Turunc Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Adventure and Historical Marvels

A fantastic day out and well worth the cost! Kerem was supportive and attentive the whole time. The transport was also clean and very comfortable

Helpful? Yes

The entire day was incredible from beginning to end! Our guide, Kerem was very warm and gave us extra time at each stop, which made the experience even better. The hot air balloon ride was absolutely stunning. Although the landing was a bit rough, it didn’t take away from how special it all felt. The certificate and the non alcoholic toast at the end were thoughtful additions, and the entire crew was kind, helpful, and made everyone feel welcome. I even had to be carried out of the balloon because of where we landed which just showed how accommodating they were. This was the perfect way to spend my final day in Türkiye. I’d happily do it all over again. A big thank you to Kerem for being a wonderful guide, and an extra thank you to our driver you’re a legend for handling all that driving!

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This was definitely a unique experience. First off, be prepared this trip takes much longer than advertised. Ours lasted closer to 15 or 16 hours rather than the stated 12. Also, make sure to dress warmly. You’ll be standing in a field in the early hours of the morning before sunrise, and it gets quite chilly. Communication was excellent following the booking. We heard first from the operator and later from the guide, both of whom kept us well informed. The hot air balloon ride itself is a must-do. The views speak for themselves and are truly unforgettable. Afterward, we were given a small breakfast, and then we headed to the thermal baths. The baths were interesting, and the setting is rich in history. We really enjoyed exploring the area. That said, our guide functioned more as a coordinator than an actual guide there wasn’t much in the way of actual guiding or commentary during the tour. Unfortunately, the rest of the day didn’t live up to the earlier experience. We were taken to a shop that sold decorative stone items. While some were nice, the prices were very high, and it felt uncomfortable to browse under the watchful eyes of staff. Lunch came next and was served buffet style. It was fine, but nothing particularly memorable. The final stop was a wine tasting, which I would usually look forward to. However, the setting resembled an underground bunker more than a wine shop. The wines weren’t great, and there were random products on display from candy floss to some kind of balm for your forehead. Prices started at £20, and once again, we were funneled through the shop with staff pressuring us to buy. To top it off, on the way back, the guide announced that hotel drop-off wasn’t included—despite our booking confirmation stating otherwise. I made it clear I wasn’t happy, and after a few phone calls, someone did eventually come to take us back to our hotel.

Helpful? Yes 1 traveler found this review helpful

Kerem was a friendly and pleasant guide, and overall the tour went smoothly. The balloon pilot was skilled, and the flight itself felt very safe we had an amazing time soaring above Pamukkale. The only downside was the stop at a commercial shop, which felt unnecessary and ate up valuable time, especially after spending so long on the bus.

Helpful? Yes 1 traveler found this review helpful

Drifting through the sky alongside dozens of other hot air balloons was a truly special experience. The early morning wake up was completely worth it. Our guide, Kerem, was incredibly well informed and added a lot of value to the day with his insights. It was a thoroughly enjoyable outing.

Helpful? Yes 1 traveler found this review helpful

I would absolutely recommend this tour. Our guide, Kerem, was excellent very approachable and full of interesting information. The day is definitely long, but completely worth it. We captured so many great photos, and the hot air balloon ride was truly an unforgettable experience.

Helpful? Yes 4 traveler found this review helpful

Pamukkale’s natural scenery was truly revitalizing. The views were absolutely stunning, especially during the sunrise balloon ride an ideal experience for anyone who enjoys panoramic landscapes. (I recommend bringing motion sickness medication if you're prone to it.) Personally, the travertine terraces were my favorite part. Everything looked just like the pictures, and joining a tour really made the whole experience more seamless and enjoyable. Our schedule went like this: hotel pickup → sunrise balloon flight → free time at Pamukkale (to explore the ruins, Cleopatra’s Pool, and the travertine formations) → lunch buffet → exclusive visits to some local stores in the area. Our guide, Ali, was very informative and shared a lot of interesting facts thank you for that! If I had to point out a drawback, it would be the shopping stops. Although the staff at the stores were polite and not pushy, I’m not particularly fond of long drives or shopping experiences. Personally, I would have been content with just the balloon ride and Pamukkale visit.

Helpful? Yes 1 traveler found this review helpful

This tour was by far the most memorable part of our Turkey trip! Seeing Pamukkale from above in a hot air balloon was truly one of a kind and something we'll always cherish. Walking through the ancient ruins with our guide Ali’s detailed explanations made the visit even more meaningful. The buffet lunch introduced us to several Turkish dishes we hadn’t tried before, which was a lovely surprise. Ali was incredibly generous with his time and advice, helping us make the absolute most of our visit. He shared a lot of fascinating history and even helped us secure our Cleopatra Pool tickets—something we might not have managed ourselves. The transport was also very comfortable, and the driver was polite and professional throughout the journey. Thanks to both of them, we were able to fully enjoy everything Pamukkale has to offer.

Helpful? Yes 3 traveler found this review helpful