kapadokya Balloons’ Standard Flight lasts 45 to 65 minutes, while their deluxe flight lasts 1.5 hours.

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Capacity of Balloon

Hot Air Ballon, Close-up, Nevsehir, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Ayhan Altun/Getty Images

The capacity of the basket again depends on the company and the flight. Urgup Balloons’ Classic Flight carries 20 to 24 people, while their Deluxe Flight carries 12 to 16. Butterfly Balloons’ BEYOND Flight can carry 3 people per compartment, which amounts to 12 passengers total.

4 of 25

5 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

How Much Does It Cost?

Hot Air Balloons, Desert Landscape, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Ascent Xmedia GmbH/Getty Images

Deluxe and private flights cost a lot more than standard or classic. Urgup Balloons’ Classic Flight costs about $185 per person, their Comfort Flight $208, and their Deluxe Flights about $254 per basket.

5 of 25

6 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Prepare for Unpredictable Weather

Hot Air Balloons, Winter Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Anadolu/Getty Images

Hot air balloon flights are weather dependent and may be canceled. In that event, many companies will offer you a full refund or help you reschedule. Plan to spend a few days in Cappadocia so you can rebook if this happens to you.

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

When to Go

Hot Air Balloons, Hoodoos, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Kerry Whitworth/Getty Images

You can go hot air ballooning any time of year, but with hot, dry summers and cold—and sometimes snowy—winters, the best time to go is during the spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) months.

7 of 25

8 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

How High up Do the Balloons Go?

Hot air balloons over Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Richard I'Anson/Getty Images

This also depends on the balloon company. Royal Balloons will take you as high up as 3,000 feet, whereas a Kapadokya Balloons flight will fly up to 6,000 feet on weekdays and 8,000 feet on weekends.

8 of 25

9 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

When Do Flights Take Off?

Hot Air Balloons, Evening Moon, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: TAMVISUT/Getty Images

Balloons usually take off early in the morning—about 5:00 to 5:30am, depending on the season—because the wind conditions are best around sunrise. Tour companies will pick you up at your hotel, so there’s no need to worry about getting to the take-off site while you’re half asleep.

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Take-off Sites Vary

Hot Air Ballon, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: EyeEm/Getty Images

A lot of tour companies change their take-off site on a day-to-day basis. They base the location on the day's wind direction and speed.

10 of 25

11 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

How to Dress

Hot Air Balloons, Festival, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: EyeEm/Getty Images

It’s cooler up in the air than on the ground, so if you go during the warmer months, consider wearing layers and a light jacket. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be on your feet for a long time.

11 of 25

12 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Turbulent-free Ride

Hot Air Balloons, Over Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Moment RF/Getty Images

If you typically get sick on airplanes, be rest assured: balloon flights are so smooth you can enjoy the flight without the discomfort of airsickness.

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Bubbly Tradition

Hot Air Balloons, Dawn, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Ayhan Altun/Getty Images

No matter which tour you decide to book, in line with balloon tradition, expect a champagne toast (and maybe a slice of cake) upon landing.

13 of 25

14 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

An Occasion to Remember

Hot Air Balloons, Cappadocian Badlands, Turkey
Credit: Federica Grassi/Getty Images

At the end of the trip, tour companies generally hand out certificates or medallions to commemorate the event.

14 of 25

15 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Flying Into Cappadocia

Hot Air Ballon, Aerial, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Perspectives/Getty Images

You can take a nonstop flight to either Nevşehir Kapadokya or Kayseri Erkilet Airports via Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Air (take note that Pegasus Air only services Kayseri). Ask your hotel if they offer airport transfers. If not, you can reserve a shuttle through Argeus or Heritage, or take a taxi to your hotel.

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Alternative Route into Cappadocia

Hot Air Balloon, Nevsehir, Central Anatolia, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Ayhan Altun/Getty Images

You could also take an overnight bus from Istanbul, Denizli, or Ankara. From Istanbul, it's a 10-12 hour bus ride, but for $17 to $20 one-way, it is the cheapest option. Book your tickets through Metro Turizm.

