KenzaB

Apart from the Roman theater, the ruins are in pretty bad shape and it is quite difficult to get a sense of what the place must have been like in the past. It was clearly a huge thermal center, frequented by Roman emperors! On the other hand, the setting, especially Pamukkale, is exceptional.

The Cotton Castle, as they call it here, is just incredible to see. Turquoise water pools in terraces on white limestone ground, where you can dip your feet. And right next door, the ruins of Hierapolis. A must-see!

While discovering Pamukkale and Hierapolis from the ground is impressive, seeing these sites from the sky offers a different perspective and a really cool experience. That said, if I had to compare this hot air balloon flight with the one I did in Cappadocia, I still have a preference for Cappadocia, where the incredible landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. There are definitely fewer people flying over Pamukkale, and that is a good thing!

Waking up at 4 a.m. stings a bit, but it is manageable since they pick you up at the hotel and you can just go with the flow of an operation that is well oiled. Once in the air, it is just magical. The landscapes around Göreme are incredible, like something from another planet, and you really need to get some altitude to appreciate it. The colors magnified by the sunrise are splendid, and all those multicolored balloons in the sky just add to the poetry.

Ideal place for a weekend or short family getaway with kids. The pool with slides is included in the price of the stay, and you can spend long periods of time there without getting bored. There are also plenty of other activities available, even if you sometimes have to pay extra. For cultural visits, Bruges is not too far.