A sunrise that feels like a dream

Our time in Cappadocia began with what quickly became the standout highlight of the trip: a hot air balloon flight at sunrise. We had booked ahead, and I would say this is an absolute must if you are visiting. Whether you simply watch the balloons rise out of the valleys in the early morning light, or choose to be in the basket yourself, it feels like a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.

We were collected from our hotel at 3:45am. I am a morning person, but not that much of one!

But this is something  that I had manifested long before this year's season of Race Across The World, and I knew it would be SO worth it.

After a smooth registration and check in at the balloon company’s base we were given a light breakfast before we met our pilot and were transferred to the launch field atop the hill on the edge of the town.

Watching the teams prepare the balloons in the dark (and the cold) was fascinating - so many preparing for their flights. By around 5 am we were climbing into the basket with the other passengers, 16 of us in total plus the pilot. Everything felt surreal as we lifted off and began to glide over the valley just outside the town of Göreme. 

We ascended to around 800 metres before dropping down into Love Valley, so close to the trees that we could almost touch them at arm’s length, then climbed again to about 1,200 metres  (The legal altitude limit is 1,400m) with a breathtaking view of the other balloons floating below. Even though sunrise was partly hidden by cloud, the flight itself was magical. We covered around 5 km and the landing was so soft it felt almost feather‑light, guided expertly onto a trailer by the ground crew.

The whole experience was incredibly slick, clearly communicated and I felt completely safe throughout. It literally felt like a dream: up so early, watching the sun come up over the valleys, suspended between earth and sky, and then, just like that, you are back on the ground again. So surreal, and without doubt the highlight of the trip. We rounded it off with a celebratory champagne breakfast and certificates to mark our flight.

This is the kind of experience that lingers with you: the hush of the early morning, the glow of the burners, and the feeling of gently drifting while Cappadocia slowly wakes beneath you.

Sleeping inside the rock: cave hotels in Göreme

We then headed on to Göreme and checked into a beautiful cave hotel, Sultan Cave Suites, which really added to the sense of being somewhere special. Cave properties are dotted all around Cappadocia in a variety of styles and standards, from simple and traditional to chic and boutique, and this is one of the loveliest examples.

Staying in a cave room feels cosy and authentic. The thick stone walls keep everything cool and peaceful, and the little quirks in the layout remind you that you are literally sleeping inside the rock. Sultan Cave Suites also offers those classic Cappadocia views from its terraces, so you can watch the balloons drift overhead in the early morning light. If you enjoy hotels with character rather than something generic, a cave stay here is a wonderful choice.

Exploring the valleys on horseback

A great way to explore the area was on horseback. You can also cycle (that was an outing for Mr. S), but I chose a morning ride with Ottoman Ranch, just outside Göreme, and was really impressed. The horses were well cared for and content: healthy, happy and very well trained.

We set off early to avoid the heat, although during our visit temperatures were quite mild, with highs of around 18°C and lows of 0°C on the balloon morning. In a small group, we trekked gently up through the valley and back down again, with a short rest stop for the horses. It was leisurely, relaxed and a lovely way to take in the scenery at a slower pace. I certainly felt it in my legs the next day, it’s been a while!

I also arranged a private bike tour through the valleys of Göreme for Mr S, which turned out to be perfect for a more adventurous traveller. This was a private tour with a knowledgeable local guide, with bike and helmet provided, lunch included and return collection from the hotel. The route was challenging and ideal for those who enjoy a bit of adrenaline. Travelling through Cappadocia’s extraordinary valleys and mountain‑biking trails, you will cycle across a unique rocky landscape, discovering hidden churches, cave dwellings, historical homes and fairy chimneys, and pausing at viewpoints over the red and rose‑coloured rock formations. It is a thrilling way to experience the region, yet still incredibly peaceful as you follow beautiful, serene paths and trails through the valleys. 

If you like soft adventure and being active without anything too extreme, this is a great option to include, whilst taking in some amazing views from up high. For fitter  thrill‑seekers , the private guided bike tour is a fantastic addition.

A delicious local discovery in Göreme

Food is a big part of any trip, and in Göreme we stumbled upon a real gem: a women’s cooperative restaurant on the edge of town. The welcome was warm, the food was delicious and home cooked, and the prices were very reasonable.

Some of the more touristy restaurants in the area can feel overpriced and a little underwhelming, but this spot stood out for all the right reasons. It is a lovely place to eat while supporting women in the local community, and it is somewhere I would happily recommend to anyone looking for genuine hospitality and quality Turkish cuisine: https://goremekadinkooperatifi.com/

An evening with the whirling dervishes

We attended a whirling dervish ceremony, which offered a very different kind of experience to the daytime adventures. Rather than a “show” in the usual sense, this is a spiritual ritual with roots in Sufi tradition, and it is best approached with quiet curiosity and respect.

Seated in a simple hall, we watched as the dervishes, dressed in flowing white garments, slowly began their meditative turning, accompanied by live music and chanting. The atmosphere was calm and almost hypnotic, a chance to pause, reflect and connect with a deeper side of local culture. It made a thoughtful counterpoint to the more active parts of the trip and is something I would recommend for clients who are interested in history, spirituality or simply seeing a more authentic dimension of Cappadocia. 

So much more to discover...

For a 4‑night stay, we managed to pack in an incredible amount: sunrise ballooning, cave hotel living, horseback rides, private biking through the valleys, wandering through Uchisar and discovering some wonderful local places to eat. Yet Cappadocia is one of those regions that leaves you wanting to come back for more.

There were experiences we simply did not have time for on this trip: wine tasting at local vineyards, exploring one of the famous underground cities, delving even further into the network of valleys and viewpoints and enjoying a traditional Hammam Spa treatment. They are firmly on the list for next time.

If this has sparked your curiosity, Cappadocia works beautifully as part of a wider Turkish adventure twinned with Istanbul, beaches or as a standalone short break. With careful planning, even a few nights here can feel rich, rewarding and full of those “I’ll never forget this” moments.