Hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia
It is said to be the prettiest balloon ride all over the world. And I’m not the one saying it, everyone is. Plus, in 1985, it was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list.
It’s expensive, but worth it. I paid USD 100.
Balloon flights require calm weather, so, when windy, rides can get cancelled.
They take off between 5 and 6 am to watch the sunrise. Hundreds of balloons lift off every day carrying tourists from around the world to appreciate from up above the peculiar and unique natural landscapes of the city where the Hittite civilization lived.
There’s a “pilot” on the balloon who communicates with the base through a walkie to get directions. It goes up and down, constantly. Given my vertigo, heights aren’t really my scene and so I was a bit afraid of how I might feel up there. However, I must admit the balloon didn’t even move… there’s no “turbulence”, nothing to be afraid of.
The ride lasts somewhere between 45 minutes and an hour, plus the landing, where the pilot precisely yells out “landing” and everyone has to duck and grab hold of some weights. Afterwards, you toast with champagne and get your certificate for completing the adventure.
Hands down, it was the best part of my trip to Turkey, and if someone were to ask me if I’d come back, the answer would be YES.
