Stunning view of Cappadocia in Turkey

Stunning sunrise greets tourists on 'world's best hot air balloon ride' over rock caves of Cappadocia in Turkey

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• Dozens of hot air balloons take off before dawn every day to fly tourists over the region on hour-long tours

If ever there was a perfect way to start the day, watching the sun rise from 200 feet in the air must be one of them.

With the light creeping higher and higher on the horizon and the spectacular landscapes below, these are the breathtaking views from one of the world's best hot air balloon flights over Cappadocia in Turkey. 

The region, best known for its unique rock formations formed after volcanic eruptions in the area around nine million years ago, is famed for being one of the best places in the world for hot air ballooning.

Hot air balloons tours normally last an hour, taking off from the town of Goreme before travelling 2.5km along to Cavusin, giving passengers unique views of the orchards, vineyards and houses that have been built into the rock faces.

The take-off was really quiet and natural, the balloons were not noisy at all and I didn't get that nervous feeling like I do on a plane.

'Being up in the balloons gave me a sense of peace and a genuine wonderment, almost like Christmas when you are a child.'

The balloon tours, which take place every day, enable tourists to get a fantastic view of Cappadocia as the sun rises around them.

The first hot air balloon was flown on June 4, 1783, making it the first ever successful human-carrying flight technology.

Although the largest balloons are able to carry well over two dozen people, the most common used balloon hold only three to five people, making it an intimate experience for the passengers to enjoy with family or friends.

 'These balloon tours in Turkey have been going since as long ago as the 80s. I am not surprised that they are still successful as you get to experience something so extraordinary.

'Seeing the beautiful sunrise all around you is a very surreal experience, I think balloon tours like this will still be taking place for a long time to come.'