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I
count my Cappadocia hot-air
balloon flight
as one
of life's great thrills.
Here's
how a normal flight goes:
The
crew picks you up at your hotel before
dawn and drives you to the takeoff
site. After a chilly dawn launch
you float silently above the
Cappadocian moonscape dotted with
villages, vineyards and fruit orchards
for about an hour, coming down in
a farmer's field.
The
crew retrieves you and the aircraft,
then breaks out the bubbly for a
traditional champagne toast to
a successful aeronautical adventure.
This photo
gallery has more
info.
The
best flying weather is from April through October when
the skies are clear and the winds
light at dawn, but some
companies fly
in winter as well on days with favorable
weather for flying.
Here are tips for a successful Cappadocian
hot-air balloon experience:
1.
Read these tips on hot-air
balloon safety.
2.
Choose a company. Here are some
tips on how to do it. More...
3. Reserve
your place(s) in the balloon
basket several days in advance
if you can. It's best to schedule
your flight for the morning after
your first night in Cappadocia.
If unsuitable weather prevents the
balloons from flying on that first
morning,
you'll
have a back-up possibility on your
second or later morning.
A
balloon ascent is not cheap, but
it's little enough to pay for a truly unforgettable
experience in your life. And
when it comes to price, you must
realize that not all balloon
flights are the same. For
example:
—Flight
safety is extremely important,
but some flights—and balloon companies—are
safer than others. More...
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