Are you looking for a truly remarkable gift? A hot air balloon flight for a couple or a small group could be the right solution for you.
My name is Massimo Arnò and I am a professional balloon pilot with a track record of over 2300 flight hours. I have founded my company Discover The Sky, to propose exclusive balloon rides for couples or small private groups
and I am ready to share with you everything you need to know regarding this experience.
From this article you will learn:
- why a hot air balloon ride is a great idea for a couple or a small group;
- what the best time for flying is;
- what launch locations to choose;
- how to get ready for the flight (appropriate clothes, landing area);
- how much a balloon flight for a couple or a small group costs.
Tabella dei contenuti
Why choose balloon flights for couples or small groups
A balloon ride for a couple or a small private group is most certainly an unusual gift. For many people, flying a balloon has always been a dream – something magical, unique, something every one of us has been dreaming to do at least once since we were kids, so that we could treasure this experience forever as one of our most beautiful memories.
That is why a balloon ride can become an excellent way to celebrate a special occasion
such as an engagement, a wedding anniversary, a particularly important birthday, graduation, a bachelor or a bachelorette party. It could also create a special atmosphere for an important declaration or for saying sorry.
During my flights I have seen a lot of people in love bend their knee when the balloon gained altitude, take a ring out of their pocket and ask their partner to marry them. And it has been, infallibly, an incredible emotion.
And it is not only that. And it is not only that. A balloon flight, by its nature, is a particularly symbolic experience, since it invites us to look at things from another point of view, to change perspective to a certain situation or, in general, our approach to our everyday life. And as such, a balloon ride can become a true “life lesson”.
Inoltre, in collaborazione con un team di professionisti come coach e psicologi, noi di Discover The Sky organizziamo dei corsi per superare la paura di volareBesides, Discover The Sky organises No Fear Flying Courses in collaboration with a team of professional coaches and psychologists. To fly to conquer the fear of flying might seem an odd idea, but it is only when we face our fears (with an adequate expert assistance!) that we can overcome them once and for all. A balloon flight for a couple or a small private group can be a chance to push our limits and go beyond.
What is the best time for flying?
It is generally believed that the best time to fly is from May to October: the weather is good and the days are warm. However, it is actually autumn and winter that are the best seasons for flying a balloon, since temperature variations are minimal and the air is calmer and clearer.
Of course, it depends on the launch location, but normallyyou can fly all the year round in Italy Let us debunk the preconception that one cannot fly in winter: a light-weight puffer jacket will be enough to fend off the cold in the balloon, thanks to the hot flames of the burner, that will be the only sound breaking the surrounding silence. Believe your pilot!
Besides the season, we must also be careful choosing the time of the day for our flight, as balloons require ideal meteorological conditions with no risk of turbulence.
Keeping this in mind, it is necessary to take off before the sunrise or several hours before the sunset. These are the two time windows when the air is most quiet and suitable for flying. Don’t worry: the effort of an early wakeup will be fully paid off by the breath-taking sight of a new day breaking and the flames of the burner will keep you warm during the ride.
What launch locations to choose?
Every hot air balloon company has its specific launch locations. Normally, the easiest solution is to allow 4 5 hours for a ride and to plan a takeoff from the place closest to where you are. However, you could also choose to combine a balloon flight with your vacation so that you could soar over the spectacular landscapes that surround your holiday destination, creating a perfect one-of-a-kind adventure.
Please continue reading to learn more about the airfields from which Discover The Sky balloons are launched in Piedmont, Umbria and Lombardy and about the kind of experience you are getting when booking one of our exclusive and reserved hot air balloon flights.
We will not only accompany to all our launch locations for the flight but will also recommend a variety of accommodation and dining arrangements to make your participation truly unforgettable and to dispel practically all your worries.
