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Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia with Royal Balloon : Turkey Travel Day 6!

2bearbears and Cappadocia valley

Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia is arguably the hottest attraction and things to do in Turkey! On the second day of 2015, we managed finally fly over Cappadocia with Royal Balloon!

Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia with Royal Balloon!

Royal Balloon bus picking us up from hotel at 615
Royal Balloon bus picking us up from hotel at 615
Royal Balloon HQ for breakfast
Royal Balloon HQ for breakfast
Yellow Flags indicating no flight at all 3 sectors
Yellow Flags indicating no flight at all 3 sectors
Table indicating the different groups flying for the day
Table indicating the different groups flying for the day
Breakfast spread at Royal Balloon Cappadocia
Breakfast spread at Royal Balloon Cappadocia
Breakfast area at Royal Balloon
Breakfast area at Royal Balloon
Green Flags indicating good to fly!
Green Flags indicating good to fly!
First balloons of the day taking off
First balloons of the day taking off
Hot Air Balloon flight in Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon flight in Cappadocia

In general, Cappadocia refers to the amazing monolith formations (fairy chimneys) of Turkey. However, more specifically, Cappadocia actually refers to a region that is enclosed by 3 towns, namely Uchisar, Urgup and Avanos.

We initially wanted to fly on the first of January. However, due to bad weather conditions, we were unable to fly. According to our guide Enis, if there’s high wind speeds, no winds, rains or low visibility, the hot air balloons won’t fly. We were also pretty surprised when he said “no winds”. Turns out that hot air balloons can only alter its altitude and axis of spin. The altitude control allows the pilot to catch the wind or avoid it. The spin about its axis allows passengers to have different views during the flight.

This also means that the hot air balloon essentially have no control over the direction of travel. Wherever the wind takes, it will go!

During our day of flight, a van from Royal Balloon picked us up at our hotel lobby at 615 and we arrived for breakfast at the HQ of Royal Balloon at 630. Breakfast was buffet styled while we awaited for flight updates on the monitor screens. Yellow flags indicate “no flights” while Green flags indicate “Yay! Fly!”

You may also wonder how they can afford the buffet spread (before payment) if the day’s flight is not confirmed…one of the reasons why flying with Royal Balloon is more expensive at USD220 per person. Of course, it also boasts the best safety records and reputation 😛

While the first group flown, we were fortunate enough to see these beautiful scenes…

Shot of hot air balloons overhead
Shot of hot air balloons overhead
Royal Balloon Hot Air Balloon and Pilots
Royal Balloon Hot Air Balloon and Pilots
Hot air controlling altitude and rotation
Hot air controlling altitude and rotation
Our pilot (Tugrul Guclu) who joked that it was his 1st flight
Our pilot (Tugrul Guclu) who joked that it was his 1st flight
Hot Air Balloon flight in Cappadocia and grp 1 balloons in the distance
Hot Air Balloon flight in Cappadocia and grp 1 balloons in the distance
Lowering altitude to the pigeon homes Cappadocia
Lowering altitude to the pigeon homes Cappadocia
Did our hot air balloon crash here in Cappadocia?
Did our hot air balloon crash here in Cappadocia?
Flying amidst the clouds
Flying amidst the clouds
At least 60 balloons in 1st flight of Hot Air Balloon flight in Cappadocia of 2015
At least 60 balloons in 1st flight of Hot Air Balloon flight in Cappadocia of 2015


Video of our Hot Air Balloon taking flight over Cappadocia

There were 4 compartments on the hot air balloon with each compartment taking up to 6 people. There were also handles inside the balloon for brace positions. As soon as we boarded the flight, our pilot taught us the brace position and to be ready for these positions during landing and take-off, when necessary. Fortunately, both landing and take off of the hot air balloon were very smooth – no need for us to take the brace positions at all 🙂

Our pilot was also very humourous. When we were about to take off, this conversation took place

Pilot : Is this your first time flying?
Unsuspecting passenger : Yes! (Excitedly)
Pilot : Mine as well!

