Hot Air Balloon on RS Best of Turkey

David - I have not taken one in Turkey - however, I was looking at a RS scrap book entry last year, they were on this tour and took the balloon ride. OMG - after seeing the photos - all I can is GO! When I take this tour myself, I will definitely do this. Enjoy!

Count me in as a "coolest thing ever." The tufa formations in Cappadocia are amazing from ground level, but when you are in a balloon, it is other-worldly. I am petrified of heights, so did not opt to do a balloon trip the first time I was in Cappadocia. My second visit, my husband really wanted to do it, so to accommodate him, I gritted my teeth and went. As it turned out, it was not scary at all (sort of the way flying on a plane doesn't trigger my fear of heights) and it was an unforgettable experience. The third trip to Cappadocia, I made the reservations for a balloon trip first thing to make sure that we'd get to do it again. If you can afford it (and it is pricy, no doubt about it) I'd do it in a heartbeat.

My husband and I are in our 60's. We are taking the baloon ride in Cappodochia in September. We heard from two different couples how great the ride is. Elaine

Expensive but... "coolest thing ever"!

David - It's the 'coolest thing ever'! It was amazing and worth every penny. Seeing the sun rise and the surrounding area from above, not to mention all the balloons in the air at the same time was just an incredible experience. I am terrified of heights as well, but had no problem. When it was over we wanted to go again. I never saw so many smiles (rather huge grins) than on the van ride back to the hotel.

We took RS Turkey Tour last summer and when it came time to sign up for the balloon ride, I chickened out as I am dreadfully afraid of heights. My wife, always the adventurer, signed up and had what she termed "a life time experience".
After listening to all the folks who took the ride when they returned to our hotel, I felt that I had really missed something. Even those afraid of heights had no problems since the gondolas were so large. DO IT

Coolest thing ever! Worth the expense and the early morning!

I have not ballooned in Cappadocia, but have done so elsewhere and really enjoyed it. It's a very smooth ride, assuming that the crew helping with the landing is good. There is no wind because the balloon is moving at the exact same speed as the wind. If you have the time and the interest I would do it. If you're afraid of ballooning or don't like to get up early and still want a scenic view in Cappadocia, visit the top of Uchisar castle to the south of Goreme.

My mom and I did this about 12 years ago and it was absolutely wonderful! Gives you a completely different perspective on all the 'coolness' of Cappadocia. My mom and really resisted doing it but afterwards thought it was one of the highlights of our trip!

You all have me convinced - Thank you.

It was wonderful - And I also had Rick Steves in my Balloon http://david-turkeyandgreece.blogspot.com/2011/05/ballooning.html

Coolest thing ever!!! I am terrified of heights and get air sick. I had no problems at all (although I didn't hang out of the basket massively). I am tall, 5'10" and the basket wasn't too short; I did not feel uncomfortable. The balloon company RS uses is completely professional - we landed right on top of the bed of the truck when it was time to land. The ride was incredibly smooth and there was no issue of motion sickness at all. Worth the early wake up. Absolutely breathtaking sights. One of the best times of my life ever!!!

We have heard from two people that taking the balloon ride over the Cappodochia area is fantastic. We have signed up to take a GRAY LINE TOUR out of Istanbul. We will fly to the Cappodochia area for two nights. The two night tour includes the flights to/from Istanbul, the hotels, tour and baloon ride. Gray Line is based here in the U.S. and you can make your reservations online. We hae used Gray Line tours in Rome, Paris, London, Bruges, Canada, New York, Boston, Australia, etc.
Elaine