Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
Read our review policy
Hot Air Ballooning holiday in Cappadocia, independent reviews
 Reviewed 26 May 2009 by Siobhan Doyle |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The balloon rides were incredible. We expected to go up, float around and come back down again but it was so much more. Sweeping so low over the hills that we could pick the flowers, literally skirting the rocks as we dipped into the valleys and once flying right through the branches of a tree made this trip really special.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you're going ballooning, make sure it's with a good company. It's clear that the quality varies quite a bit. Try a few different eateries and go with the more traditional small cafes and restaurants. It's hard to tell what the quality will be before eating there, but our hotel gave us the best advice.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Tourism is incredibly important in the area at the moment, but it's clear that it's just about getting out of control. Too many tourists are having damaging effects (simple erosion through foot traffic mostly) on the cave temples and cities and although the ballooning is very environmentally friendly, every balloon has a ground team driving around in a truck below. The balance between the benefits and impacts of tourism can only be managed by the locals, but as a visitor, you can minimize your own impact. Avoid flash photography in the fresco'd caves and above all do NOT touch any stone carving or reliefs on the cave walls.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had an absolutely amazing time. From hiking, to flying to learning about local history and culture, this was the perfect holiday for me. The hotel (Serinn house) made all the difference and the locals were incredibly helpful and friendly. I would love to bring friends back and show them around. I recommend visiting this absolutely unique part of the world, and hope that the tourism in the area doesn't get too out of control in the future.
| Reviewed 25 Mar 2008 by Linda Dennis | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
A fabulous hike through the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. The guided hikes were good for informational purposes, but exploring the ravines, caves, mountains, etc. with our two children (ages 8 and 10) was the highlight of the trip.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Plan on spending a minimum of 4 days in Cappadocia.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I would like to think so....
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful!
| Reviewed 23 Sep 2007 by Tamas Kormos | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hot air ballooning.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take sun cream, sunglasses, a hat and warm jumpers. It is summer mountain weather up there!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes to some extent.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
4 stars.
| Reviewed 7 Oct 2009 by Shirley Carr | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hot air balloon ride.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't worry about going it alone as a single female (of whatever age). But do wear trousers when out of your Hotel. A week in Goreme (if only doing the prearranged tours and hot air balloon flights) is too long, especially if not wishing to hire a car or travel elsewhere by bus. Do try to do more than one hot air balloon ride - differing weather conditions will mean different experiences there are no guarantees of perfect weather! Take warm clothes in the shoulder months, it can be a lot colder than you anticipate!!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Without tourism they wouldn't have a job...or competition for other work would be much tougher.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. The Kelebek is a lovely Hotel and I didn't meet anyone who didn't like it.