Cruise.co.uk launches cave-stay package with hot air balloon viewing

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 0

Online travel specialist cruise.co.uk has launched a new cruise and stay package featuring a four-night stay in a cave hotel and the opportunity to view hot air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey.

The ‘Caves & Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia with Turkey & Greek Isles Cruising’ itinerary is available to book now, with packages ranging from 12 to 15 nights, departing in July 2025 and May, July and September 2026. Prices start from £2,399pp.

Highlights of the land-stay portion include a visit to Uçhisar Castle, the highest vantage point in Cappadocia; Göreme Open Air Museum; Çavuşin, an old village known for its abandoned cave houses; and a full-day trek through the Ihlara Valley.

Also included is a sunrise picnic breakfast to view the hot air balloons rising above Cappadocia’s rock formations.

The cruise element comprises:

* July 8, 2025 departure: A 10-night cruise on Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess, departing Athens and calling at Corfu, Messina, Chania, Mykonos and Kusadasi, ending in Istanbul.

* May 6, 2026 departure: A seven-night cruise on Cunard’s Queen Victoria, departing Istanbul and cruising through the Dardanelles Strait, calling at Piraeus (for Athens); Mykonos; Katakolon; and through the Strait of Messina, ending in Barcelona.

* July 16, 2026 departure: A seven-night cruise on Oceania Cruises’ Allura, departing Istanbul and calling at Bozcaada, Lesbos, Izmir, Chios, Kos and Santorini, ending in Athens.

* September 2, 2026 departure: Nine-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Viva, departing Istanbul and calling at Kusadasi, Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus (for Athens), Katakolon, Valletta, Catania and Amalfi, ending in Civitavecchia (Rome).

* September 23, 2026 departure: Seven-night cruise on Queen Victoria, departing Istanbul and cruising through the Dardanelles Strait, calling at Piraeus (for Athens), Santorini, Katakolon and cruising the Strait of Messina, ending in Civitavecchia (Rome).

Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “There is growing demand among travellers for unique experiences that offer something different to the norm, and this package, with its cave hotel stay and opportunity to see the fascinating hot air balloon display in Cappadocia, fits that perfectly. Combined with a cruise through the Greek Isles, it’s the ideal package for those looking for exploration and culturally enriching visits, both by land and sea.”