Roccaforte Mondovì, Piedmont
In Piedmont we will take you above the citadel of Roccaforte Mondovì (Cuneo) to share with you the thrill of flying over one of the most picturesque Prealpine valleys hemmed by snowy mountain peaks, above the commotion of everyday life and the splendour of the ever-changing nature.
We can also organise balloon rides from the town of Mondovì, the ballooning capital of Italy. It is thanks to its special title that we have come up with our star attraction – the Piedmont Premium Experience. Read below to discover more about the offer and to see if it is the perfect idea for a small group balloon ride that you have been looking for.
Montefalco, Umbria
In the heart of Italy, we will take you to the Umbrian town of Montefalco (Perugia). We will enjoy the views of this world-famous wine destination from above: a genuine gem of Umbria that is worth every second of your time. A piece of advice: while in Montefalco, do not forget to try its Sagrantino Passito!
Morimondo and Camisano, Lombardy
Otherwise, you can fly with Discover The Sky in Lombardy, in the town of Morimondo (Milan), which belongs to the Most Beautiful Burghs of Italy. The Park of the Ticino will greet us with its luscious nature and historical abbeys against a gracious Alpine background. On brighter days you can even admire the skyline of Milan on the horizon!
In Lombardy we also fly from Camisano, not far from Crema. This flight over the Padan Plain, with its country houses, farmlands and small towns, promises many wonderful discoveries!
Piemonte premium experience
And now let’s talk about the Piedmont Premium Experience, an attraction created especially for people like you who are looking for an unorthodox idea to surprise a special someone. This 2 day adventure in Mondovì will make your ballooning experience even more intense and immersive.
Arriving on the eve of the flight, you will stay at one of our partner B&B’s and we will recommend you the best places in town to enjoy dinner and try typical local dishes. Next morning, we will wake up early to get ready for the balloon flight and will be up in the air with the first light of dawn. It will be just us, the silence of nature and the unparalleled beauty of the scenery.
Our ground crew will assist us during landing and afterwards we will be offered a hearty mid-morning breakfast at a pleasant indoor location. This total retreat from everyday routine will help you to recharge and will remind you how important and wonderful it is to let yourself be amazed by this life every single day.
How to get ready for a flight
First of all, calmly. There is no reason to get nervous, on the contrary: a balloon flight is a truly relaxing experience that can help you leave all worries behind and enjoy life here and now. As soon as your booking has been confirmed, you will receive an email containing all necessary information: the time of our meeting, the address, the duration of the ride and general safety rules. A team member is always ready to answer any questions and clarify any doubts.
One of the most frequent questions that I receive is how to get dressed for a hot air balloon flight. The answer is very simple: comfortable sportswear, flat shoes (heels and open shoes are a no!) and a good windbreaker are more than enough. Add a beanie and a pair of medium-weight gloves in the wintertime and voilà, you are ready!
Another doubt concerns the place of landing. But this is exactly what makes balloon rides so great: we will go with the wind and therefore will not be able to predict the exact landing site, which will depend upon weather conditions. Our ground crew will keep in touch with us and will follow us closely to provide assistance as soon as we are ready to descend.
Balloon flights for couples and small groups: how much
Prices for balloon flights depend upon various factors: the operating company you choose, the launch location, but, most of all, whether it is a big group or an exclusive and reserved flight, as the ones that we offer.
Flights for bigger groups certainly cost somewhat less, though a balloon ride for a couple or a small private group is an entirely different experience, shared only by the few of you and your pilot who will be your private Cicero during your adventure. It will be an emotionally charged, intense moment to remember forever.
Besides, Discover The Sky will provide you with overall assistance: not only before and during the flight, but also to plan your overnight stay and sightseeing visits. And, furthermore, we always guarantee breakfast or aperitif upon landing.
We prefer not to fix one price for all: any experience is measured and assessed individually. Contact us to receive a no-obligation personalised quote.
Now that you have all the necessary information about our hot air balloon flights for couples and small private groups, you just need to think it over and understand if this is the perfect gift you have been looking for.