Barcelona & Montserrat: Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne

Summary

Early morning lift-off over Montserrat’s peaks with local pilots

You’ll rise before dawn in Barcelona for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Montserrat with local guides. Feel the cool morning air as you float above rugged peaks, then celebrate landing with snacks and a champagne toast before heading back to town—there’s something quietly unforgettable about seeing Catalonia wake up beneath you.

What’s the experience like?

“You really get up before the sun for this one,” I remember mumbling to the others as we waited outside Hotel Regina in Barcelona. It was still dark — that kind of blue-black sky where you can’t tell if it’s night or just stubbornly refusing to be morning. Our guide, Jordi, had that quiet energy only locals seem to have at 5:30am. He handed out sleepy smiles and checked our names off his list. The drive out of the city was mostly silent except for someone’s nervous laugh every now and then. I kept thinking: am I actually going up in a hot air balloon over Montserrat? But there we were, winding through Catalan countryside while the sky started to soften.

The launch site felt almost secret — just a field with dew on the grass and the distant outline of Montserrat mountain waking up under pale light. There was this faint smell of earth and propane as the crew got the balloon ready. Jordi explained how the winds would decide our route today (he said it like he trusted them more than Google Maps). Climbing into the basket felt clumsy — I nearly lost my shoe — but once we lifted off, everything went quiet except for the occasional whoosh from the burner and someone whispering “wow” under their breath. The mountain looked unreal from above, all jagged edges and shadows. I tried to take photos but mostly just stared.

We floated for maybe an hour — time felt weird up there — drifting wherever Montserrat’s winds wanted us. At some point Jordi pointed out tiny villages below and told a story about his grandmother hiking these hills as a girl (I wish I could remember which village she was from). When we finally landed in another field, there was this little picnic waiting: hummus, cheese chips, nuts, water… nothing fancy but it tasted pretty good after floating around in the sky. The champagne toast came with a bit of ceremony — apparently it’s tradition after balloon flights here — and honestly, I still think about that view when I taste cava now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon ride over Montserrat

• Board hot air balloon
• Float over Montserrat mountain
• Enjoy views of Barcelona province
• Toast with champagne

Top questions

How long is the hot air balloon tour from Barcelona?

The entire experience lasts about 3 hours including transportation from Barcelona to Montserrat and back.

Is pickup included for the Montserrat hot air balloon ride?

Yes, shared pickup is included at Hotel Regina in central Barcelona at set times depending on season.

What food or drink is included after landing?

A snack with hummus, crunchy cheese chips, nuts, water, plus a champagne toast is provided after landing.

Can pregnant travelers join this hot air balloon tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this hot air balloon experience near Montserrat.

What time does pickup happen for the tour?

The meeting time is 05:25 AM in summer, 07:25 AM in winter, and 06:25 AM during spring/autumn.

Will there be a professional guide during the flight?

Yes, a professional local guide accompanies you throughout the experience.

Do you receive any souvenirs or certificates?

You’ll receive photos taken during your flight and an official flight certificate afterwards.

What’s included

Your day starts with shared pickup at Hotel Regina in Barcelona before sunrise. You’ll travel by private vehicle to Montserrat for your hot air balloon flight guided by professionals. After floating above Catalonia’s landscapes you’ll land for snacks—hummus, cheese chips, nuts—and enjoy a champagne toast before returning with photos and your flight certificate.