16 of 25

17 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Where to Stay

Hot Air Balloons, Above Desert Landscape, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: MUXUAN/Getty Images

Cappadocia is a region, with five provinces and over 10 towns. The most popular destinations for tourists are the towns of Göreme, Ürgüp, and Uçhisar.

17 of 25

18 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Göreme

Hot Air Balloons, Dusk, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Ayhan Altun/Getty Images

Most tourists go to Göreme because it’s easily accessible and it’s within walking distance of the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Decorated with colorful frescoes in the Byzantine style, this collection of rock-cut churches is worthy of its spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ürgüp

Hot Air Balloons, Hoodoos, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Moment RF/Getty Images

Similar to Göreme, many travelers also flock to Ürgüp. If you love wine, consider staying here since it’s the capital of wine production in the Cappadocia region.

19 of 25

20 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Uçhisar

Hot Air Balloons, Rock Formations, Nevsehir, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Ayhan Altun/Getty Images

At the highest point in Cappadocia, Uçhisar is another popular town for tourists to reside in. Home to Uçhisar Castle, this rock citadel offers a beautiful panoramic view of the region and Mount Erciyes.

20 of 25

21 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stay the Night in a Cave

Hot Air Balloons, Goreme Valley, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: benstevens/Getty Images

Get the full troglodyte experience at one of Cappadocia's famous cave hotels. According to TripAdvisor, Goreme Suites, Erenbey Cave Hotel, and Aydinli Cave Hotel are the best value for your money, but Kayakapi Premium Caves and MDC Hotel are highly rated as well.

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Where to take the best photo from the ground

Woman, Backpacking, Goreme, Turkey, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Joel Carillet/Getty Images

If you’re wanting to re-experience your time in the air (or hoping to get a sneak preview), head to Göreme's Sunset Point early in the morning to watch the balloons rise with the sun.

22 of 25

23 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What to Eat

Hot Air Ballons, Early Morning, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Elena-studio/Getty Images

Try börek, gözleme, and böregi, at Nazar Börek Cafe or mezze at Topdeck Cave Restaurant. Order pottery kebab at Old Cappadocia Cafe & Restaurant for true Anatolian fare.

23 of 25

24 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The “Land of Beautiful Horses”

Hot Air Balloons, Goreme National Park, Cappadocia, Turkey
Credit: Westend61 RM/Getty Images

Cappadocia is the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” so you should explore the landscape by horse as well as by hot air balloon. While you’re on the ground, don’t forget to indulge in wine tasting.

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

It’s Just As Beautiful Underground

Hot Air Balloons, Goreme Valley, Cappadocia Turkey
Credit: N. Eisele-Hein / LOOK-foto

Cappadocia is made up of underground cities, so make time to discover its unique history. Take a tour of either Derinkuyu and Kaymakli to see perfect examples of what it was like for previous residents to live underground.

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Elizabeth Preske

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 25 How to Choose a Hot Air Balloon Tour
2 of 25 Types of Flights
3 of 25 Duration of Flight
4 of 25 Capacity of Balloon
5 of 25 How Much Does It Cost?
6 of 25 Prepare for Unpredictable Weather
7 of 25 When to Go
8 of 25 How High up Do the Balloons Go?
9 of 25 When Do Flights Take Off?
10 of 25 Take-off Sites Vary
11 of 25 How to Dress
12 of 25 A Turbulent-free Ride
13 of 25 A Bubbly Tradition
14 of 25 An Occasion to Remember
15 of 25 Flying Into Cappadocia
16 of 25 Alternative Route into Cappadocia
17 of 25 Where to Stay
18 of 25 Göreme
19 of 25 Ürgüp
20 of 25 Uçhisar
21 of 25 Stay the Night in a Cave
22 of 25 Where to take the best photo from the ground
23 of 25 What to Eat
24 of 25 The “Land of Beautiful Horses”
25 of 25 It’s Just As Beautiful Underground

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap
  • Travel Guide Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Travel + Leisure Sites
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
Meredith Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.travelandleisure.com

View image

Flying in a Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia Should Be on Your Bucket List
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.