Hot Air Balloon Ride | Cappadocia

The entire experience from the drive to the perfect spot, to getting off the mini shuttle bus with dozens and dozens of hot air balloons laying flat on the ground, then watch them slowly ballooning to stand up proud and float into the sky so gently and effortlessly.

Everyone eagerly hopped into the basket with the biggest smiles and eyes wide open trying not to blink too much as to maximise the time gazing into one of the most magical scenery and experience of our lifetime.

"It was breathtaking and magical, neither words nor pictures are able to describe the feeling."

The lovey dovey hot air balloon couple :)

Directly on top of the fairy chimneys

How often is anyone able to view a tree from above it

Thanks to the many experienced crew and pilot, the entire experience was smooth and seamless. As you can see, we have been served some sparkling wine as a tradition to mark a successful flight.

Tips:

• The Hot Air Balloon Ride can be quite expensive especially during peak season. The cheapest time is in December during off-peak where there are less tourist. Also, it is possible to get it for a reasonable price if they have done their quota for the year. We booked our flight from a travel agency in Istanbul a day before we left for Cappadocia.
• December will be very very cold so wrap up! It was -10°C when I was there.

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Arif Cave Hotel | Göreme

When researching on where to visit in Turkey other than Istanbul, the first on the list was Cappadocia, a historical region of Central Anatolio in Turkey. It is well known for their fairy chimney rock formations, underground cities, cave houses and rock temples. They are so beautiful, everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Göreme was where we decided to stay. It is a town in Cappadocia which has hotels and restaurants. It is a small town but compared to the other towns, it is better populated and is more equipped for tourists. Daily tours operating in the area will have pickups from hotels. It is advised to go on a tour to see more sites out of town as there are no public transports available. The only other way is to hire a car. 

Arif Hotel is located slightly on a hilly part and has views that take your breath away. If you look carefully, there is a glass wall under the arch on the far right. This is the room where Turkish breakfast is served. 

Entrance to Arif Cave Hotel

As you enter the main gate, this is what you see

 A common waiting area

This was our room with a chillout area with two arm chairs and a coffee table

That's the bedroom and bathroom through the door

Isn't this romantic? Also, if you were wondering, the cave room was very well heated and warm during winter of -10C outside. I heard that some hotels can be quite chilly even though heated but this was very comfortable.

Night view from the top

I would highly recommend this hotel if you are planning to visit Cappadocia. There are also many good and affordable food around the area which is always a plus. 

How to get to Göreme?

The fastest way from Istanbul is to take a flight to Kayseri Airport. From the airport, take the pre-booked shuttle which will drop you to your hotel. Contact your hotel prior to arrival with details of your flight so they can arrange for a pickup shuttle. It will cost 25TL per person.

What to do in Göreme?

• Hot Air Balloon ride (highly recommended)
• 2 main tours
• Red Tour (covers the north of Cappadocia)
• Green Tour (covers the south of Cappadocia)
• There are also many other tours and activities available during peak season

Where to eat?

• Top Deck Restaurant
• Firin Express
• Koy Evi

Arif Cave Hotel

Aydınkırağı Mahallesi No: 11

Göreme / Nevşehir, Turkey

Tel: +90 384 271 23 61

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