14 In Europe/ Trip Guide/ Turkey

Up, Up + Away: Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia

“The best way of travel, however, if you aren’t in any hurry at all, if you don’t care where you are going, if you don’t like to use your legs, if you don’t want to be annoyed at all by any choice of directions, is in a balloon. In a balloon, you can decide only when to start, and usually when to stop. The rest is left entirely to nature.”

To see Cappadocia from the ground is magical, but to see it from above is one of the most incredible experiences. The curvy rock flows like giant waves, as the sun warms the sky in a palette of pinks and oranges that cast playful shadows in the furrows of the rock below. The entire scene plays out as some other-worldly geological masterpiece that makes you feel like you are floating above an undiscovered planet. Cappadocia literally swept me up, up + away.

I once saw a photo of hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey (pronounced kap-ah-doe-KEE-ah) on one of those “100 places you must see before you die” lists. The sensuous landscape was so different than anything I’d ever seen, and I became set on visiting. The day itself started at the crack of dawn. I sluggishly pilled on the few layers I had and emerged from the cave we slept in (yup, a cave!) at Hezen Cave Hotel. When we arrived at Royal Ballon they told us it was supposed to be a perfect morning for hot air ballooning.

Each balloon rose into the sky silently, except for the occasional whoosh of flame. It was beautiful; all these bright round specks coloring the horizon. I’ve been skydiving a few times, and each time I felt like it’s the closest I’ll get to knowing what it feels like to fly. As we rose into the sky, slowly and seemingly weightlessly, it felt like the balloon was standing still. It was smooth, and quiet, there was no wild air, just calm. I could have stayed like that forever, rising and floating above the oddly shaped rocks in competition with the rising sun. The few people that initially looked like they might pass out now had awe in their eyes instead of panic. They seemed like they were feeling the same sense of contentment and peace as me. We were flying!

It all ended with mimosas, and who wouldn’t want to start the day with bubbly at 7:00 am?!

Thank you, Royal Balloons!

Love Love.

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14 Comments

  • Reply
    Christina
    April 29, 2017 at 9:34 am

    That looks absolutely stunning, and it’s something that most certainly at the top of my bucket list at the moment… I’m terrified of heights though, but I’m determined to do it haha! 🙂 Loved the photos!

    • Reply
      Eleonore Everywhere
      April 29, 2017 at 11:25 am

      I love heights but some of the other people in the balloon with us were terrified – but once we were up high it was so smooth and quiet that they all relaxed. I hope you can do it, it was so stunning! 🙂

  • Reply
    Rhiannon
    April 29, 2017 at 9:38 am

    I am definitely adding this to my bucket list. I’ve always wanted to go hot air ballooning, it looks incredible! I’m glad you had an amazing time 🙂

    • Reply
      Eleonore Everywhere
      April 29, 2017 at 11:25 am

      Thanks, Rhiannon! You really should – it can be expensive but is so worth it! <3

  • Reply
    Sara
    April 29, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    I am so jealous. I have been wanting to go here for ages and just haven’t made it yet. My friend was just there last week and said it was unreal, even tho it was too windy for the balloons most days.

    • Reply
      Eleonore Everywhere
      April 30, 2017 at 10:00 am

      We were REALLY lucky with the weather. I have heard that many times they don’t take off if there is even the slightest bit of wind. I guess that’s something to take into account, as it isn’t a cheap activity. But if you can go it’s incredibly beautiful!

      Xx

  • Reply
    Telma | Blank Canvas Voyage
    April 29, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    Eleonore!

    This is awesome! When did you visit? I wonder if there is anything else to do apart from the hot air ballon?

    Telma @ Blank Canvas Voyage

    • Reply
      Eleonore Everywhere
      April 30, 2017 at 10:03 am

      Hi Telma! I was there in early June before it gets too hot. There is a lot more to do, and if you go I’d suggest spending 2-3 days there – perhaps I should do a post on the different activities in the area! You would need a way of getting around – i.e. a car or a guide. Some other spots I loved were the Goreme Open Air Museum, Monks valley, and I spent an afternoon at a pottery studio. But I know you can also do things like horseback riding, hiking, etc.

      Xx Eleonore

  • Reply
    Nicole
    April 29, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    This place looks amazing, Eleonore. I hope to check out Cappadocia one day 🙂

    • Reply
      Eleonore Everywhere
      April 30, 2017 at 10:03 am

      Hi Nicole, I hope you can too! 🙂

      Xx Eleonore

  • Reply
    Lisa - The Wandering Lens
    April 29, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    Oh my goodness, this looks magical! It’s actually one of the first times I’ve seen a collection of images from the hot air balloons at Cappadocia, usually you just see that one Instagrammy spot…thanks for sharing the full experience!

    • Reply
      Eleonore Everywhere
      April 30, 2017 at 10:05 am

      I don’t even know that one instagrammy spot – haha! I have been seeing Cappadocia all over social media lately though, so I’m sure i’ve seen. Cappadocia is a really magical experience, particularly from above.

      Xx Eleonore

  • Reply
    C-Ludik
    April 30, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    Wow, that looks absolutely stunning 🙂 Definitively an activity not to be missed ! The different colours of the diversified landscape leaves you breathless. It’s magical: you are hypnotised by the spectacular and surreal landscape that lies below you !!

    • Reply
      Eleonore Everywhere
      April 30, 2017 at 5:56 pm

      It definitely was stunning! 🙂

      Xx Eleonore

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