Hot-air balloon flights over Tuscany

Flights depart at dawn (6am in high summer) from various points in Tuscany including Montisi (Val d’Orcia), Cortona, Colle Val d’Elsa and Siena. You’ll need to get yourself to the departure point; most hotels can arrange transfers if you don’t have a hire car.

Baskets carry up to 12, though for an exclusive experience, private flights in a smaller balloon can be arranged. No children under seven, or under 137cm, are allowed to fly, and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Wear trainers or similar (no sandals) and layers of clothing; it can be chilly at dawn even in the summer.

The ballooning season runs roughly from late spring to early autumn with daily flights. Departures are at dawn when there are no thermal currents. In bad weather, flights will be cancelled.