13 of the Best Hot-Air Balloon Experiences Around the World
There's nothing quite like a hot-air balloon ride to add a little bucket-list luxury to a trip. And you don't need to wait until National Balloon Ascension Day—celebrated every January 9 in honor of the first balloon flight in the US, way back in 1793—to give hot-air balloons a go. Actually, there's no time quite like the present to book that hot-air balloon experience you’ve always dreamed of. Here are 14 of the best, no matter where in the world you are.
1. Fly high above the Atlas Mountains in Morocco
Admire the majesty of the Atlas Mountains without the hassle of, well, climbing them. Instead, soar high above the Moroccan landscape during this sunrise hot-air balloon ride, before enjoying a Berber breakfast on board.
2. Marvel over Mexico’s Teotihuacán from the air
Admire one of the country’s best-known and most impressive archaeological sites within easy driving distance of Mexico City at Teotihuacán. Coffee and breakfast are included on this fun experience to get your day off to a great start.
3. Take flight over California’s wine country
Hop in a hot-air balloon for a flight over the famed Napa Valley in California with a glass of champagne. When you're back on the ground, continue exploring the wine that this region is so famous for.
4. Catch a Dubai sunrise from up high
Dubai isn’t all high-rise buildings, swanky stores, and desert dunes … although you can admire all of the above and more from the comfort of a hot-air balloon on this fantastic tour. And an included falcon demonstration is just the icing on the cake.
5. Enjoy desert views and a Champagne breakfast over Phoenix
Enjoy a relaxing hot-air balloon ride over the magnificent Sonoran Desert before touching back down to earth and tucking into a Champagne breakfast in Phoenix with this bucket list–worthy experience.
6. Soar above the Yarra Valley, Australia
Get a different perspective on Australia’s Yarra Valley vineyards during this scenic hot-air balloon ride over the rolling hills and lush scenery of this popular winemaking region. And you can upgrade the experience with a sparkling wine breakfast.
7. Get bird’s-eye views over Cappadocia
Cappadocia is well-known for its hot-air balloon displays and what better way to take in the lunar landscape than from the air? From the famed fairy chimneys to other striking rock formations, this is a must for travelers in Turkey.
8. Soak up medieval Spain from the air
Before tucking into a brunch of cava and cured meats, float above one of the country’s most beautiful medieval cities—Toledo or Segovia—just a short drive from the bustling Spanish capital of Madrid.
9. Take in the Tuscan landscape
Soak up the beauty of the Tuscan countryside during a gentle hot-air balloon flight, during which you can admire Italian olive groves, charming villages, and majestic castles all while covering more ground than you could by other modes of transportation.
10. Admire Loire Valley's castles from the skies
UNESCO-listed landscapes are the order of the day in the Loire Valley and seeing them from the air puts a fun twist on your trip. Upon landing, a glass of Champagne (or alcohol-free alternative) will round out the experience.
11. Swap safaris for soaring panoramas in South Africa
Breakfast, Champagne, and onboard commentary come as standard during this 3-hour hot-air balloon experience over the Magaliesbergs and the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa.
12. Float over the Australian Outback in Alice Springs
Make the most of your visit to the Australian Outback with this hot-air balloon ride, high above the striking scenery that makes up this spectacular part of the world. Look out for elusive red kangaroos and then enjoy sparkling wine on landing.
13. Make some hot-air balloon memories in Barcelona
Montserrat and the Pyrenees are just two of the landmarks you can expect to see from the comfort of your hot-air balloon basket on this tour. Upgrade for a longer, private flight but know that a sparkling wine brunch is included for all flights as standard.
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