Tuscany: Hot Air Balloon Ride from Chianti with Sunrise & Prosecco

Chianti hills at dawn from a balloon basket with prosecco toast

You’ll watch dawn break over Chianti’s vineyards from a hot air balloon, guided by locals who know every hill and villa below. After drifting above Tuscany’s patchwork fields for an hour, you’ll land for prosecco and Tuscan snacks right in the countryside. It’s quiet up there (except for laughter and the burner), and you might find yourself wishing it lasted longer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hot air balloon ride in Chianti

• Arrive at meeting point in Bargino
• Meet pilot and team
• Receive safety briefing
• Take off for balloon flight
• Float over vineyards and olive groves
• Enjoy panoramic Tuscan countryside views
• Celebrate landing with prosecco toast

The experience

Ever wondered what the vineyards of Chianti look like when you’re not standing in them, but floating quietly above? I didn’t think I’d ever find out, honestly. But there we were (just outside San Casciano in Val di Pesa) watching the crew fire up the balloon before sunrise. The air smelled faintly of dew and something earthy, and our pilot (I think his name was Paolo?) cracked a joke about “Tuscan coffee” being just prosecco after 7am. I still smile thinking about that.

The takeoff was gentler than I expected: no jolt or stomach drop, just this slow drifting up until the ground felt like a painting. You could see olive groves and rows of vines stretching out under this soft gold light. Someone pointed out a little castle on a hilltop. I tried to snap a photo but honestly, it’s hard to capture that hush. The only sound was the occasional whoosh from the burner and someone quietly saying “wow” in Italian. Our guide explained how the winds decide where you’ll land (not us), which made me weirdly relaxed about just floating wherever.

After maybe an hour (time got fuzzy up there), we touched down in some field, bit bumpy but nothing dramatic, and suddenly there was prosecco being poured into plastic cups and these slices of schiacciata bread with cured meats. It all tasted better than it should’ve after that flight, maybe because everyone was grinning like kids. I tried to say “grazie” properly. Paolo laughed and poured me another splash. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip hot air balloon ride in Tuscany from Chianti, I’d say do it if only for that feeling when you realize you’re actually up there, looking down at all those stories below.

What’s included

Your morning starts near San Casciano with a safety briefing by your local pilot before taking off at sunrise for an hour-long flight over Chianti’s hills. After landing, enjoy prosecco along with sweets, Tuscan cured meats, schiacciata bread, water and juice: all covered by aviation insurance so you can just relax and soak it all in.

Options for this experience

2 options

Flight only, no hotel transferGuide in 5 languages · 06:00

Flight with transfer from FlorenceGuide in 4 languages · 05:30Once you have booked, please send us the name of your hotel in Florence. Be aware that transfers to locations outside Florence may be declined.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 05:30 and 06:00

AgesAdult (18 to 79 years) · Senior (80 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Firenze Mongolfiere - Voli in mongolfiera in Toscana

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In English, Spanish, French and German, at 05:30 and 06:00. In Italian, at 06:00.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Tuscany hot air balloon ride last?

The flight itself lasts about one hour, not including time for briefing and breakfast.

Where does the hot air balloon take off in Chianti?

The meeting point is near Bargino, close to San Casciano in Val di Pesa, about 20 minutes from Florence.

Is pickup included for this day trip hot air balloon ride?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. Guests meet at the launch site in Chianti.

What food or drinks are included after landing?

You get prosecco, sweets, typical cured meats, schiacciata flatbread, water, and fruit juice after landing.

Is this Tuscany hot air balloon ride suitable for everyone?

It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues. Also not for passengers over 110 kg (242 lbs).

What time does the balloon flight start?

The takeoff is always at sunrise. Exact time depends on season.