The first hot air balloon took off back in the 18th century, whereas Jules Verne’s heroes used it to cross whole continents long before the Montgolfier brothers’ invention. Dirigibles and airlines have been invented since then, but people still wish to float above the earth while sitting in a large basket. A hot air balloon flight is quite an enjoyable experience in itself, but a flight above Cappadocia and its valley with curiously shaped rocks can only be compared to fascinating adventures worthy of Jules Verne.

It is possible to take a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia at any time of year, the flights are suspended only in the event of exceptionally strong wind. However, the best time to soar into the sky is spring and early summer. The weather literally invites you to give in to the wind and let the landscapes of the blooming valley float underneath you. The colours of autumn have their unique beauty and warmth. They paint trees in every shade from ochre to burnt red, with the earth covered in dry fallen leaves. There is nothing better than taking a flight early in the morning and watching the sun rise and light up the valley and its rock warriors.

Dozens of hot air balloons take off almost at the same time. That moment makes travellers so excited that they can’t help but burst into laughter and giddy wave at each other. Then, the balloons fly over the unique Cappadocia rock formations, fragrant apricot orchards and colourful rural houses. The balloons go down to the point where they almost touch the roofs and go up to the height of almost 1000 meters, but overall the flights go very smoothly. They last from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, but the emotions that come with them last a lifetime. And, as a rule, air travellers are usually met with a glass of champagne upon the descent as true conquerors of the sky.