Of course, during our flight, we were able to tell he was very experienced…take a look at this video as we barely cleared the top of this formation…


Barely clearing the top of a formation in Cappadocia!

The hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia was definitely one of the best experiences in our years of travel! You will really really really have to experience it to believe it! Nope, the following video also does not do justice to the views we’ve enjoyed…


Hot Air Balloon Flight over Cappadocia

Our top experiences during our hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia includes
Majestic views of the fair chimneys, pigeon holes and monoliths of Cappadocia
Flying amidst the clouds…heavenly…
Flying deep in the valleys and getting really really close to the formations
Experiencing all this with your loved ones (in this case – Kate my love! :P)

Overlooking the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
Overlooking the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
Enjoying the awesome views
Enjoying the awesome views
How close we were to the monoliths!
How close we were to the monoliths!
Wonder if we cleared this tip?
Wonder if we cleared this tip?
Almost touching the formation!
Almost touching the formation!
On Cloud 9...
On Cloud 9…
Entering the Valleys of Cappadocia
Entering the Valleys of Cappadocia
Balloon chasers pulling us in
Balloon chasers pulling us in
Landing right on the back of our truck
Landing right on the back of our truck

The entire flight took about 45 minutes while we alternated between flying high with the clouds and low between the valleys during this time. Since the pilot was unable to control the direction of flight, there was a team of people on the ground that monitored the balloon throughout the flight. As soon as we flown over a good spot for landing, the pilot lowered the balloon while the “balloon chasers” ran and jumped to hold on to the ropes lowered by the pilot. They would then pull the balloon such that the basket landed squarely on the back of the truck. As the balloon deflated, we also started to (sadly) alight the flight…

Pilot unclipping the hot air balloon from the basket
Pilot unclipping the hot air balloon from the basket
Opening up the top to deflate the balloon
Opening up the top to deflate the balloon
Pilot pulling the wire to open the top
Pilot pulling the wire to open the top
Balloon deflated and kept
Balloon deflated and kept
Safe landing of hot air balloon on back of truck
Safe landing of hot air balloon on back of truck
Champagne celebration after hot air balloon landing in Cappadocia
Champagne celebration after hot air balloon landing in Cappadocia
Cheers with pilot in the background
Cheers with pilot in the background
Pilot donning medals upon completion of hot air balloon flight
Pilot donning medals upon completion of hot air balloon flight
Royal Balloon hot air balloon medal
Royal Balloon hot air balloon medal

After a smooth and successful landing, the ground team even set up a table nearby with champagne and chocolates for “landing celebrations”. The pilot also presented every passenger with his or her medal from Royal Balloon as a memory and token for the completion of the hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia. Of course, Kate took the opportunity to take photos with the handsome pilot as well 😉

Itinerary of Turkey Travel Day 6: Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia

0615 : Depart from Dinler Hotel Nevsehir to Royal Balloon HQ for Breakfast
0815 : Commencement of Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia
0900 : Hot air balloon lands / Landing Celebrations with Champagne and Chocolates
0935 : Arrival back at Dinler Hotel
1030 : Departure from Dinler Hotel to Ankara (Capital of Turkey)
1245 : Lunch
1345 : Departure from Lunch to Ankara
1515 : Arrival at Ataturk Museum in Ankara
1630 : Departure from Ataturk Museum to Hotel in Bolu
1845 : Arrival at Koru Hotel in Bolu

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If you opt not to take the hot air balloon flight, you will have more time to sleep in and have a leisurely morning at breakfast before the group returns from the hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia. Subsequently, we headed towards Ankara for a stopover at the Ataturk Museum (the founder of modern Turkey) before ending our day at Bolu. The drive from Cappadocia to Ankara is approximately 400km. Enroute, we passed by Salt Lake, which produces 80% of salt production in Turkey (can you believe it?!).

