Cappadocia
- rinkugupta08
- Dec 24, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2024
Floating Above Fairy Chimneys: The Magic of Cappadocia's Hot Air Balloons
Cappadocia, with its surreal landscape of fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings, offers one of the most enchanting experiences in the world, especially from a rooftop view at sunrise. As the first light of day casts a golden glow over the region, hot air balloons fill the sky, creating a mesmerizing scene of colorful orbs floating gracefully above the valleys. A hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable way to take in the breathtaking scenery, offering panoramic views of the unique terrain below. Whether you're sipping a cup of coffee on a rooftop or soaring high in the sky, Cappadocia’s magic is sure to leave you in awe. This stunning sight, which seems almost otherworldly, is a must-do for any traveler exploring the wonders of Turkey.
Getting from Airport to City
From Kayseri to the hotel, numerous shuttle buses are available for about 10 Euro per person, providing direct drop-off at the hotel entrance. Even though I arrived around 1am, the shuttle was there waiting for me, and I encountered no problems.
Details: Shuttle Bus
Must See Tourist Spots; Instagrammable
Hot Air balloon view (Watch) from Rooftops at sunrise
Green Tour (Watch) which covers - Booked via Viator
Uçhisar Castle
Pigeon Valley
Derinkuyu Underground City
Selime Monastery
Ihlara Valley
Lunch at a riverside restaurant
Hot Air balloon ride - Booked via Viator
Blue and Red Tour
Different spots are covered so based on your preference, check which one looks most interesting to you
If you have time, worth exploring
Day 1:
Oh, the hotel! A dreamy cave-style retreat, just like the iconic stays Cappadocia is known for. Managed a quick nap and woke up at 4 AM to head to the rooftop—and wow, what a sight!
Hundreds of hot air balloons, just a stone's throw away, prepping for launch. One by one, they gracefully ascended, drifting right over our rooftop.
The view was pure magic, and we couldn't stop snapping pictures. Time flew, and before we knew it, the sky turned golden—it was already 6 AM. Cappadocia, you stole our hearts from the very first moment! ✨🎈
After enjoying the breathtaking views, had a refreshing start, breakfast. I had already booked Green Tour for the day, again using viator. The shuttle bus was at the hotel around 9 am, sharp on time and here I go! Joined a friendly tour group with travelers from the UK, Canada, and Italy.
My adventure kicked off at Uçhisar Castle, a historic fortress carved into volcanic rock, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a glimpse into its strategic past as a defensive stronghold.
Next, visited Pigeon Valley, known for its picturesque cliffs dotted with ancient pigeon houses. These structures once served agricultural and sheltering purposes, adding a historical charm to the serene vistas. The valley’s peaceful beauty was a photographer’s dream despite the lively presence of other tourists.
The highlight of the day was the Derinkuyu Underground City, a fascinating labyrinth carved into the volcanic rock, believed to date back to the 8th century BCE. The city, once a refuge for thousands, featured communal spaces, kitchens, and ingenious ventilation systems. Exploring the narrow pathways and discovering this hidden world was both thrilling and humbling.
A short hike brought me to Selime Monastery, an ancient religious hub carved into a hilltop. Its elevated position provided sweeping views of the landscape, and its history as a waypoint along the Silk Road added intrigue to the experience.
Final destination was the stunning Ihlara Valley, part of the aptly named Green Tour. The gentle 3km hike along the Melendiz River, framed by towering rocky walls, was both relaxing and scenic. At the end of the trail, we found charming riverside cafés with tables set in the water. Dipping my feet into the cool stream while sipping a refreshing drink was the perfect way to unwind.
The day concluded with a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant. The combination of mouthwatering food and the tranquil setting crossing the river made it an unforgettable ending to an incredible journey through Cappadocia
The day isn't over yet! In the evening, I came across an elderly woman preparing fresh Gozleme, a type of bread filled with spinach, cheese, or other variations. It was delicious.
After resting for a while at the hotel, I headed to the center and savored a Kunafe cake while admiring the twinkling lights of the town.
