Cappadocia: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Watching Experience

We were a little afraid of going up in a hot air balloon, but we didn’t want to miss the experience of seeing them, so we absolutely loved watching them take off and then seeing them fly while enjoying the views from the viewpoints.

There’s one thing in our minds when it comes to visiting Cappadocia - that is seeing its famous Hot Air Balloons riding gently and mightily over the skies of this historic city carved amongst the rocks. The stunning and alluring beauty of Cappadocia could be seen, heard and experienced up in the skies and on top of the world like in a Hot air Balloon!! Cappadocia is also famous of its Fairy Chimneys or Hoodoos and underground citiies. Located in Central Turkey, it is a semi-arid place located at an elevation of 1000 m. The Fairy Chimneys occurred naturally from Volcanic rock erosions over millions of years and which gives beauty and mystery now to Cappadocia’s natural charm and wonders! We took a flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia via Turkish Airlines and it took around 1 and a half hour. The flight was smooth and the experience and snacks provided in the plane is relaxing and comfortable. Its a full board flight with sandwich, drinks and entertainment. As we landed Cappadocia’s Kayseri airport, we saw from our windows the unbelievable landscape of this magical place - the rock formations carved for millions of years were absolutely stunning!!! The weather is also sunny that day and surprisingly this winter of 2024 is quite mild even feels like Spring. Its our mistake not to study how to go to Goreme, the famous town in Cappadocia famous for its Fairy chimneys and a must stay place here in Cappadocia. We didn’t know that time that there is a shuttle bus and it will only cost 10 euros for a 1 hour ride. We booked a taxi outside the airport and it cost us 100 SGD++ for more than an hour’s ride - big mistake. So if you’re not a big group travelling , a shuttle bus service is the most economical way to travel. The shuttle bus starts/stops in Goreme’s main town around 10 mins walk from our hotel. Since we booked a taxi, we were dropped off to our hotel. Despite the long ride, the views were Amazing!!! Central Turkey is a mountainous, hilly place and mountains/hills/valleys surround you from all over the place. The landscape is arid more like desert but you could see vegetations like trees and shrubs on them. We even saw Mount Erciyes standing at more than 3000 m it is the tallest inactive volcano in this area with its majestic snow capped peak. We arrived just past lunch in our family run hotel in Cappadocia (see my review: Serene Premium Stone house). It was a very unique and memorable experience staying in this style of hotel - very authentic and special for us. How the local people made us of their rock formations and transformed it to become useful and beautiful is truly a work of art and man made marvel. The area surrounding us is truly amazing and magical!!! Fairy chimnies and Rock wonders right beside u and right before our eyes. Their just literally a step away and we have the most magical and wonderful view for the past 3 days we’ve stayed here. Goreme is not just a natural, raw landscape, quiet laidback town - it’s a colorful, vibrant town also for all its visitors and residents to enjoy, dine, have Turkish coffee, stroll, shop, relax and have fun. It offers food and drinks both for both Asian, Western and local Turkish food. We tried Quick China restaurant here 2x and we loved their Chinese-Turkish fusion food. On street side, we tried their freshly squeezed Orange juice. Walking around Goreme offers fantastic and memorable experiences both day and night. As we stroll we could see both Fat Chubby Furry kitties and doggies. Shopping options include Turkish Evil Eye ornaments and jewelries, Turkish carpets and rags, Touristy items like ref magnets, t-shirts, cups and keychains and we did bought some items here especially the Evil eye bracelets. We booked a Hot Air Balloon sight seeing tour from our hotel’s front desk and its a half-day private tour on just for us in the morning till lunch. The driver will pick us up and tour us around different spots in Cappadocia where we could view the Amazing Hot Air Balloons from below and up above. Hot air balloons fly only on good weather and the next day was perfect for take off. It’s a bit pricey of around 100 SGD per head so since were not going on it we decided to take our lovely photos and videos from the grounds. We still did wake up early to witness the preparation time of the balloons before they took off. The weather was cold that morning around 6 and the sun is not yet rised but the excitement fills the air. We saw the huge fires blowing the Hydrogen gas to inflate the huge colorful patterned balloons and the lif the big wooden basket that could fill a dozen people or more. Its amazing to see the strong and massive Hydrogen fuelled flames inflating the huge colorful balloons enough to fight gravity and lift you up and carry a dozen people on a big basket - its the firts human invention that gave way to flights and fighting off gravity thru Airplanes/Helicopters which allows us to travel the world faster and just in hours. From here we took our lovely photos and videos already as they take up in the air. Once the balloons have risen, our driver took us to the first spot to view them up on the valley with a perfect vantage point. We saw each of more than a dozen colorful Hot air balloons from different companies rise up on the air, lifting and gliding them gently across the beautiful and mysterious terrains of Cappadoccia - one of the world’s natural wonders!!! Our driver also took some of our shots from this vantage points and we stayed for few mins here witnessing the balloons and the famous fairy chimneys surrounding us before we moved to another vantage point. From the hilly terrain we went from the low arid lands for a different vantage point a sea level. This view gives us another different settings and environment to which is equally magical and lovely as compared to an elevated one. We also saw different fairy chimneys, stone formations and low rock mountains all around us. We finished our early morning tour for just 3 hours that’s the exact time when the Hot Air balloons have already landed. Our driver dropped us back into our hotel in time for our sumptuous and my favourite breakfast of all time - Turkish breakfast lots of cheese/olives/bread it is my ultimate breakfast of all time!!! We decided not to try the Hot air balloon ride and since were still not sure the next day the weather is cloudy preventing it from happening which is also the time for us to get back to Istanbul. For sure next time when we get back to Cappadocia we will defnitely try the Hot Air balloons but no regrets the sight seeing itself gave us a different experience and perspective of the Hot Air Balloons and the different natural settings of Cappadocia!!! Goreme town is a tourist attraction of itself, walking along this town, with lots of Fairy Chimneys, Turkish shops, colorful lanterns, magical carpets, mysterious alleyways, intricate cave systems - which we didn’t try will do next time, Galleries and Museums around town, delicious food both Turkish, Asian and Western choices, unique boutique hotels some even on actual stone houses ar natural caves, picturesque views and the feeling of just by yourselves alone in this magical world is really a unique and once in a life time experience. We really left were in the story of Aladdin on its magic carpet ride which is a whole new world for us!!!! If you visit Turkey then Cappadocia is a must see wonder and place which will give you a magical experience and ride that you will never forget and cherish in your lifetimes!!!! Highly recommended, See you soon Cappadocia till we meet each other again!!! Teşekkürler :=)