Along the way, we made a stopover at the capital city of Turkey – Ankara. Here, we visited the Ataturk Mausoleum which commemorates the founder of modern Turkey – Mustafa Kamal Ataturk. We also saw the change of guards at the Ataturk Mausoleum…


Change of guards at Ataturk Mausoleum

Related posts

This post is part of our 10 Days 7 Nights Turkey travel with Chan Brothers. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip.

Turkey Trip Day 1 : Singapore to Istanbul and Ferry to Canakkale

Turkey Travel Day 2 : Visiting the Trojan Horse of Troy and Ancient City of Pergamon

Turkey Travel Day 3 : Visit to Ephesus / Turkish Bath and Hot Springs of Lycus River Hotel Pamukkale

Turkey Trip Day 4 : Pamukkale Cotton Castle and Journey to Cappadocia!

Turkey Trip Day 5 : Cappadocia, Kaymakli Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum and Turkish Night Celebrations!

Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia with Royal Balloon : Turkey Travel Day 6!

Turkey Travels Day 7 : Istanbul’s Camlica Hill, Grand Bazaar, Taksim Square and Istiklal Shopping Street!

Mall of Istanbul (MOI) : Shopping Eating and Relaxing on Day 8 of Turkey Trip!

The hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia is definitely the highlight of our Turkey trip! Find out more as we travel back to Istanbul on day 7 of our Chan Brothers Turkey Travel!

Turkey Trip Day 5 : Cappadocia, Kaymakli Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum and Turkish Night Celebrations!

Dancers at Turkish Nights One girl was really unhappy

It was the 1st of January 2015 as we began our 5th day of travels in Turkey. Initially, we thought we would be able to fly on the hot air balloon to welcome the new year. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t permit and we had to proceed with the rest of our programme in Cappadocia (pronounced as cap pa dok kia).

On day 5 of our Turkey travels in Cappadocia, we visited the Kaymakli Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum and even had the opportunity to be entertained at “Turkish Nights” to welcome in the new year!

In general, Cappadocia refers to the amazing monolith formations of Turkey. However, more specifically, Cappadocia actually refers to a region that is enclosed by 3 towns, namely Uchisar, Urgup and Avanos.

Turkey Travel to Cappadocia : Kaymakli Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum and Belly Dancing!

Kaymakli Underground City

Our first stop of the day was Kaymakli Underground City. The underground city is actually made up of close to a hundred tunnels but no one really knows who built it. In fact, the underground city was more like a hiding area and was not used for permanent stays. Many different groups of people came to seek refuge in this area, used it, expanded it and left with all their barang barang (stuffs) after use. When the emergency was over, they would have no need to hide and they would pack things up (nice and slow) and leave. Which is why there aren’t many items left within the tunnel network.

Today, some of the tunnels are used as storage areas while only certain areas are open to tourists. During your visit, you would be able to see a huge stone that was used to cover the entrance to the underground city and also another that was used for grinding purposes in the kitchen. Yes, cooking was done within the network with ventilation. Nonetheless, cooking was only done at night – to not give away your position of course!

Kaymakli Underground City Cappadocia
Kaymakli Underground City Cappadocia
Entrance Tickets to Kaymakli Underground City
Entrance Tickets to Kaymakli Underground City
Stone door to block tunnel
Stone door to block tunnel
Stone door reused as a grinder
Stone door reused as a grinder
Shops outside Kaymakli underground city
Shops outside Kaymakli underground city
Entrance of Goreme open air museum
Entrance of Goreme open air museum
Entrance tickets to Goreme open air museum
Entrance tickets to Goreme open air museum
Monastery at Goreme open air museum
Monastery at Goreme open air museum
Dark church (extra $ for access) and kitchen on right side
Dark church (extra $ for access) and kitchen on right side


Inside Kaymakli Underground City

Goreme Open Air Museum Cappadocia

The Goreme Open Air Museum is one of the main attractions (besides the hot air balloons!) of Cappadocia. The monoliths at the open air museum itself are a sight to behold. One of the best spots to take a shot would be right outside the kitchen area. Here, you’ll be able to see a great overview of the area and also visit an amazingly crafted dining table – completely crafted out of one stone!

