Description
Balloon in Tuscany offers tourist flights in hot air balloons in the Chianti area where it is based which, thanks to thirty years of experience, have welcomed more than 30,000 passengers.
Flight over San Gimignano:
The Medieval skyline of San Gimignano is a breathtaking sight from the ground and even more so when viewed from a balloon basket on one of our balloon flights. Our balloon rides from San Gimignano take off less than a kilometre from the centre of the town and ensure a wonderful view of the towers and buildings that create one of the most evocative views of the fortified Tuscan hill towns. After the balloon take off the majesty of the medieval towers and its unique architecture will soon appear with all its beauty. Some call it the “Manhattan of the Chianti region”. But you will not only see the town of San Gimignano, all the typical Tuscan countryside will be there to be admired: the vineyards that produce excellent Vernaccia di San Gimignano alternating with olive trees and in the distance the Apennine Mountains with their tops covered by the white Carrara marble from where Michelangelo took the material for his works.
Flight over Chianti:
Thanks to the strategic position of our launch site, you will be able to admire old Tuscan castles and renaissance villas, enjoy aerial views of the old towns of Poggibonsi, Siena, San Gimignano, Col Val D’Elsa and be amazed by the typical Chianti hills, vineyards and woods . On a clear day if we fly high enough you may see the Tirrenean/Mediterranean sea reflecting the morning sun in the distance.
Flight over Siena:
Our hot air balloon ride starts from our launch site, on the edge of Siena. You will soon see Piazza del Campo, the famous medieval square where the “Palio di Siena” is held twice a year. Depending on where the wind will carry us, we could fly right over the city and its fascinating medieval buildings, or, still with the view of the city in the background, we could admire the characteristic fields of Chianti if the breeze is blowing to the north, or again the sweet hills of Crete Senesi if we will be headed south/south-east. In any ot these cases the experience will be unique and unforgettable!
The flight experience begins with balloon ground inflation, a moment that reflects all the charm of the flight… that someone has defined as “the pilot’s Dance”. When everything is ready, it’s time to get in the balloon basket and maybe prepare your camera or gopro.
The flights last from 45 minutes to one hour and a half, during which you can take, thanks also to the sweet pace, splendid pictures of memorable Tuscan landscapes. You will also admire the typical red roofs of the cities and follow the runaway races of the animals in the fields.
The first lights of dawn will create a magical frame effect to the scene that your eyes are witnessing. During the flight you can learn more about the territory and its history from the pilot’s tales. Once landed, we will have breakfast together in the middle of the Chianti countryside with typical Tuscan products (included in the price!).
The crew will take the passengers back to the launch field in one of the courtesy cars.
- Dress in layers, the air is very fresh in the morning.
- Wear comfortable shoes
FLIGHT EXPERIENCE ORGANIZED BY:
Balloon in Tuscany
WHAT’S INCLUDED
MEETING POINT
The meeting point, which is also the take-off point, varies according to the weather conditions and will be communicated after request booking by the organizer of the experience. However, it remains in the San Gimignano area. The exact meeting time will also be communicated later, the departure is for dawn.
BOOKING METHOD AND CANCELLATION TERMS:
- The flight is considered booked with a credit card number as guarantee.
- If the Pilot has to cancel due to wind and/or weather or technical reasons, your flight will be rescheduled to the next mutually convenient day. No flight, no charge.
- If you cancel within one week, a cancellation charge of 25% of the total will be required by Balloon in Tuscany.
- If you do not show up at the airfield, on the day and time established, Balloon in Tuscany will retain the total amount from the credit card provided at the time of booking.
- Passengers with recent lower limb operations and pregnant women are not allowed to fly.
- We do not recommend flying for people with heart problems or back problems.
- Children are allowed to fly over 7 years of age.
REVIEWS
Marinione – January 2020
” We were a group of 10 adults (5 in each balloon) and this was one of the best experiences of our trip. Stefano, Gianna and team were great to deal with and would recommend them without hesitation. The views were incredible and the breakfast was outstanding. Pictures and video from the drone were terrific. Thank you for making this a lifetime experience.“
Gloria –
Un viaggio meraviglioso seguito da una colazione altrettanto splendida, il tutto contornato da uno dei paesaggi oserei dire più belli al mondo, e da una gentilezza ed ospitalità che si riscontrano raramente.
