Cont....Cappadocia day 2 and day 3
Underground Cities, Valleys & More Balloon Magic
Morning came quietly again - the kind of crisp Cappadocia air that wakes you up even before the coffee does. We were still anticipating the balloons, peeking out the window, wondering if they's make an appearance that day. There's someting strangely addictive about that morning ritual - stepping into the cold, scanning the skies, waiting for colours to float across the horizon.
That morning, there were no flights due to the wind. But instead, we were treated to a beautiful sunrise view. We took it slow, enjoying breakfast on the rooftop and snapping tons of photos - especially with the "resident star 🐶"
💡 Tips: Stay at least 3-4 nights in Cappadocia. Ballon flights are highly weather-dependant and often cancelled due to wind. If you only stay a night or two, there's a real chance you might miss them - and trust me, they're a must!
Exploring with Mr. Ahmet
Since the morning was balloon-free, we decided to make the day spontaneous - and got ourselfve a driver. The hotel reception called up a contact, and soon enough, Mr Ahmet arrived: the most well-dressed taxi driver I've ever seen - jeans, collared shirt, shiny leather shoes - Cappadocia in style.
From there, Ahmed drove us to a viewpoint overlooking Pigeon Valley. It's called that because for centuries, locals carved pigeon houses into the cliffs to collect their dropping and use them as fertilizer for crops. Today, you'll also find trees covered in hanging evil eye charms - a whimsical sight against the rocky backdrop at the viewpoint. We didn't hike the valley itself but stopped at a couple of viewpoints for photos - the landscape was still impressive.
If you're plannign for a private tour with a driver, I highly recommend Mr Ahmed - and this is his instagram @ahmt_akbz
Valleys, Lunch & Rock Formations
We also stopped by Pasabag Valley, one of the most popular spots in Goreme, known for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings. Some of them even have multiple caps stacked on top, which honestly look like something our of a fantasy world. We wandered around the surreal landscape from the outside, took some shots and eventually settles down here for a simple lunch, then we continued to Devrent Valley (also known as Imagination Valley).
Unlike other valleys, there are no cave churches or homes here - just natural rock formations shaped by erosion. This is where you let your imagination run wild - spotting camel, dolphins, seals, and even Mother Mary, and all kinds of shapes in the rocks. The camel one is pretty obvious.
I've been wanting to try my hand at ceramic making for the longest time. We'd seen a few shops around Goreme town earlier in the trip, and it got me curious to look for a place to actually experience it. That's how we ended up at Kybele Boutique Ceramic in Avanos - a town famous for its pottery tradition that goes back thousands of years, thanks to the rich red clay from the Kizilirmak River (the longest river in Turkey). They offered a trial session for visitors and I was lucky to get my hands on it. let me just say, its way trickier than it looks. The wheel spins fast, your hands get messy, and keeping the shade from wobbling is harder than I expected. Still, it was such a fun and satisfying experience. Watching the artisans work was even more impressive - each piece here is hand-thrown and later hand-painted by skilled artists - true one of a kind creations, many of which are exported worldwide. No photos were allowed of the process so to protect their designs, but the memory of shaping clay with my own hands was enough.
We returned to Goreme and ended up back at the Sedef Steak & Kebap - yes, the same resturant from the night before because it was just that good. Their grill vege platter is a must-try. That night, they handed out roses to all the women for Mother's Day - such a sweet gesture. The food was delicious, and the price felt well worth it.
The Last Morning
And just like that, it is our last morning in Cappadocia, and my heart felt heavy. I's really grown to love this place - the handmade craft, the woven textured, the earthy colours everywhere.
But that morning, as early as 5.30AM, Cappadocia gave us a farewell gift : a sky full of balloons. One by one, they began flickering into view. My heart raced as more and more lifted into the air. We ran to the rooftop - where others had already gathered - and took turns snapping photos. As one point, the sweetheart decided to photobomb my shot, making it the most unforgetable picture of the trip. We must have taken hungreds of photos, from every angle. The balloons were tiny at times, drifting with the wind, but the sight was still breathtaking.
Later, Ersin - the friendly guide from the ceramic studio - came by on his bike for a quick coffee. he even offered me a ride up to Love Valley, where many balloons launch. Riding through winding roads with a stranger in a foreign land sounds. daunting, but it turned into one of those magical travel moment. We sat at a small cafe on the hill, chatting as we overlooked the valley. No ballons by then, just those for training and I had the chance to see up close for once. By late morning, it was time to head back for our flight to Istanbul. And honestly, leaving Cappadocia wasn't easy. I would definitely be back in a heartbeat.
🌿Tips and Things To Know for Your Cappadocia Trip
1. Don't rush - stay at least 3 to 4 nights
Balloon flights are weather-dependant and can be cancelled due to wind. Staying longer gives you a higher chance of catching that iconic sunrise scene (and trust me, you dont want to miss it).
2. Balloo Watching : More Than Just a Ride
Even if you don't hop on a balloon, morning in Cappadocia are magical. Balloons usually launch between 5AM - 5.45AM, so get up early, wrap yourelf warm, and head to a rooftop or viewpoint by 5AM to catch the full show. If flights are cancelled due to wind (which happens often) don't worry - even one good morning with balloons is worth the wait.
3. Vintage Car Photoshoot Are a Thing
If you're into unique travel photos, there are vintage care package offered around Goreme and Love Valley. They're typically used for sunrise balloon-view photoshoot, complere with retro convertibles and props. Expect to pay around USD150-200 depending on the package and duration. It's a bit of splurge, but the photos are absolutely stunning.
4. Book a Private Driver for a Day
There are standard "Red" and "Green" tours you can book in Cappadocia, which cover most of the main sights. But if you want to explore beyond Goreme without rushing, hiring a driver for a half or full day tour is a game-changer. Most hotels can arrange one (we paid around 4500lira - USD108 for the day) and they'll bring you to various highlights at your own pace. It's much more flexible and lets you decide how long to spend at each spot.
5. Go Easy & Slow
Cappadocia isn't a place to rush. Some of the best memories happen when you leave space for spontaneity - chatting with locals, sipping tea with a view, or stumbling upon a handmade ceramic shop tucked in a side street. Embrace slow travel here.
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Until next time, Cappadocia - I'll be dreaming of your balloon-filled skies, winding streets and warm, dusty sunsets 💛