Rainbow Balloons — Local services in Göreme

Detailed review ahead! :)

We booked Rainbow Balloons through a travel agency, and overall, we’re very happy with our choice. Our flight took off just before sunrise (it was a close call), with warm and friendly staff. The ride was a good length, with plenty of turns for 360° views, incredible photos, and even a dip into the valley.

It’s worth noting that this company flies farther from town, which might be a pro or con depending on what you’re looking for. If you want to fly between the chimneys or over hotels in Göreme, this isn’t the company for you. I also suspect luxury companies may get priority on certain flight paths, but weather and other factors likely play a role too.

The basket had eight compartments, each with 3-4 people. We shared with another couple, and at least three of us could fit comfortably on the edge at a time. After a smooth landing, we had a champagne (sweet red sparkling wine) toast, received flight certificates, and were quickly shuttled back to the hotel.

A few notes: They sell a video of your experience at the end—no pressure to buy if you’re not interested. Tips are encouraged, but they’ll get you drunk first 😜 kidding, our tip was honestly, well-deserved. We were happy to give! Breakfast is very minimal—a packaged bar and maybe water, so don’t expect a full meal.

One critique: After boarding the balloon, they had everyone duck down as if bracing for takeoff, only to reveal it was a joke. While some found it funny, my 70-year-old dad (who has knee issues) found it frustrating and uncomfortable. Getting up was tough for him, and even I felt it went on a bit too long. I’d suggest rethinking this bit, especially for groups with older passengers.

That aside, you can feel safe knowing that this is a great value and I would recommend Rainbow Balloons for a memorable, affordable and...

My recent hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Balloons in Cappadocia was an absolute dream come true. The breathtaking vistas, the tranquil sunrise, and the skilled pilots all contributed to an unforgettable adventure. The professionalism and attention to safety demonstrated by their staff were commendable, making me feel secure throughout the entire journey.

The hot air balloon ride itself was a mesmerizing experience. Floating gracefully above the unique Cappadocian landscape, with its iconic fairy chimneys and vibrant hues, felt like being transported to a different world. The pilot's expertise and knowledge of the region added depth to the excursion, as they shared intriguing facts and stories along the way.

However, despite the exceptional balloon ride, I must address one aspect that fell short of my expectations: breakfast. Considering the premium price of $300 per person, I anticipated a more substantial and nourishing meal to complement this extraordinary experience. While the breakfast provided was decent, it consisted mainly of packaged sugary items, which left me craving something more fulfilling.

For such a premium offering, it would have been fantastic to have a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a selection of fresh fruits to start the day on a refreshing note. These small additions would have elevated the overall experience and reflected the attention to detail that Rainbow Balloons otherwise displayed during the balloon ride.

Despite this one shortcoming, I still highly recommend Rainbow Balloons for their stunning hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia. The magical journey through the skies and the awe-inspiring views will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Just be sure to grab a coffee and some fruit beforehand to fully savor every moment of this...

We had a fantastic time with Rainbow. We ended up booking through our hotel (Lunar Cappadocia). I really have no complaints at all.

They picked us up from our hotel in a modern van that was clean inside. Pickup was timely and the ride was lovely. They handed out a light breakfast in a bag you can bring home as a souvenir.

We got out of the van while it was still pitch black and begun waiting for the hot air balloons to blow up, which was awesome.

I've heard that some of these balloons use the smaller capacity of their gondola as a selling point, but I really don't think it matters—the gondola is divided up into many groups of four people each and the ballon will spin around at every point of interest to give everyone a view.

Our captain made us feel extraordinarily safe at the same time and I was never scared at all. He took us on a scenic route around some rock formations, then we climbed up high into the sky, then lower towards other scenic areas and the city, and finally through a valley before we landed. He got close to some points of interest but not close enough to be scary. He also used the fire controlling the hot air balloon to make a couple little musical jingles (which some of the other pilots would return). His name was Mustafa and he was lovely.

The landing was smooth, and then they quickly setup a table with drinks. It's a mix of a cherry-flavored liquid (juice?) and non-alcoholic bubbly, which was absolutely delicious. They also present you with a certificate "proving" you went on the balloon ride.

Overall, especially at the price they're offering the rides at—in this off season it was ~$60 a person—I can't complain at all. I would highly recommend booking...