Estremamente consigliato, ci è rimasto talmente nel cuore che lo rifaremo sicuramente.
Un enorme ed ulteriore grazie a chi ci ha accolto, è stato un sogno!
Elena –
Che meravigliosa esperienza !!!!Libertà , felicità ,tranquillità alcune sensazioni che ci hanno accompagnati in questo volo . Ho chiuso gli occhi e ho provato ad immaginare come significasse librarsi nell’aria liberi. Stefano il nostro Comandante ( pilota ) amante dei maialini a bassa quota è stato super !!! La sua naturalezza nel dare la risposta a dove atterreremo … “dove ci porta il vento” … mi è piaciuta e mi ha fatto capire un poco la tipologia di questo volo … e così è accaduto … il vento ci ha portato in un campo di ulivi e Stefano ha manovrato al centimetro ….I colori .. il divenire dell’alba … il rumore del silenzio… tutto come un meraviglioso racconto. Un grazie a Gianna e alla sua superlativa ospitalità per aver condiviso oltre ad una buona colazione anche la sua casa con noi viaggiatori … Esperienza da rifare !!!
marinione –
We were a group of 10 adults (5 in each balloon) and this was one of the best experiences of our trip. Stefano, Gianna and team were great to deal with and would recommend them without hesitation. The views were incredible and the breakfast was outstanding. Pictures and video from the drone were terrific. Thank you for making this a lifetime experience.
Francesca –
Veramente un’esperienza da fare. L’accoglienza di Gianna formidabile e Stefano (il pilota) simpaticissimo! Colazione post giro molto buona in un casolare antico che ti fa proprio sentire a casa. Il tutto è stato accompagnato da una bellissima giornata e da altri quattro compagni di viaggio piacevolissimi! Consigliata assolutamente!
JoKo1956 –
This balloon-flight was really FANTASTIC! We had a wonderful trip with an amazing view, seeing the sunrise in the morning. The area, nature, castles and wine-yards we heard it all of the pilot, crew and team. They were great. All with a smile and humour. Afterwards we got an home-made breakfast with champagne in their garden. They were very helpfull and friendly. This is the best way to discover Tuscany!
We would advice anybody to do so!
Dieter E –
….mit dem Ballon, ein unbeschreibliches Erlebnis.
Früh am Morgen näherten wir uns dem Treffpunkt und fanden bereits die komplette Crew bei den Vorbereitungen für den Start vor. Nicht wie in Deutschland, wo sie vor dem Start selbst Hand anlegen müssen. Nein hier sind Sie Gast. Start und Landung, alles problemlos. Unter der fachmännischen und kompetenten Leitung von Capitano Stefano läuft alles wie am Schnürchen. Sie selbst müssen (dürfen) nur noch genießen. Als Abschluss der Ballonfahrt gibt es noch ein italienisches Frühstück mit Prosecco auf dem Lande. Vielen Dank an Stefano und seine Frau Gianna, wir freuen uns auf ein Wiedersehen im nächsten Jahr 😎🤓
Sarah –
Thank you Stephano and family for such a beautiful experience! Antony and I had the most wonderful time with you on our excursion, you are truly a master at your craft. Then to be invited to your home for breakfast was such a special treat. It felt like the most authentic part of our 3 week trip in Italy. Well done and we wish you and your family the very best.
Erinlee401 –
What an amazing experience it was to be a part of this balloon trip with this family run operation. From beginning to end it was magical. We soared above the countryside with Stefano who has a great sense of humor and not a bad singing voice. Don’t be confused by the other companies with similar names. This family is the original.
I highly recommend this outfit and this experience it was the best I had on a two week Italy trip. And added bonus we made friends with the others on the ride and keep in touch.
Elsarosa –
Это было настолько необыкновенно, непредсказуемо, что я даже при взлёте расплакалась! Потрясающие профессионалы Стефано и его жена. Совершенно не страшно, всё время находишься в какой-то эйфории, ощущение как в сказке, а под тобой знаменитые виноградники кьянти! А после приземления нас ждал потрясающий завтрак в доме у хозяев. Жена Стефано ( к сожалению забыла как её зовут) с радостью показала нам свой дом. Это люди преданные своей работе и высокие профессионалы! Огромное вам спасибо за те эмоции, что вы нам подарили