Segovia: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Breakfast from Madrid

Summary

Balloon ride over Segovia’s ancient skyline with breakfast & Cava

You’ll float above Segovia’s ancient rooftops at sunrise, catching sights like the Roman aqueduct and Alcazar castle from a hot air balloon with a local pilot. After landing, celebrate with Cava and a light Spanish breakfast before heading back to Madrid—all with transfers included if you want them. It’s quieter and stranger than you expect, in a good way.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the pickup in Madrid because I read the meeting point wrong (classic me), but our driver waited a minute while I jogged over, still half-asleep. The drive north was quiet—everyone sort of dozed or stared out at the blue-tinged hills. When we finally pulled up outside Segovia, the sky was just starting to lighten and there were these huge, colorful balloons lying flat on frosty grass. You could smell cold earth and something sweet from a bakery nearby. Our pilot, Javier, had this calm way about him—he joked that he’s been flying longer than some of us have been alive.

The actual hot air balloon ride over Segovia felt both slower and faster than I expected. There was this moment when we floated right above the Roman aqueduct—Javier pointed out how you can still see the original stonework from 108 AD, which is wild when you think about it. The city looked like a toy set from up there: Alcazar castle poking up through morning mist, cathedral bells echoing faintly even that high up. At one point my friend tried to film but just ended up staring instead (I get it). The wind was gentle but cold on my face—my hands went numb gripping the edge of the basket, but I didn’t want to let go.

After we landed (a little bumpier than I thought it’d be—someone actually cheered), they handed out glasses of Cava and these little pastries for breakfast. Not fancy, but honestly perfect after an hour in the air. We laughed about how awkward everyone looked climbing in and out of the basket; someone’s scarf got caught and Javier untangled it with this practiced patience. They gave us flight certificates too—I’m not sure what I’ll do with mine, but it felt oddly meaningful at the time. On the drive back to Madrid, I kept replaying that view over Segovia’s medieval walls in my head. Still do sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon flight over Segovia

• Arrive early to see balloon inflate
• Attend safety briefing
• Float over Segovia for one hour
• Contemplate Segovia Cathedral from air
• View Roman Aqueduct from balloon
• See Alcazar of Segovia from above
• Enjoy Spanish breakfast and Cava

Top questions

How long is the hot air balloon ride over Segovia?

The flight lasts approximately one hour above Segovia.

Is hotel pickup included from Madrid?

Pickup and drop-off from Madrid are included if you select that tour option.

What landmarks will I see during the balloon ride?

You’ll see Segovia Cathedral, Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, Alcazar de Segovia, and views of the medieval city.

Is breakfast provided after landing?

Yes, a light Spanish breakfast and glass of Cava are served after landing.

Are photos or videos included?

Yes, photos and video of your flight are included and available on the same day.

How many people fit in each balloon basket?

Baskets vary between 4 to 24 passengers plus the pilot depending on bookings for that day.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children aged 4 years or older can join if accompanied by an adult.

What happens if weather cancels my flight?

If cancelled due to weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfers from Madrid if selected, an hour-long hot air balloon flight over Segovia with a local pilot, all necessary safety briefings, photos and video of your experience delivered same-day, a signed flight certificate as a keepsake, plus a light Spanish breakfast with Cava after landing before returning to Madrid.