We booked a sunrise gaze at hot air balloons . The day before the trip, the operator called to confirm the pick-up time and details. The driver was friendly and punctual. We were taken to two spots: the first was the launch site, and the second was a perfect viewpoint to watch the sunrise alongside hundreds of balloons. It was an amazing experience!"

Very nice spots! The driver contacted us the previous night to confirm pickup time.

One of the prettiest sights ever. Loved the tour. Ozan was a great tour guide as well. Highly recommend 😌

Your personal is very kind and patient. Thank you for your service

Ozan is an excelent guide. He is friendly and patiente He help me to arrenge my pick up I dont hesitate to be with him in future experiences

We bought this tour to see the hot air ballons. The tour company kept me updated well on when they were picking us up. They took us to the site has planned, but the ballons did not take off due to weather. The tour company is giving me a prompt refund. They were very good with keeping me informed. I definitely recommend using this tour company.

It was a Very good experiencie. The driver connect with us one day before and made ALL tô oferecendo the best tour. Thanks to mr. ozan.

All the process was very simple, with great communication from the day before until the tour. Profissional tour, specially the driver, Ozan.

Excellent services, professional. The tour guide was very good. Communication, timeliness -- all great. All well organised.

My sunrise hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment we took off, I was mesmerized by the view of hundreds of colorful balloons drifting over the fairy chimneys and valleys. The sunrise painted the sky in soft golden hues, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The staff were professional, friendly, and made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Floating quietly above this surreal landscape gave me a sense of peace and wonder that I’ll never forget. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cappadocia — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s worth every moment!

This is an incredible experience and a must do. Seeing the balloons lift off was an amazing sight. Ozan picked us up from our hotel, took us to see the balloons being air borne and then on to Love Valley to view them at sunrise. We were well looked after by Ozan. He was also very good in rescheduling our tour when our booked tour was cancelled due to bad weather. Excellent communication throughout. Thank you.

The best experience that you’ll find. We had a pickup at the hotel before the sunrise, and when we arrive there we were able to see the balloons in two different spots. We would definitely recommend 🫶🏼

It would have been really great if we have more time to spend in each places. The 2 hrs on the ticket includes the travel time and we end up only being 10 mins in one place and 30 mins on the other place. Another place was 15 mins only. To be able to capture everything it needs more time. The other downside on this tour was the driver smokes inside the van. The car smells cigarette. He should smoke outside and not inside because the smell stays in the upholstery. Not unless if the windows were open.

A lovely experience. The scenery was stunning. Very worthwhile. Didn’t have to get up too early - another bonus. Can’t come to Cappadocia without seeing the balloons!

A very no frills experience. Got picked up on time and had two stops. Saw balloons took off and went to a viewpoint where all buses were there. No complaints

Do not book here. They never picked us up. They informed pick up is 5:50-6am, but when no one came at 6am, we tried to call them from 6-6:50am but no answer. We filed complaint via Viator app admin and are waiting for refund resolution.

The tour is highly recommended. We were picked up at the scheduled time and taken to three spots in Cappadocia where we could take amazing photos. The driver was very kind

It was an amazing experience, they took us to the best places to watch the ballons i would do it again if I come back in a near future

We went to the departure point to see the balloons prepare and then we went to a beautiful viewpoint. We could see the balloons from very close! A must do for those who don’t want to fly!

The trip overall was great, the driver and helper were very helpful. One thing to consider is the wording in the ad, it says "in a hot air balloon" Wich is misleading. The tour is 'to watch' the hot air balloons in different spots.

