Cappadocia in Turkey has been on my bucket list for many years. The hot air balloon pictures look magical and I have been wanting to experience it myself- hence this trip was born! There are many ways to experience the balloons: in a balloon, from a terrace, from a viewpoint, etc. We were lucky enough to get to see them all in the 3 mornings we were in Cappadocia so I want to tell you all about it!
Day 1: In the Air
For our first morning in Cappadocia we wanted to experience them in the air from a hot air balloon ride! I have heard due to weather the balloons don’t necessarily go up every day and it is best to book your ride for the first day in case so you can have a back up option. Although, I have since heard that September normally has great weather and they go every day so I worried for nothing!
We booked our tour with the hotel which was quite easy (the balloon company was Air Kapadokya) and were told our ride would pick us up at 4:50 am. Although, I couldn’t sleep that night as I felt a little bit like a kid on Christmas Eve as I was so excited!
In the morning, we picked up other tourists in our small bus and ate a provided breakfast as we approached the launch site. There are so many balloons getting ready to go up!
Our hot air balloon fit about 24 people and had mini baskets to separate and divide out the people to space out the weight. We got super lucky with being on the end so we got views in two directions. Surprisingly the entire ride was SO SMOOTH. I am not necessarily afraid of heights, but I was a bit nervous and ended up not freaked out at all!
Once we lifted off, we got to see the sun rise while in the air. I do have to say the views only got better as the sun came up. We followed the wind over the Goreme open air museum and the famous rock formations.
The hot air balloon ride well exceeded expectations and my expectations were quite high to begin with so that is saying something! After the hour long ride we landed and had a celebratory drink. It is amazing to watch them land the balloon so perfectly on a truck bed.
Day 2: On the roof
For our second morning in Cappadocia we took advantage of the rooftop at our hotel (Osmanli Hotel). I picked this hotel specifically because it looked like they had a nice rooftop and that it was a little under the radar so it wouldn’t be as busy as some of the other hotels. (cough cough sultan cave suites being very known on Instagram)
We got to sleep in a bit and set our alarms for 5:20am, made some coffee and went up stairs as the balloons start to go up around 5:45.
It was another beautiful morning and we loved the rooftop view. This hotel is a little on the edge of town so it is even closer to the main balloon launch site. We basically had the roof to ourself’s with just one other girl taking pictures.
There are tons of hotels with terrace views so do your research to see what they are like. Like I mentioned the con of this hotel was being a bit further from town, but it was so nice not having many other people around
Day 3: Sunset point
For our final morning in Cappadocia we decided to hike up to Sunset point for a view over the city and the valley. After how nice the terrace was, I was very indecisive about staying at the terrace or going to this viewpoint, but I’m glad we did!
It was about a 25 minute walk (a lot of uphill) from our hotel to sunset point. It was busy, but not too many people. I saw some tourists with a Target bag by what seemed like a good viewpoint so that seemed perfect! Sometimes to do miss being around Americans and how friendly they are.
It was beautiful as all the other days. Also, pro tip that the Americans took a rug from there hotel and it looked so nice in the pictures! We each took pictures of each other.
Overall, I don’t think I have a suggestion on the best place to experience the balloons as everywhere had pros and cons and I loved each place. So grateful to experience them all 3 days of the balloons and I think it was just the right amount of time in Cappadocia!
This is one of several posts of our Turkey trip so stay tuned for more!
❤ Melanie
Smiles from Miles Away 