Day 2:
My First Hot Air Balloon Experience in Cappadocia
The moment had finally arrived for my first-ever hot air balloon ride. It started early in the morning at 4:00 AM. Thankfully, the tour I booked included a hotel pickup, so I hopped into the minivan, and I set off for the takeoff site.
After a 30-minute ride, reached the spot, and it was still a bit chilly. Multiple teams were busy filling balloons with hot air, getting them ready for liftoff. Soon, our balloon was upright and slightly floating above the ground. The crew instructed us to hop in quickly, and once everything was secured, it was time to take off. Within minutes, we were soaring through the air, treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes.
As more balloons joined us in the sky, the scene became even more magical. It was an exhilarating experience, and we eagerly started snapping pictures, despite the small, confined space of the basket. Slowly, the sky turned orange, and we witnessed a spectacular sunrise. Our captain shared fascinating details about the area as we cruised, at times flying low enough to almost touch tree tops before ascending again. It was an hour of pure adventure and joy.
The landing was an exciting part of the experience. The ground team was already at the designated spot, and as we descended, about 7-9 people worked together to pull the balloon down to ensure it landed precisely where they wanted. It was a bit bumpy but fun nonetheless.
After the landing, we celebrated with a small ceremony featuring champagne and certificates. The crew also offered USB drives containing flight recordings and photos, which I purchased. However, upon reviewing the content later, I found it wasn’t quite worth the cost.
Once back at the hotel, it was time for breakfast. With my flight to Istanbul scheduled for later in the evening, I had plenty of time to explore Göreme at my leisure.
I wandered into the town center, exploring shops selling Turkish carpets, jewelry, pottery, and other unique items. As the sun rose higher, I treated myself to the famous Turkish ice cream—it was unlike any regular ice cream I had tried before. Strolling through the streets, I sipped fresh pomegranate juice, which was readily available from street vendors.
For lunch, I dined at a restaurant with a terrace that offered stunning views of the hills and rock formations. The food and the ambiance were delightful. Afterward, I returned to the hotel and relaxed in the yard. The housekeeping staff, taking a tea break, kindly offered me some tea. Although we didn’t share a common language, attempting to converse was a fun experience.
If I forgot to mention earlier—cats are everywhere in Turkey! Most of them are friendly, and my hotel was no exception. A curious kitten made itself comfortable on my lap and later followed me up to the terrace.
Before I realized it, it was time for my pickup to the Kayseri airport, where my journey to Istanbul continued.
This adventure in Cappadocia was truly unforgettable, and I can’t wait to share more experiences from my travels!
Food & Drinks
Gozleme - Watch how its made
Baklava
Kunafa
Pomegranate juice
Dundrum Icecream
All the above items, I tried from some local vendors, cafes.
Getting Around
For the tourist spots listed above, it's advisable to book a tour.
Otherwise, the city center is within walking distance from most hotels. If necessary, Uber is an option.
SIM Card
European telecom operators are not available there, so you need to buy a local SIM card. I got a Vodafone SIM card (physical card) right at the airport for about 20 Euros. The staff member swapped the SIM card in my phone, and it was up and running within 10 minutes. Simple and convenient!
Where to Stay
I stayed at Century Cave Hotel. Century Cave Hotel is a truly one-of-a-kind boutique accommodation, offering guests a memorable experience set amidst the mesmerizing beauty of Goreme, Cappadocia. Its design embraces the ancient charm of authentic cave structures, with rooms built from natural stone walls, seamlessly blending with the surrounding fairy chimneys. Morning magic from the rooftop ✨ Watching hundreds of hot air balloons drift over the fairy chimneys – absolutely breathtaking! 🌅🎈
Time of Visit
September
Visited Cappadocia in September and it was absolutely perfect! 🌞 Mornings and evenings were incredibly pleasant, while the afternoons got a bit warm. But the best part? The weather was so ideal, there was almost no chance of the balloon flights being cancelled! 🎈✨
Cappadocia’s beauty is unlike anything I've ever seen – from the magical fairy chimneys to the surreal landscapes, it feels like stepping into another world. Whether you're exploring the cave dwellings or watching the skies fill with vibrant balloons at sunrise, every moment here is pure magic
Do checkout my Instagram for more inspiration
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