Description
The experience starts from the inflation of the balloon at ground level, a moment which has all the anticipation of flying…defined by one observer “the Pilot-dance”. Once the balloon is ready, it’s time to jump up into the basket and prepare one’s camera…We fly in the early morning (6:00 AM) just after dawn. The inflation takes about 45 minutes, and the flight approximately 1 hour depending on wind and weather conditions.
After landing we load the balloon back onto the retrieving vehicles trailer which follows the balloon throughout the flight. Once the balloon is packed away we move on to enjoy a marvellous champagne breakfast with local produce. After breakfast we drive back to the launch field. The whole adventure takes about three and a half hours.
Rides last from 45 minutes to one and a half hours, during which, thanks also to smooth flying conditions, you may take the opportunity to shoot wonderful images of exclusively Tuscan landscape: admire the infamous “red-roofed” towns and follow the course of bashful wild animals taking “flight” in the fields below… The first light of dawn creates the magic frame for the scene your eyes are observing.
Land and celebrate
While flying above you can learn about the terrain and its history from the Pilot’s (tall) tales. At the end of the tour, having had a smooth landing, and following in the tradition of Hot Air Balloon fans, the success of the flight shall be celebrated with a glass of champagne and breakfast!
Now comes a sumptuous brunch, comprising traditional Tuscan “peasant” food and drink – nourishment of the soul – you will have the opportunity to taste some products typical of the area just visited from “on high”, thus feasting not only eyes with the beauty of our magnificent land.
What’s included?
- Transportation services
- Hot Air Baloon Experience
- Champagne & Chianti breakfast
- Free time in San Gimignano
- Lunch and tasting at Winery
- Chianti Classico Wine region
- Panoramic stop at Michelangelo Square
History
It is believed that Leonardo Da Vinci was the first to discover the hot-air “rising” syndrome. But the real pioneers of hot air balloon flying were the brothers Montgolfier who developed the discovery of hydrogen, and worked on its potential to be generated.The first experiments and public exhibitions took place during the period of the French Enlightment, leaving speechless masses of onlookers and scientists.
When, in 1783, the first balloon floated above the capital, the French public went into a frenzy. This balloon, comprising almost 4 metres in diameter, rose to an altitude of 900 metres and landed smoothly at a distance of 20 kilometres, the zone where today is located Charles De Gaulle Airport.