5 NIGHTS – 6 DAYS
The Chianti road is the one going from Florence to Siena, or vice versa, crossing small places that are well-known through the world because of the wine produced on its lands. It will be very pleasant driving along it by car or motorbike, passing through hills covered with olives and vines.
To Tuscan good wine and scented oil lovers we suggest a stop in one of the many farms opened to visitors to savour products and atmosphere of these places.
In Siena you will be able to taste delicious typical dishes and the noted Sienese sweets, beyond visiting with one of our guides this jewellery of Tuscany


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.

We fly in the early morning just after dawn. The inflation takes about 30 minutes, and the flight approximately 1 hour depending on wind and weather conditions. After landing we load the balloon back onto the retrieving vehicles trailer which follows the balloon throughout the flight. Once the balloon is packed away we move on to enjoy a marvellous champagne breakfast with local produce. After breakfast we drive back to the launch field. The whole adventure takes about three and a half hours.

Although we fly all year round, the "ballooning season" is approximately late Spring to early Autumn with annual variations. Weather in Chianti can be tricky and unpredictable, especially in early spring; but the months of the summer are regularly good for ballooning. Winter flights can be absolutely breathtaking, with an incredible palette of colors, sharp clear views and looking down into the leafless forests covered with a veil of white frost. The silver olives and the barren vines look just stunning. In winter takeoff is a little later in the morning, as the weaker sunshine isn't as hot as in spring. As all flights are subject to wind and weather, obviously these winter flights are not as regular as in during the "ballooning season".

Flights are subject to weather conditions, and for safety we fly only in the calmest of conditions.

PROGRAM:
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1.d. Arrival at the “Villa le Barone” (4-star) in the Chianti zone, around 30km from Florence. Dinner in the villa.
2.d. Relax, swimming pool and tennis. Wine tasting and dinner in the villa.
3.d. Whole day guided tour to Florence (transfers by bus). Dinner in the villa.
4.d. Transfer to Siena by own means. Dinner at typical restaurant.
5.d. In the morning guided city tour and wine tasting.
6.d. Siena and end of the tour.

PRICES: Per person in double room with breakfast:

THE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE :
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Air, rail or ferry tickets.

Transfers from or to train stations, ports and airports.

Car rental (if you are interested in, you may book it directly in the right section of the website).

Dinners at typical restaurant in Siena.

Tips.

Extras.



BROLIO CASTLE (SIENA)

The story of Brolio Castle, now approaching his millenium, epitomizes the history of central Italy over ten centuries.
In 1860 Bettino Ricasoli who later succeded Camillo Cavour as the new Italian monarchy’s prime minister hired the architect Pietro Marchetti covered the structure with deep red brick in the neo-gotic style, inspired by the old Sienese buildings
The cellars of the castle may be visited and the wines tasted by arrangement.