Ballooning in Tuscany – Start planning your dream trip to Italy for 2026
- realtravelguides
- Dec 16, 2025
- 4 min read
A hot air balloon flight over Tuscany is one of the most magical experiences in Italy. Rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, medieval towers and golden morning light make this a once-in-a-lifetime weekend escape. Thanks to excellent rail links to Florence, Siena, Lucca and the Chianti region, this experience is easy to reach without a car.This guide covers what to expect, how ballooning works, what Tuscan cuisine really is, where to eat, where to stay, and how to enjoy 48 hours of countryside calm and unforgettable views.
Why Go?
Tuscany’s landscapes are world-famous, but seeing them from a hot air balloon is extraordinary. Floating quietly at sunrise above the vineyards, spotting hilltop towns, cypress-lined lanes and patchwork fields is peaceful, romantic and unforgettable. It’s ideal for couples, photographers, nature lovers and anyone seeking a memorable experience that feels truly “Italian”.
A Bit of History
Tuscany’s countryside has been shaped for centuries by farming families, medieval rivalries and Renaissance wealth. Towns like Florence, Siena and San Gimignano reflect this layered history in their palaces, towers and artistic legacy. Ballooning has become popular here because the region’s open landscapes, stable morning conditions and scenic valleys create perfect flying terrain.
What to Expect
Balloon flights typically take off at sunrise when the air is calm. You’ll help inflate the balloon, rise gently above the countryside, and glide for around an hour before landing in the fields. A celebratory Tuscan breakfast of local cheeses, bread, salumi and sparkling wine often follows. The rest of the weekend can be spent exploring nearby towns by train and bus.
Five Things to See and Do
Balloon Flight Over Chianti: Fly above vineyards, villas and forests in the soft morning light.
Visit San Gimignano: A medieval hilltop town known for its towers and incredible views.
Siena’s Piazza del Campo: One of Italy’s most beautiful squares, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Florence Duomo & Historic Centre: Renaissance architecture, museums and lively cafés.
Wine Tasting in Chianti: Visit a family-run winery to try Sangiovese, olive oil and local pecorino.
Food Culture
Tuscan cuisine is rustic, simple and full of character. It reflects centuries of countryside cooking: grilled meats, handmade pasta, hearty soups, beans, local olive oil and full-bodied red wines. Meals are generous but not heavy, focusing on quality, seasonal ingredients.
Tuscan Food Explained
Ribollita: A thick, comforting vegetable and bread soup.
Pappa al Pomodoro: Tomato and bread stew with olive oil and basil.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A famous chargrilled T-bone steak from Chianina cattle.
Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Wide pasta ribbons with slow-cooked wild boar ragù.
Cantucci & Vin Santo: Almond biscuits dipped in sweet dessert wine.
Chianti Classico: Tuscany’s signature red wine, made mostly from Sangiovese grapes.
Where to Eat
Osteria Le Logge (Siena): Elegant, atmospheric dishes rooted in Tuscan tradition.
Trattoria la Casalinga (Florence): Classic home-style Florentine cooking.
Osteria del Carcere (San Gimignano): Farm-to-table dishes in a historic building.
Pizzeria il Pomodorino (Florence): Relaxed, excellent pizza and salads after a long day.
La Ménagère (Florence): A stylish café-restaurant with seasonal plates and great coffee.
Where to Stay
Hotel Athena (Siena): Scenic views and easy access to Siena’s historic centre.
Hotel Spadai (Florence): Modern comfort near the Duomo, perfect for sightseeing.
Agriturismo Guardastelle (San Gimignano): A countryside farmhouse with vineyards and views.
Villa Olmi (Florence outskirts): Peaceful villa hotel surrounded by gardens and olive groves.
Ballooning Operators – How to Book, Costs & Contact Info
Below are four well-established ballooning companies offering sunrise flights in the Chianti and Florence/Siena regions. All offer hotel pick-up options for travellers without a car.
1. Ballooning in Tuscany
Website: www.ballooningintuscany.com
Location: Near Montisi / Siena countryside
Approx. Cost: €260–€290 per person
How to Book: Online booking form; confirmation email with meeting time and pick-up details.
Notes: Known for small groups and beautiful rural take-off sites.
2. Tuscany Ballooning
Website: www.tuscanyballooning.com
Location: Chianti region (near San Casciano)
Approx. Cost: €250–€300 per person
How to Book: Reserve via website; choose Florence or Chianti pick-up.
Notes: One of the most established companies with experienced pilots.
3. Balloon Team Toscana
Website: www.balloonteamtoscana.it
Location: Greater Florence & Chianti countryside
Approx. Cost: €230–€270 per person
How to Book: Email or online request; payment on the day.
Notes: Offers private flights and flexible locations.
4. Fly Tuscany Ballooning
Website: www.flytuscanyballooning.com
Location: Near Siena & Crete Senesi
Approx. Cost: €250–€280 per person
How to Book: Online form or WhatsApp contact; pick-ups available from Siena hotels.
Notes: Especially scenic routes over the Crete Senesi hills.
Off the Beaten Track
Certaldo Alto: A charming medieval village reached by funicular, perfect for quiet afternoons and local trattorias.
How to Get There by Train
Florence is Tuscany’s major rail hub with fast trains from Bologna, Rome and Milan.
From Florence to Siena: Around 1h30 with a change at Empoli.
From Florence to Chianti (Greve/Panzano area): Bus connections from Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
Balloon companies will generally arrange hotel pick-up from Siena, Florence or San Gimignano.
Perfect Weekend Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Siena or Florence by train. Explore the historic centre. Visit a winery or medieval town. Dinner in a classic Tuscan trattoria.
Day 2
Sunrise balloon flight over Chianti. Enjoy a countryside breakfast. Visit a hilltop town such as San Gimignano. Return home by train.
Real Travel Guides – Real Travel. By Rail.
Discover our full guide on getting around Italy by Train at:
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