There are also 3 churches (the size of a small chapel rather) that you should visit. These include the Apple Church (named after an apple tree right in front of it), the Serpent Church (a serpent is drawn within that represents sin) and the Sandals Church (partly because of the clear representation of sandals left behind in this church). Another interesting thing about the Church of Sandals is that the pictorial representations within depict nativity. The apostles are mostly without emotions but the animals are smiling because of the happy occasion.

If you’re really into the arts and history, you’d want to know that red colour is used during the pre-iconoclastic age (5th to 8th century) while the colours are only added from the 11th century onwards, during the post-iconoclastic age. As with most older civilisations, paintings are generally used due to the lack of education then.

Eventhough our guide, Enis had more stories to tell, as typical Singaporeans (and Malaysians), the group happily started to snap away at the beauty shown at Goreme Open Air Museum…

Before we left, we also got to try Turkish ice cream for 5TL. Remember to go for the lemon flavour! The vanilla (or original) flavour, sadly, had some gamey lamb smell (and taste). Well, at least that indicates some form of authenticity right?

Long table in dining area carved out in its entirety
Long table in dining area carved out in its entirety
Exterior of Dark church
Exterior of Dark church
Valley in the background
Valley in the background
Stairs up to Sandals church
Stairs up to Sandals church
Entrance of Buckle church
Entrance of Buckle church
2bearbears and Cappadocia valley
2bearbears and Cappadocia valley
2bearbears and church @ Goreme Open Air Museum Cappadocia
2bearbears and church @ Goreme Open Air Museum Cappadocia
Turkish ice cream 5 lira. Lemon flavour BEST.
Turkish ice cream 5 lira. Lemon flavour BEST.
Lunch at Uranos Sarikaya
Lunch at Uranos Sarikaya


Sights and sounds of Goreme Open Air Museum

Dining at Uranos Sarikaya

Uranos Sarikaya was one of the best restaurants (in terms of decoration) that we visited during this trip. Internally, it seemed as if the restaurant was dug out of a cave and there’s even a live performance in the center of the restaurant that adds to the authentic Turkish atmosphere.

While the fish was not the best (beware of the bones!), we had a large serving of the spaghetti! You can ask for extra spaghetti (mixed with cheese) and tomato-based sauce. As we left the restaurant, we also witnessed a beautiful sight overlooking the river right outside Uranos Sarikaya.

Before the day ended, we stopped by an interesting stretch of formations (called Dream Valley) whereby, if you use a little bit of your imagination, you’ll be able to see a dancing couple, a camel, a bear and santa claus!

Large dining area inside Uranos Sarikaya
Large dining area inside Uranos Sarikaya
Live music during lunch
Live music during lunch
Fried trout fish
Fried trout fish
Baklava Uranos Sarikaya
Baklava Uranos Sarikaya
Beautiful sunny day after lunch @ Uranos Sarikaya
Beautiful sunny day after lunch @ Uranos Sarikaya
Can you spot the Dancing Couple?
Can you spot the Dancing Couple?
We can see a bear! Can you?
We can see a bear! Can you?
This camel is easy to spot eh?
This camel is easy to spot eh?
Entrance of carpet weaving association
Entrance of carpet weaving association


Interesting monoliths of Cappadocia

Kayseri Carpet Factory and Showroom

Before night time descended, we managed to squeeze in some time to visit a carpet factory and showroom in the Kayseri area. Inside, we were shown how carpets are made by hand and how silk is extracted from the cocoons of silk worms. Of course, at the end of the tour, all the various types and size of carpets were hauled out in front of us in a showroom. Drinks, including red and white wines were served. Likely to incapacitate your ability to make sound decisions 😛

We were told that the ladies who work at the showroom have been monitored over a period of time and those who are deemed “talented” would be put to work on pure silk carpets. Turkish carpets have come to be known as carpets of great quality because of the Turkish double knots and various materials (including wool, cotton and silk) used.

