The Associazione Aerostatica Toscana is based in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa which is situated 12 miles south of Florence on the hills along the Pesa valley. It is strategically positioned on the ancient crossroads of two Roman roads – the “Via Cassia” leading from Florence to Siena and on to Rome, and the “Via del Chianti” towards San Donato and Castellina in Chianti. The launch site is situated along this road close to the geographic center of the Chianti region.
From here, you will fly over the legendary Chianti landscape with its hilltop towns, castles, valleys, famous vineyards, and mixed woodlands. A powerful landscape, one of the most civilised rural scenes on earth, cultivated tranquility of olives, vines, and corn. The olives’ silver and the many variegated shades of green appear as a veil over elemental majesty and silence. On clear days in the distance you can see Florence to the North and the Apennine mountain range in the background; to the West you can see the Elsa valley, San Gimignano, Certaldo, and Volterra and the sea in the far distance; to the South, Poggibonsi, Colle Val d’Elsa and Siena and Monte Amiata in the distance; to the East the higher Monti del Chianti and mixed oak woodlands.
Flight time
Enjoy it!
Our hot air balloon flights over Tuscany last from 45 minutes to one and a half hours, during which, thanks also to smooth flying conditions, you may take the opportunity to shoot wonderful images of exclusively Tuscan landscape: admire the infamous terracotta “red-roofed” towns and follow the course of wild animals taking “flight” in the fields below… The first light of dawn creates the magic frame for the scene your eyes are observing.
While flying above you can listen to your pilot’s stories about the terrain and its history. At the end of the balloon tour, having landed you follow in the tradition of Hot Air Ballooning… Now to follow your Italian balloon flights experience comes a sumptuous brunch, comprising traditional Tuscan “peasant” food and drink – nourishment of the soul – you will have the opportunity to taste some products typical of the area just visited from “on high”, thus feasting not only eyes with the beauty of our magnificent land.
Faq
Is a balloon flight safe?
Yes, very much so. Ballooning is the safest form of air travel. Your pilot will be a fully qualified Commercial Pilot with a wealth of experience. All flights are carried out in accordance with strict guidelines set out and monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority.