Pamukkale: Hot air balloon flight with pickup & champagne

Summary

Float above Pamukkale’s terraces at sunrise, guided by locals

You’ll rise above Pamukkale’s surreal white terraces in a hot air balloon at sunrise, guided by locals who know every curve of the land. Feel the morning chill give way to warmth as you float quietly above Hierapolis and ancient pools, then toast your landing with champagne before heading back to your hotel — an experience that lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous when the balloon basket creaked under my feet — not scared exactly, just that weird flutter you get before something big. The sky over Pamukkale was still bruised with dawn colors, and our pilot (I think his name was Cem? He had this calm way of explaining everything) grinned as he fired up the burners. The heat on my face felt good in the chilly morning. I could smell something sweet and mineral in the air — maybe from those thermal pools below us.

We drifted higher than I expected. From up there, the famous white terraces looked almost unreal — like someone had spilled milk down the hillside and let it harden in the sun. Cem pointed out Hierapolis off to one side; he said his grandmother used to bring him here as a kid. There were other balloons floating nearby, but mostly it was quiet except for the occasional whoosh of flame and people whispering or laughing softly. I tried to take a photo but honestly, none of them really captured how strange and peaceful it felt.

Landing was bumpier than I thought (someone cheered when we touched down), but then they handed us glasses of champagne and everyone relaxed again. My hands were still shaking a bit — not from fear anymore, just adrenaline or maybe excitement. They gave us these little certificates with our names on them; kind of cheesy but I kept mine anyway. The ride back to the hotel was quiet — everyone staring out at the landscape like we’d seen something secret together. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Pamukkale Highlights

• Pamukkale visit
• Pamukkale Thermal Pool visit
• Hierapolis visit
• Amphitheatre visit

Top questions

How long does the Pamukkale hot air balloon flight last?

The flight lasts about one hour from takeoff to landing.

Is hotel pickup included for the Pamukkale balloon tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Do you get anything after landing from the balloon ride?

You’ll be offered a glass of champagne and receive a commemorative flight certificate after landing.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What sights do you see during the hot air balloon ride in Pamukkale?

You’ll see Pamukkale’s thermal pools, Hierapolis ruins, and the amphitheatre from above.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, a full hour floating over Pamukkale’s terraces and ancient sites with a local guide at the helm, plus a glass of champagne on landing and even a little certificate to remember it all by before heading back to your hotel.