Before the trip, we had already wanted to bring home a Turkish carpet and we eventually decided on a mercerised cotton carpet at 1.5m x 0.9m. The starting price was approximately $3,700 usd but with group discounts (presumably with the tour), it was eventually reduced to $1,700. Mr Zeke, the guide who showed us around then came in and reduced the price to $1,400. We requested for a further discount and came away with $1,300, inclusive of air delivery right to our home in Singapore. What do you think of this price? Let us know in the comments section below!

The carpet arrived 1 week later and we found out that it flew by SQ! Now we know where all our money went…

16000 hand woven carpets at the association!
16000 hand woven carpets at the association!
Live demonstration of the weaving process of a Turkish Carpet
Live demonstration of the weaving process of a Turkish Carpet
Hereke. The finest Turkish Carpet
Hereke. The finest Turkish Carpet
How to get silk from cocoons
How to get silk from cocoons
Variety of Turkish carpets made with double knots cotton, wool or silk
Variety of Turkish carpets made with double knots cotton, wool or silk
Uchisar Cappadocia
Uchisar Cappadocia
Free flow of wines beers teas and soft drinks
Free flow of wines beers teas and soft drinks
Dancers at Turkish Nights One girl was really unhappy
Dancers at Turkish Nights One girl was really unhappy
Traditional Turkish twirling dance at turkish night
Traditional Turkish twirling dance at turkish night

Turkish Nights and Belly Dancing

To end off our first night of 2015, we headed to a Turkish Night event. Turkish Night is usually held only on the 31st of December as a form of celebration. At Cappadocia however, it happens every night, for tourists like you and me! Yay!

At the Turkish Night event, there are free flow of drinks and many dance performances. These performances include the twirl dances, traditional dances and of course, belly dancing. Here’s a glimpse of the belly dancing performance during Turkish Night

Although there is free flow of drinks, do lower your expectations because the only highlight of the evening was the belly dancing. The drinks (including licorice liquor, beer and wines) were not that good and the traditional dances got repetitive after a while.

Nonetheless, it was an interesting experience and a great way to start off the new year!

Itinerary of Turkey Travel Day 5: Cappadocia Day Tour covering Kaymakli Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum and Turkish Night

0815 : Depart from Dinler Hotel Nevsehir to Kaymakli Underground City
0845 : Arrival at Kaymakli Underground City
1000 : Departure from Kaymakli Underground City to Goreme Open Air Museum
1035 : Arrival at Goreme Open Air Museum
1215 : Lunch
1400 : Arrival at Dream Valley
1430 : Departure from Dream Valley to Carpet Showroom
1445 : Arrival at Carpet Showroom
1600 : Departure to Urchisa for a quick photo
1630 : Reach Urchisa and reach hotel at 1700
1830 : Dinner at hotel
1945 : Departure for Turkish Night
2230 : Arrival back at hotel

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Related posts

This post is part of our 10 Days 7 Nights Turkey travel with Chan Brothers. Below, you can find other relevant posts covered during this trip.

Turkey Trip Day 1 : Singapore to Istanbul and Ferry to Canakkale

Turkey Travel Day 2 : Visiting the Trojan Horse of Troy and Ancient City of Pergamon

Turkey Travel Day 3 : Visit to Ephesus / Turkish Bath and Hot Springs of Lycus River Hotel Pamukkale

Turkey Trip Day 4 : Pamukkale Cotton Castle and Journey to Cappadocia!

Turkey Trip Day 5 : Cappadocia, Kaymakli Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum and Turkish Night Celebrations!

Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia with Royal Balloon : Turkey Travel Day 6!

Turkey Travels Day 7 : Istanbul’s Camlica Hill, Grand Bazaar, Taksim Square and Istiklal Shopping Street!

Mall of Istanbul (MOI) : Shopping Eating and Relaxing on Day 8 of Turkey Trip!

Find out more about day 6 of our Chan Brother’s Turkey travel where we’ll finally get to fly on a hot air balloon over Cappadocia!

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