Segovia: Sunrise Balloon Ride & Cava Picnic with Photos

Summary

Segovia’s towers and aqueduct as seen from a sunrise balloon ride

You’ll float above Segovia at sunrise, catching views of its Roman Aqueduct and castle-like Alcázar from high up in a hot-air balloon. After landing, share a Spanish picnic with cava or juice and swap stories with fellow travelers. Includes photos, video, pickup options from Madrid, and a little certificate to remember your flight by.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how quiet it felt, standing in that chilly field just outside Segovia while the balloon crew fired up the burners. The sky was still kind of purple-blue, and you could smell grass and something faintly sweet — maybe wildflowers? Our guide, Carlos, handed out coffee (bless him) and chatted about how they check the wind every morning. I didn’t expect to feel so calm right before floating off the ground with strangers, but there it was.

Once we lifted off, everything below shrank fast — roads curling away, rooftops like little red tiles scattered on a board. Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct looked unreal from above; I’d walked under it yesterday and now it was just this perfect line across the city. Carlos pointed out the Alcázar too — it really does look like a fairytale castle from up here. He told us a story about Queen Isabella that I half-remembered from school, but somehow it stuck more seeing her city like this.

I kept gripping the edge of the basket because my brain wasn’t sure if flying in a giant balloon made sense (it doesn’t), but after a while you just start watching shadows move over fields and trying to guess which patchwork is wheat or barley. Someone behind me laughed when I tried to pronounce “catedral” properly — apparently my Spanish needs work. The air smelled fresher than anything I’ve breathed in Madrid.

Landing was bumpier than I thought (we all cheered anyway), and then suddenly there was cava popping open and slices of tortilla laid out on a picnic cloth. Still had grass stuck to my shoes when they handed out flight certificates — not sure why that made me proud, but it did. I keep thinking about how small Segovia looked from up there, and how big it felt again once we were back on the ground.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise balloon ride over Segovia

• Meet passengers at dawn
• Prepare balloon for flight
• Ascend and view Segovia Cathedral
• See Roman Aqueduct from balloon
• Enjoy Alcázar de Segovia views
• Fly for about one hour
• Land and celebrate with picnic
• Receive video, photos, and certificate

Top questions

How long does the Segovia balloon ride last?

The hot-air balloon flight lasts about one hour.

Is pickup from Madrid included for this day trip?

Round-trip pickup from Madrid is available for an extra cost.

What landmarks will I see during the balloon ride?

You’ll see Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct, Alcázar de Segovia, and Segovia Cathedral from above.

Is food included after landing?

Yes, you’ll have a traditional Spanish picnic with cava or orange juice (vegan options available).

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children aged 5 and older can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Will I get photos or videos of my flight?

Your tour includes an HD video and selected photos of your balloon flight.

Is this suitable for seniors or people with limited mobility?

Seniors are welcome if physically fit; there’s no seating in the basket and passengers stand during flight.

What should I wear for the balloon ride?

Comfortable closed walking shoes are highly recommended due to standing during the flight.

What’s included

Your morning includes passenger insurance, a one-hour hot-air balloon flight over Segovia with all safety briefings and guidance from local pilots like Carlos, followed by brunch with orange juice, water, and one glass of cava (or vegan options). You’ll also receive an HD video plus selected photos of your flight along with a personalized certificate before heading back — pickup from Madrid is available if you need it.