Turkish float trip

GETTING THERE:

From LAX, Lufthansa, KLM, Air Tahiti Nui, United, Virgin Atlantic, American and Air France have connecting service (change of plane) to Kayseri, Turkey, about 45 miles from the balloon launch site in Goreme. Restricted round-trip fares begin $1,465 until Aug. 13, dropping to $1,129 until Oct. 12.

TELEPHONES:

To call numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 90 (country code for Turkey) and the local number.

BALLOON TOURS:

Kapadokya Balloons, TR-50180 Nevsehir; . We flew with this company, whose website includes some reassuring answers to questions about safety. Flights are subject to cancellation in the event of adverse weather. Conditions in winter are unfavorable for flying. A 90-minute flight is $289 per person.

Other balloon tour operators in the area are listed at . Their prices are comparable to Kapadokya’s.

TO LEARN MORE:

Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, 2525 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008; (202) 612-6700, .

Turkish Government Tourist Office, (877) 367-8875 or (323) 937-8066.

-- Jerry V. Haines