Once we decided to join friends in Istanbul, I let them know that they didn’t have to join us, but Cappadocia was for sure a MUST for me.

My husband had seen something somewhere about the hot air balloons in Cappadocia. I immediately decided it was on my bucket list, and that was why I insisted we go. Fortunately, our friends decided to join us. Cappadocia is truly one of those fairy tale type places. The landscape is stunning, the food fantastic, the people wonderful. It might be my favorite “excursion” we’ve ever done, and we’ve done some amazing things!

Once again, my friend Lindsay nailed it with the lodging. Terra Cave Suites. Breakfast was fantastic, the rooms cute and romantic, there was a wonderful patio to enjoy the view and play games. We LOVED it here. I could have spent weeks!

We booked the hot air balloon ride for our first morning, so if weather caused a cancellation we could try again the next morning. This has GOT to be on your bucket list.

It was absolutely incredible. Breathtaking views, totally worth getting up early for. And to top it of, our balloon pilot, we went with Royal Balloon – Cappadocia, landed us directly ON the trailer for the balloon. Now that’s skill!

We came back and jumped into bed for a little nap, woke up in time for breakfast and then set out to explore the area. We saw the Derinkuyu Underground City, be careful if you’re prone to claustrophobia! And also Ihlara Valley, where we saw some cave churches as we followed some beautiful nature trails.

We could easily walk into town to enjoy any number of delicious meals. Testi was the thing to try here, and we had it twice. Meat sealed and cooked into pottery that you break open to eat. Delish! The views at Seten Restaurant were awesome along with good food!

The next day we slept in, and then toured Goreme Open Air Museum. We enjoyed exploring at our own pace.

Later, we did an atv tour which was fantastic. We just used the local place our hotel recommended.

It included a stop overlooking some sweet fairy chimneys.

We ended with a stop to watch the sunset.

We were sad to be leaving so soon early the next morning. If the opportunity ever arose, I would 100% return to this area. It’s worth the extra flight and costs to get here.