It's been a long time since 1783, when the Montgolfier brothers went on the first flight in the air with a means of transportation of their own creation: the hot air balloon. Although it has been around for more than 200 years, it still fascinates us and leaves us open-mouthed every time we see one. Those colorful dots stand out against the blue, immediately catapulting you into an aerial party, making the a more joyful atmosphere: I can't believe that at least once in your life you haven’t thought about joining in!

And that's why we'd say there's no better place to do it than the region where the Italian capital of ballooning is located: Piedmont.

Where to go on a balloon ride in Piedmont?

• Let's start with the town of Mondovì, located in the province of Cuneo. Here it is more than normal for hot air balloons to pass over your head and on January 6th, Epiphany, the most important gathering in Italy takes place. It houses a structure without equivalent: the balloon airport, dedicated exclusively to this world with its jumping field, hangar for storage, maintenance services, piloting courses and much more. The most immersive experience you have ever had.

• Barolo, in the heart of the Langhe, so famous for its wine that few can relate the name of a city to it. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, flying in a balloon, among the expanses of the famous vineyards, over the castle not only of the same but also of the neighboring villages, crossing endless valleys, will make you live an atmosphere of past times.

• In the province of Turin, in the municipality of Caravino, stands the Masino Castle: a 19th century building, property of the FAI, surrounded by an immense green lung that dominates the Canavese plain. Looking at it at eye level is certainly a beautiful sight, but can you imagine it from above? You know that when you change perspective everything looks different and gains extra points.

What types of balloon rides are there in Piedmont?

- Group trips: the cheapest solution and also the most suitable to develop your social skills. The hot air balloons are of different sizes, usually for 4, 6 or 8 people, but you can find some with larger capacity: in Piedmont there are some for up to 16 passengers. To guarantee your space, the basket is divided into compartments for 2 or 4 people with the pilot in the center.

- Exclusive flight: do you want to surprise your soulmate in a way that will stay with them forever? Give them a hot air balloon ride gift, just for the two of you over the romantic Langhe, she will surely never forget this gesture. Do you want to celebrate a special moment in an alternative way? This is the solution, and why not choose it for your wedding day? After the party in one of the wonderful castles in the area, you can greet your guests from above: the twist no one expects!

Other useful information:

Whichever option you choose, the experience is 100% customizable.

Most Piedmont flights, taking advantage of the privileged area especially, as mentioned above, for wines, include a delicious brunch/appetizer in a wine cellar upon landing with local products, and if it's still early, you can treat yourself to a hearty breakfast.

If it's just you and your partner, add a toast with champagne on board, a tasting of cold meats and cheeses, and if you want to make it even more incredible hire a musician: to the sound of your song notes and with the views from above, you'll feel like in an American love comedy.

Of course, you can bring your camera or take pictures with your cell phone, or you can leave everything in your backpack so that no screen interrupts the moment you are living and let an external video camera mounted on the hot air balloon immortalize you during the whole flight.

Many companies in Piedmont will give you a flight certificate as a souvenir of the experience.

The hot air balloon has no steering wheel, yes, you read that right. You know where you start from but you don't know where you will arrive, you let yourself be carried away by the currents and that makes it even more adventurous. In any case, you don't have to worry about anything: a private transport, in permanent contact with the pilot, will pick you up at the landing site and take you back to the take-off site.

Hot air balloon flights in Piedmont have an average duration of 1 hour; however, this is the actual time you will spend in the air. In fact, often included in the experience, is the preparation of the balloon and its inflation with the lighting of the flame that will heat the air allowing it to rise.

Is it dangerous to fly in a balloon in Piedmont?

Of course not. The balloon is a vehicle made up of basic parts, which means that the risk of failure is very low. The movements are very light and, in addition, you will never be alone, you will always be accompanied by a licensed expert pilot who will guide you throughout the experience.

Who can fly in a hot air balloon in Piedmont?

This is an easy activity, also suitable for children as long as they are over 120 centimeters tall, so that they can look over the edge. They must always be accompanied by an adult until they are 16 years old.

It is essential to be in good health and have good mobility to climb the edge of the basket and its steps, to adopt a bent-knee position when landing and to remain standing up during the entire flight over the piedmont.

For safety reasons, it is not suitable for pregnant women.

Bearing in mind that the hot air balloon has a maximum weight to support, if passengers have a physical constitution that exceeds 15 stone (100 kg) it will have to be pointed out, not all Piedmontese aircraft may have the right conditions and others may overcharge you.

Did you know that in Piedmont you can fly, even if you suffer from vertigo? This is both because of the stability of the aircraft and because the movements are so slow and contained that you won't even realize you've left the ground. Of course, if what you have is a real fear of heights, where you can’t even look out the balcony of your house, we don’t recommend this activity.

When is it possible to fly in a hot air balloon in Piedmont?

Actually, the activity hasn’t got a perfect season, it can be done 365 days a year in Piedmont! However, there are times of the day that are certainly more suitable than others: usually half an hour before sunrise or a couple of hours before sunset, because the air is more stable than in the warmer hours and the aircraft will be more manageable. It will always be up to the pilot to assess the weather conditions and consider them suitable or not for take-off.

How should you dress for a hot air balloon flight?

Piedmont flights can’t be defined as "of high altitude", which means that the temperature on the ground will be the same as in the air. We recommend day-to-day clothes, in layers, and pay attention to footwear: you will take off from the beautiful Langhe area, miles and miles of green expanses and terrain, so wear low and comfortable shoes.

If it’s true as they say that more important than the destination is the journey, get into a Piedmont hot air balloon and surrender to the wind!