Segovia Hot Air Balloon Ride from Madrid with Transfer

The flight is over Segovia. Madrid is where the day begins and ends, which is worth stating plainly, because the two cities are often confused in listings for this trip. The meeting point is Plaza de España, 5, and a minibus handles the road journey out to the launch field and back afterwards. For anyone based in the capital without a car, that transfer is the point of booking this version rather than the one that starts in Segovia. Take-off is at 7am in summer and 8am in winter, the hours when conditions are settled enough to fly. Passengers meet the pilot on arrival and can either watch the balloon inflate or lend a hand with the preparation. Route and safety points are covered once everyone is in the basket. The hour that follows belongs to the wind, with the pilot changing height to pick up the currents running at different levels, and it delivers a bird's eye view of the medieval city and its main sights before the landing. Every flight is filmed in HD and handed over as a souvenir. Back on the ground a glass of Spanish sparkling wine is poured, followed by a picnic lunch of Spanish ham, chorizo and cheese with soft drinks and water. Each passenger receives a diploma. The minibus then returns the group to the same address in Madrid. Balloon sizes vary and the largest take 10 people plus the pilot. A photo report and liability insurance are included, and cancellation is free until 48 hours before the start.