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A lunar landscape dotted with lofty fairy chimneys (pointed rock formations) where one can see a kaleidoscope of wonderful colors shifting from pink to ivory. A land that seems so unreal, many tourists from around the world come here to take in the scenic view of this enchanting land. Tucked away in the east-central part of Anatolia, right to the north of the Taurus Mountains, Cappadocia has become a hotspot for tourists to experience a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride, where they can feast their eyes on the beautiful Göreme Open-Air Museum made up of winding valleys, curvy cliff faces, and traditional Cappadocian chiseled houses. There are many ancient attractions to visit here, including the ancient churches that have been carved into stone.
Of course, the best way to appreciate the sheer beauty of this Turkish attraction is by soaring through the early morning sky in a hot air balloon. See the sky turn red, pink, and orange at 1000 feet above ground level. If this sounds like an exciting adventure, then read on to find out more about it.
The History of Cappadocia - Turkey
If one wonders why Cappadocia has so many towering phallic formations with many centuries-old troglodyte caves, then we should go back to 60 million years ago, when this place was formed. The topography of Cappadocia is made up of the erosion of soft layers of lava and ash from several erupting volcanoes, notably Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasan, and Mount Güllü. Then, during the Paleolithic era, humans started settling here. The region was home to the Hattians in the Bronze Age around 2500–200 BC, followed by the Assyrians between 2000–1800 BC. Later, the Roman and then Ottoman Empires took over the region. The name Cappadocia is believed to date back to the Persian period when the area was called "katpatukya", meaning "the land of beautiful horses."
What Makes Cappadocia So Unique?
Besides the rich history and culture of Cappadocia, the vast plain terrain has won many hearts. Travelers are always moved by seeing the moonscape made up of ancient caves, rolling hills, and jagged mountains. And the sky here is always filled with vibrant hot-air balloons for a very good reason. The Göreme National Park, a World Heritage Site, acts as an open-air museum consisting of different sizes of hoodoos, or fairy chimneys, normally formed within sedimentary rock and volcanic rock formations. One can find a range of pink-hued rocks.
In addition, the land has a collection of chapels and living quarters that date back to the 11th century. One can easily spot the largest religious structure, which is Selime Monastery. The monastery is adorned with steep staircases, hidden passageways, and quaint frescoes. The monastery was abandoned in the 16th century. Likewise, its once inhabited troglodyte caves were abandoned in the 1950s but were then restored into luxurious cave hotels.
Take An Exciting Hot Air Balloon Ride To See Cappadocia - Turkey
It is no doubt that Cappadocia is best explored in a hot air balloon-an untapped experience that can fill one with awe. One of the best moments to marvel at the scenic beauty of the attraction is by taking an early morning ride when the sun rises. This is a good time to take the opportunity to soar up in the sky.
Start the journey by settling comfortably inside an air-conditioned minivan and head to the launching ground. Just before taking the ride, relish a scrumptious breakfast composed of delicious pastries, fruits, and salads. Sip some hot coffee or tea, and be ready to start this amazing adventure. After breakfast, meet the pilot, who will give some tips and guidelines. And when everything is ready, board the vibrant 30-meter-tall hot air balloon. At this point, many will experience some adrenaline rush or butterflies in their stomach. This is a good sign since things will get exciting once the hot air balloon starts to glide over the sky. As the balloon gets high above (approximately 300 meters above), take some memorable pictures and enjoy the fantastic bird’s eye view of the vast lunar landscape made up of different colors and textures. The thrilling ride culminates with a champagne ceremony, where everyone gets to enjoy the champagne toast with strawberries covered with chocolate. And to make it even more memorable, participants will receive a Royal Medal.
- Duration: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
- What Is Included: Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off; Transport by air-conditioned minivan; Live commentary on board; Food and drinks; Gratuities; Snack Breakfast; Flight Medal; And Champagne ceremony after the ride
- Tips: It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Take a light jacket, hat, and sunglasses.
- Capacity: 12 - 20 people
- Note: This activity is not recommended for pregnant women or participants with back problems. Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level.
- To Do: Confirm pick-up time after booking the activity.