Amazing service and hospitality and enjoyed the breathtaking experience. Kindness and excellent quality provided throughout.

It was amazing the morning in capadoccia. It was very cold but it was worth it. The spectacular sunriseThanks to the guide!

The whole experience was good but the information is misleading in wich it says that is a ride "in a hot balloon", great views and also the guides were helpful and attentive to answer questions quicky

Amazing experience loved the balloons. The driver and host were mega friendly and helpful. Helped us with our stroller heaps which was amazing. Recommend this tour especially if you are a family. The value for money was insane!

It was a beautiful experience. Seeing the balloons flying over such a beautiful landscape is magic. The guide Ozan is amazing. We even got a coffee in the bus. Strongly recommendable!

Good experience, it is nice that offer this activity to see the balloons dince different zones. The attention of pick up since hotel is a important point.

Fun experience, worth the early hour. We selected this one due to pickup coverage, but found he took us to great spots and was very kind. Bring a jacket or sweater as the launch is chilly. Would have been nice to include a couple of touches, like water for the ride and tea for the watching.

Perfect, everything was good and the pickup was on time and our driver was nice and took us to the location of the launch and another spot on a high level to have the best view. I highly recommended them

Perfect tour , Ozan was such a kind person who guided us through the beggining til the end. Views were breathtaking, minivan very comfortable and warm. I loved this experience! Thanks a lot

It was One of the most beautiful experiencies i’ve lived in my life, Ozan the guide was such a magic person I’m really glad i’ve discovered this tour. All the time he was telling us where to go and have the best views possible. He picked us at our hotel at the time he told us. Best tour ever for real, Thank you very much Ozan, you are one of the best. My dream came true.

It was a beautiful experience, the guides were very kind. So grateful for this oportunity. Also, the spots were amazing, we have the oportunity to see different perspectives

The tour was amazing! The staff were so polite and friendly. The view was wonderful, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

The tour was highly enjoyable and the staff were exceptionally friendly. 😍👍 The view was the best! 👍😎 We really enjoyed it!

Was really amazing. I took a lot of beautiful pictures. Truly something one should atleast experience once in their lifetime.

Even though they were running a little behind schedule, they were very good with their communication. We had a really great time and they also provided some snacks which was nice. Would recommend.

Amazing hot air balloon viewing experience with Tourmania, we were picked up on time and reached perfectly when the balloons were preparing for take off. We enjoyed amazing views of the balloons and took amazing photos. Ozan our tour guide spoke perfect English, he explained how the hot air balloons worked and gave us amazing information throughout the tour. He also took some professional photos of us with the balloons. We moved locations just in time to catch the balloons at every view point. It was a magical experience. If you would like to see the balloons in cappadochia I definitely recommend Tourmania and Ozan as it will be the experience of a lifetime.

Surreal experience, it’s a must try if you’re in Cappadocia, the tour guide Mr. Ozan was wonderful, he went to all the best spots to see the balloons. He even took so many pictures of us. Overall it was a great experience and definitely worth the price!

The tour was amazing!! The people who organized the tour are very kind and friendly, my friend and me loved this experience, and we recommend this tour with this people :)

very nice service, good communication. tour handle things smoothly, we can enjoy cappadocia smoothly, will use this tour again if coming to cappadocia

The balloon watching ride was fantastic. The driver directly came to the hotel to get us on the promised time of 5AM. After collecting all the personnel for the tour. We went to the balloon preparation area where we saw people hopping onto the balloon after being there for precisely 30 min..we went to love valley where the view was literally mesmerizing. After we finished up with the photo session. Driver dropped us to our hotel on time as promised. Really nice experience and totally recommended.

A kind took us to three different venues to witness the launching of upwards of 150 hot air balloons over Cappadocia. As the sun rose the landscape brightened enabling beautiful photo opportunities!

Amazing experience! The communication from this tour prior to it was excellent. The pick up from our hotel was on time, and the first location we ended up at was awesome. So much to see (balloons being inflated, car cruise lining up for pictures, balloons taking off). After a while our driver gathered us and took us to Lovers Valley to experience what we expect of Cappadociad Balloons greatness. We got there at a perfect time, catching the sunrise, perfect location and a stunning view. Really grateful of this experience, and of course the reasonable price. I have 0 complaints, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

It was a great experience of watching hot air balloon, saw how it was prepared, heating up, rising, they were all above me. It is really worth to join this hot air balloon watching, it is much worther than going in the large basket and fly up to the sky. For me, it is a must join trip. Should not miss it.

The views were amazing. We took so many photos. Were Dream come true. Driver is good totally. Thanks i cant wait to visit again 🥰

The view was amazing. We can see tje amazing views up on the mountain.. The driver is on time, ans everything on the schedule.

Amazing, friendly staff, beyond word experience. Definitely must to try experience when you visit Cappadocia. Best of luck from Indonesia

The hot air balloon tour was very amazing. We were quite happy with the on time pick up. Our driver was very sweet. He took us to the right place where we could take beautiful pictures. Thank you so much.