Hot air balloons in Cappadocia, Türkiye

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Rising with the sun. Cappadocia, Türkiye

If you find yourself travelling in Türkiye, one must-see place to explore is Cappadocia, a historic region in the centre of modern-day Türkiye. A magical Cappadocia moment is watching dozens of hot air balloons rising into the dawn sky—and if you're feeling adventurous, you can ride in one! Every sunrise and sunset gives life to the 'fairy chimneys' of Cappadocia, mysterious towering rock formations reaching a height of over 40 metres. This unusual landscape was formed millions of years ago due to volcanic eruptions. One attraction you can't see from a hot air balloon is Derinkuyu, an entire city dating from 1400 BCE—homes, markets, offices, public spaces—that's completely underground. This subterranean city sheltered citizens from raiders and invaders that swept through over the centuries. When you experience the ancient wonders of Cappadocia, it's easier to understand how old the world is.