Less than a month to go and we'll be in Turkey! We'll be in Urgup for 5 days and hope to take a hot air balloon ride. A friend who has been there suggested we book in advance. Is this necessary or can we wait until we arrive? We'd prefer to develop an itinerary upon arrival. She also suggested Kapadokya (Sp?) Balloons. Any comments from Fodorites? Many thanks!

I used Kapadoccia Balloons and was very pleased with them. I would make my reservation when I arrived. Ballooning is subject to weather conditions so keep in mind even if you have a reservation you may not end up being able to fly.

Thanks for this Diane60030. I'm glad your experience with Kapadokya Balloons was good. We'll be there for several days so we'll make a reservation when we first arrive. That will give us a better chance if weather becomes a problem.

I don't know about the advisability of booking in advance or not, but I booked in advance.

Our flight with Kappadokya Balloons was one of the most memorable hours of our 25 years of travel experiences. For photos, see http://www.pbase.com/mike_buckley/best_balloons

Mike. Your pictures are wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing them. I'm really looking forward to our trip ... not long now!

Prebooking is recommended especially if one has a particular company in mind rather tah hearing sorry we are fully booked.
Also book the balloon flight at first possible morning so you have chances to re try if weather is not Ok for a morning flight. At the end of the day they have a daily capacity and you may be just two people to much to fit in the basket, better not risk it altought I belive if you do not find space the first day you do find on 2nd or 3rd day but never for sure....

Mike greetings from sunny Cappadocia

Murat

Thanks for this Murat. I had planned to book with Kapadokya Balloons when we arrive as we'll be in Urgup for 5 nights/6 days. If we book in advance do we also pay by credit card at the same time? I understand there's a discount if one pays cash.

Usually they charge less for cash because they don't have the % to cover that the credit card companies charge.