This is for sure one of the most amazing experiences out there. I am sure that there are many others but, this one needs to be high on anyone's list.
Each morning if the weather allows hundreds of balloons color the sky of Cappadocia. It's absolutely stunning.
Urgup Balloon Company
We booked our flight with Urgup Balloon via our accommodation. This is a door to door service incl. breakfast and we paid 165 Euro per person in what they consider a small basket. As you are in Turkey you can try to negotiate the price, I did not.
Is it Safe?
Before I go into the rest of the details, I'll give it a few lines to safety:
I felt safe at all times, but on top of this some details about what they do to make you feel safe. First of all you can only fly if the weather allows. They need to receive an authorization to fly every morning. Your pilot is normally more trained than any other in the world. From what I heard all pilots in Cappadocia are taking 3 times more flight hours before they receive the certification compared to any other place. They seem to be very well prepared and police and fire brigade are there to assist. So I would say it was safe!
​Travelling with kids?
We had with us a 7 year old, as for safety the baskets are quite tall, they height of the child is also relevant so that the child can enjoy the experience.
I felt safe at all times, but on top of this some details about what they do to make you feel safe. First of all you can only fly if the weather allows. They need to receive an authorization to fly every morning. Your pilot is normally more trained than any other in the world. From what I heard all pilots in Cappadocia are taking 3 times more flight hours before they receive the certification compared to any other place. They seem to be very well prepared and police and fire brigade are there to assist. So I would say it was safe!
​Travelling with kids?
We had with us a 7 year old, as for safety the baskets are quite tall, they height of the child is also relevant so that the child can enjoy the experience.
How it all happens
They pick you up from the hotel somewhere between 3:30 - 4:00 (in the morning). They bring you to the central office, where you register and get a color (or something) that will identify which basket you will be in.
They are providing you with some breakfast incl. coffee and tea. We really liked what they gave us, was very tasty.
Once everyone has arrived, you'll be going with a van to the place from where the balloons fly out, and you can assist at the lighting up of the balloon.
And then you fly
The pilot (who was btw... A W E S O M E) told us that you can't control where the balloon goes, it is up to the wind. Well, he can control a bit so no worries. According to the iPhone compass we reached 2000 m.
The view of having all those hundreds of balloons coloring the sky is amazing
Having an experienced pilot it helps as he can make out of the journey a even better experience by bringing you close to the cliffs or "racing" with another balloon.
At the end, they celebrate with non alcoholic champagne and give you some souvenirs (we got a medal & a pen)
You will be back at your hotel around 6:30 AM
So now you have the chance to either nap a bit longer or prepare for a tour.
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