How long is the hot air balloon flight?

A hot air balloon ride in Italy with us lasts for around one hour, depending on weather conditions and suitability of landing sites, but you should allow at least four hours for the whole ballooning experience.

Where do you fly from?

We operate hot air balloon flights in Tuscany, a beautiful region of northern Italy, where we have several launch sites in and around Florence, Siena, Poggibonsi and beyond.

When do you fly?

We schedule hot air balloon rides in Tuscany seven days a week from Mid May to Mid October depending on weather conditions.

Our balloon flights usually take place in the morning shortly after sunrise (approximately between 6.30am and 7.30am) but this varies depending on the time of year. Occasionally we also fly in the evenings.

Why do balloons generally fly early morning and evening?

This is when conditions are best for ballooning. During the main part of the day the sun heats the ground which in turn heats the air above causing thermals or columns of rising air. These thermals cause up-drafts and downdrafts which affect a pilot’s ability to safely control the altitude of a hot air balloon.

How high will we go?

Sometimes up as high as 5,000 feet (1500m) – although this depends on airspace restrictions and conditions on the day. Even at a few hundred feet the views are incredible and over 1,000 you can start to see for miles.

How far will we fly?

Hot air balloons can’t be steered in the normal sense, so they travel on the wind with skilled pilots controlling the altitude by heating and venting the air inside the balloon. How far you’ll fly depends on the wind speed and on how long it takes the pilot to find a suitable landing spot. You could fly a relatively short distance or as far as 20 miles.

Where will we land?

As hot air balloons travel on the wind, you never know where exactly you’re going to land which makes it all the more exciting. The pilot will start looking for a suitable landing site after around 45 minutes. The retrieval crew will track the balloon on the ground and aim to arrive shortly after landing. After the balloon is packed away they will transport you back to your meeting point.

What is the landing like?

Flying in a hot air balloon is a very serene experience while in the air, but it is an adventure activity in the great outdoors and sometimes on landing the basket can tip and/or drag along before coming to rest. This is how balloons have been landing for over 200 years and is perfectly normal. The balloon and basket are designed for your comfort and safety throughout the flight. During landing you will be in the safe, seated landing position within the basket as instructed by your pilot. Many people say the landing is their favourite part of the flight.

Can people come with me to watch?

Spectators are welcome but they will need to make their own way to the launch site where there may not be toilets or other facilities. We would not recommend that spectators try to follow the balloon by road for safety reasons.

What should I wear?

We recommend clothes suitable for a walk in the country depending on the time of year and on the specific day you are flying. The temperature in the air is similar to on the ground. Generally comfortable layers are a good idea, plus a cap or other hat because of the radiant heat from the balloon’s burners. Sensible closed shoes or trainers are essential. Usually passengers are asked to help with the inflation and deflation of the balloon so we also recommend you wear clothes which you don’t mind getting a little dirty just in case.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes, you can bring a camera, binoculars or camcorder as the balloon makes an excellent platform for photography. They must not be in metal cases and they are carried at your own risk. Sometimes our pilots offer an in-flight photo service for an additional cost and if this is available they will explain this to you on the day.

How big is the hot air balloon?

Our hot air balloons very in size but the largest and, once inflated, towers at over 100ft tall or seven storeys high and takes around 250,000 cubic feet of air to fill.

How many passengers are there in the balloon?

Our hot air balloon baskets vary in size. Our standard balloon rides use large baskets which carry up to 10 people. The balloon basket is split into compartments with between two and four people in each, so you have your own space and can enjoy an intimate experience with your friend, family or partner. We also have smaller balloons which accommodate just to passengers and the pilot for our exclusive flights.

Can anyone fly in a hot air balloon?

Children must be aged seven or over and at least 4ft 6ins (1.37m) tall. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers must be physically able to climb over the side (4ft 6ins/1.37m high) into the basket with the steps provided, stand unassisted for an hour and adopt the seated landing position.  They should also be sure they don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions which could be affected by the ballooning experience and seek medical advice if unsure. Anyone weighing over 20 stone (127kg/280lbs) will be required to pay a supplement. We are unable to fly passengers who are pregnant or have recently had major surgery.

Can I fly the balloon myself?

No, unfortunately not. Our pilots are all qualified and highly experienced and we think it’s best to leave the actual flying up to them. However, they will be happy to answer questions about how they got into flying balloons and how it all works.

Is hot air ballooning safe?

Hot air ballooning is an extremely safe activity which is highly regulated in the UK where we hold an Air Operators Certificate with the Civil Aviation Authority which allows us to operate in Italy. We follow strict safety guidelines and use the latest ballooning equipment. Our pilots are highly experienced and hold full commercial balloon licenses.

What about insurance?

We are insured for public and third party liability up to £10million (c. €12million). You may wish to check with your holiday insurance to ensure it covers activities like hot air ballooning.

Why would a flight be cancelled?

Hot air ballooning is weather dependent and sometimes pilots will cancel flights because the weather conditions are unsuitable. This can be because of rain, strong winds, poor visibility, very wet ground conditions or the possibility of thunder storms.

Our pilots make their decision to fly based on the most relevant and up to date forecasts available. Sometimes the actual conditions may be different to what was forecasted but we feel it is important to always put safety first.

What happens if my flight is cancelled?

If we have to cancel your flight because of weather or other reasons outside of our control, we will try to re-arrange your flight during your vacation. If we cannot do this then you will receive a full refund within three working days.

What if I want to cancel a flight?

That’s no problem as you can cancel your booking by calling or emailing us in line with our cancellation policy:

• You can cancel up to 30 days before the flight date and receive a full refund.
• If you cancel within the final 30 days up to the day before you will receive 75% of the amount paid.
• If you cancel after 12noon the day before the flight you will be charged 100% of the amount paid.

Don’t forget – ballooning is a weather dependent activity so if the flight has to be cancelled and cannot be rearranged at your convenience then you will receive a full refund within three working days of the flight date.

Have we answered all of your questions?

If not, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.