Magic Balloons in Cappadocia
Balloon Ride in Cappadocia
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A dream came true
We have always dreamed of this experience. It was something that we wanted so much, that we have promised ourselves to do it. Once in a while, a picture with the Balloons in Cappadocia popped on my screen and if I could like it 100 times, I would. I was literally obsessed with this place and with the idea of a balloon ride over the fairy chimneys.
In October 2020, in full pandemic times, we have learned that Turkey is opened for visitors, of course with the necessary health protection required. Because Turkey is one of our favorites countries and Istanbul is like our second home, we packed our bags, run the engine and off we went.
In Istanbul we have spent 5 days and, in those days, between some shopping and walking around, we were so productive that we’ve booked four nights in Goreme. The initial plan was to drive there, but at that time there were some restrictions because of the pandemic.
From Istanbul to Goreme
To get from Istanbul to Goreme, you have three options: car, bus or plane. The bus was a no from the very beginning, but the car was the best option. The roads in Turkey are perfect and everything is easy and smooth, once you are out of Istanbul. Honestly, the car is still the best option, because of the extra mobility you have there. In those times, the only choice left was the airplane.
We have arrived early in the morning at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, to catch our flight to Nevsehir. The plane ticket’s price was about 600TL per person (return ticket). For us, it was one of the cheapest flights we have ever took. The cost didn’t reflect the services. It was a Turkish company and the standards were very high, even for a low-cost trip.
From Nevsehir to Goreme, you can grab a local bus or a private transport. We chose a private transport. The cost difference was not big, but it was way faster.
Entering the fairytale land
Cappadocia is amazing. It is true to its nickname “Land of Fairies”. The place is so magical, that you feel captive in a storybook place and you never want to leave. Even in the afternoon you can still glimpse a colorful balloon making its way through the fairy chimneys. We were so ready for what this place is going to offer.
After arriving, we have contacted the balloon flying agency to check if we were going to fly the next day. The balloon ride was booked online and because of the global crisis, the price was very low: 150 USD for two persons.
Balloons everywhere
In the first night we crossed our fingers to be able to fly the next day. The rule is very simple: the weather must be perfect, extremely low wind and clear sky. The main advice we were given and the one that I’m telling you is that you have to book at least three nights. Of course, three nights in this place are barely enough, but if you go there just for the balloon ride, it is better to have a safe net.
We woke up at 4 AM and ran to the terrace to check the weather. The luck was on our side, the sky was perfectly clear. The driver took us from the hotel at 4:30 AM.
It was almost 5:30 AM when we arrived in a valley, full of balloons preparing for the flight. In that place you will have to spend an additional 30 to 40 minutes, for them to fill each passenger’s insurance policies forms.
The ride
The balloon finally was standing still and everyone was invited to hop on. It may seem hard to climb into the nacelle, but it really is very easy. They have a little leather staircase attached to them.
After everyone was in, the balloon started to lift. There were so many balloons there, in the valley, that it gave you the false impression that we were going to collide. The light started to show and little by little, after we have passed the rock formation surrounding the valley, there it was, the most amazing sunrise of our lives. The sky looked painted and the balloons were everywhere. It looked like colorful rain drops in this magical place. The pilot kept going up and everything became even more spectacular.
I think that we were in luck to have an incredible pilot. At the descending, it wasn’t something regular, he wanted to make a little show. He took the balloon in a valley and almost touched the rock formation with it. The balloon was held there for a while, for us to take photos and to look closely to the entire landscape. He went up again and this time, he flew the balloon over a group of tourists gathered at the top of the hill. The balloon was so close to the tourists, that we have even shacked hands with them.
Everybody was taking pictures with our balloon and it was a very exciting moment. For us was magic. One of the most amazing memories we have. A memory that each time it pops in your head, will put a smile on your face. Cappadocia is amazing and her balloons are breathtaking.
P.S.:
The Balloons in Cappadocia are so…
Travelicious, that we want to do it again. Hope to see you soon, storybook land of our hearts.