Thousands of tourists, both domestic and foreign, visit Cappadocia every year. The best solution to see the beauty of the region is the hot air balloon tours. If you want to have a bird’s eye view of all these beauties and enjoy the sky, hot air balloons are what you are looking for. Cappadocia balloon tour is probably one of the most beautiful adventures you will experience in your life.
In this article, I tried to explain the issues related to the balloon tour in Cappadocia.
General Information About Cappadocia Balloon Tour
Balloon tours are made with hot air balloons consisting of three parts: The balloon, the burning unit (burner), and the basket part where the passengers are carried. As we all know, the balloon is at the top. At the bottom, there is the basket. There is a burning unit between the basket and the balloon. The burning unit is used to inflate the balloon.
Balloon tours are organized by companies established for this purpose. The guests who will participate in the balloon tour are taken from their hotels in the early morning hours and brought to the region where the flight will be made. The company will tell you when you need to be ready for the flight, the day before by phone or message. Once you book the balloon ride, you will be notified one day before the flight, about the exact time that you will be picked up from your hotel for the balloon ride, suggest suitable clothing for the time of year, and give the latest weather information, by the balloon companies.
In winter, flights usually take place at 5.00 – 5.30 in the morning, and in summer the flights start at 6.30.
When the guests are brought to the area where the flight will be made, the balloon is slowly inflated and ready for flight. Before boarding the balloon, the pilots provide information on flight safety. Then the passengers get into the balloon basket and the balloon tour begins.
The balloons generally depart in the early hours of the morning from Göreme Valley, and passengers enjoy the sunrise above the enchanting geography of Cappadocia, and with a bird’s eye view.
The course of the balloon is guided by the wind. The pilot of the balloon can decide a little about the direction of the balloon. The skilled pilots of these hot air balloons having up and down control. Balloons can reach up to 900 meters.
The duration of the balloon tour varies between 1 hour and 1.5 hours depending on the type of flight.
During the flight time, it is possible to watch the sunrise, the valleys meet with the sun’s rays, the sun’s rays spread wave by wave, the fairy chimneys.
After the end of the flight, the certificate ceremony takes place with a champagne celebration. Afterward, the company transfers you back to your hotel.
What is included in Balloon Tour?
Free transfer (Pick-up and drop-off)
Pre-flight breakfast (hot drinks and snacks)
Balloon tour (Duration 1-1.5 hours)
Flight Insurance
End of flight celebration (Non-alcoholic champagne ceremony)
Commemorative gift (Flight Certificate)
Is Cappadocia Balloon Tour Safe?
Now let’s explain the security issue.
First of all, balloon tours have been performed by companies that have been doing this business for nearly 20 years.
The pilots of the companies must have FFA Civil Aviation Hot Balloon License. The balloons are frequently checked and inspected in accordance with the directive set by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs.
In addition, balloon companies must take out compulsory flight insurance for guests on flights.
The balloons are made of Nomex-style fire-resistant and tear-resistant material, so there is no risk of tearing or burning. For example, birds are not at risk of puncturing the balloon. In addition, the balloons are fully equipped against various risks.
Serious accidents with ballooning are very rare.
There are more than one (three total) burners in the balloons. Therefore, if the first burner goes out, the second burner is activated. If the second extinguishes, the third burner is activated. If all the burners go out, the balloon will land like a parachute.
Which Time is Cappadocia Balloon Tour Done?
In Cappadocia, there are two types of flights for balloon tours. In the first of these, before sunrise (05.30 in winter, 06.30 in summer) departs. In this first flight, it is possible to watch the sunrise and the revelation of color. The second type of flight, called late flight, takes place after sunrise. However, this type of flight is not preferred because the sunrise has been missed.
There are also flights to watch the sunset.
Is Cappadocia Balloon Tour Done Every Season? What is the ideal season for ballooning?
Balloon tours are carried out continuously in 12 months of the year as long as the weather conditions are suitable. However, in April, May, October, November, and January you can make flights more comfortable and enjoyable.
The flight can not be done on rainy and stormy days and when wind speed is more than 11 km. Cappadocia University Slot Service Center decides whether a flight can be made on that day. The website of this Center provides notification of the suitability of wind speed for flight. If there is a green flag on the website, the weather is available for flight. The yellow flag means that all companies must wait for the flight, and the red flag means that all flights are canceled. All companies must comply with these rules.
For flights that cannot be made due to adverse weather conditions, the customer is entitled to cancel the tour or fly the next day. The fee you pay for the tour is returned to you without interruption when you cancel your flight.
Who Should Not Fly With Balloon Tour? Is there an age limit for flight?
Those who have undergone surgery recently, children under 5 years of age, crutches, and those with hip or lower back pain should not fly with balloons. Pregnant or suspected pregnancies are not allowed on balloon tours.
What’s the price?
In Cappadocia, there is a minimum price agreement that many companies cooperate with. Prices are usually around 200-250 euros (depending on flight time). Children between the ages of 5-12 are priced at a fifty percent discount.
How many people can ride balloons?
In balloon tours, the capacity of the balloons can be different. In addition to the balloons for 10-12 people, there are also balloons for 28-28 people. As the capacity of the balloon decreases, the per capita fee increases. Flying in low capacity balloons is more expensive.
What should you pay attention to when going to Cappadocia Balloon Tour?
Don’t forget to buy a camera or a camera to immortalize those moments.
In Cappadocia, the weather is cool even in summer. Therefore, you should take this into consideration. Don’t forget to take extra clothes with you.
Since balloons do not have seats, you should prefer shoes that will not tire you while standing for at least one hour.
Which companies do balloon tours?
There are many companies that professionally organize balloon tours in Cappadocia. You can evaluate the suggestions of the hotel you are staying in, or you can search on the internet. To join a balloon tour in Cappadocia, the only thing you need to do is to contact a balloon company directly or book it through your hotel or travel agency in Cappadocia.
The main companies that organize balloon tours are:
Skyway Balloons (Urgup)
Atmosphere Balloons (Avanos)
Royal Balloon (Goreme)
Cappadocia Balloons (Goreme)
Anatolian Balloons (Goreme)
Voyager Balloons (Goreme)
Goreme Balloons (Urgup)
Urgup Balloons (Urgup)
Cappadocia Balloon Turca (Avanos)
Sultan Balloons (Uchisar)
Kaya Balloons (Urgup)