A hot air balloon over Tuscany is the quietest hour you will spend in Italy: you lift off at first light, the burner falls silent, and the vineyards, cypress rows and hilltop villages slide by below, followed by breakfast and a glass of something sparkling where you land. We compared the two flights with the best records. The Hot Air Balloon Ride over Chianti Hills is rated 4.9 across 248 reviews, from about $312 per person. The Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Tuscany from Siena is rated 4.8 across 149 reviews, from about $358 per person.
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The verdict
For most travelers, the Hot Air Balloon Ride over Chianti Hills is the flight to book. It costs less, it has more reviews and a higher share of five stars, and it offers a transfer from Florence, so it works even without a car. Also, it takes off at sunrise, the hour the light is softest over the vines.
The flight from Siena suits travelers staying near Siena or in the south of the region. Its basket is smaller, with up to 15 people against up to 30, and two of its reviewers chose it for their 30th and 40th wedding anniversaries. However, it is dearer, and the launch site is only confirmed the day before, depending on the wind.
Both flights last about an hour in the air, within about three hours in total, and both can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before. Neither is private: you share the basket with other travelers.
Good to know before you book
Balloons fly only in calm air, so every flight depends on the wind. As a result, reviewers of both operators describe flights moved to another spot or rescheduled, with good communication in each case. So book your balloon early in your stay, which leaves room for a second attempt. If you want the basket to yourselves, the Chianti operator also sells a private flight, but with only a handful of reviews so far we have not included it here.
Which one is for you?
Take the Chianti flight if
- You are staying in Florence and want a transfer rather than a pre-dawn drive.
- A sunrise takeoff over the vineyards is the picture you have in mind.
- You want the higher rating and the lower price.
- A birthday surprise is the occasion: one reviewer booked it as exactly that.
Take the Siena flight if
- You are based in Siena or southern Tuscany.
- You prefer a smaller basket, with up to 15 people.
- An anniversary is the reason for the trip.
- You like flexibility on where you take off, chosen for the best wind of the day.
Who should skip both
Pregnant travelers and anyone with heart problems or other serious medical conditions: both listings advise against it. Also, neither flight is wheelchair accessible, and the Chianti operator does not recommend it for passengers over 110 kg (242 lb) or with back problems. Finally, if you are afraid of heights, the vineyards are just as beautiful from the ground; see our private wine tour in Tuscany.
What each price covers
The Chianti flight
Included: a one-hour flight over the Chianti hills with a sunrise takeoff, aviation insurance and breakfast after landing, with Prosecco, sweets, cured meats, schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread), water and fruit juice. With the transfer option, from about $405 per person, you are collected in Florence.
Not included: gratuities. Meeting point: Via di Pergolato 2A, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, at 6:00, or 5:30 with the transfer.
The Siena flight
Included: a one-hour shared flight up to about 2,000 feet, the captain and crew, the transfer from the landing site back to the launch spot, aviation insurance and a picnic breakfast with a glass of sparkling wine, a croissant and local products. With round-trip hotel transport from Siena, it costs from about $474 per person.
Not included: gratuities and other food and drinks. Meeting point: confirmed the day before, depending on the wind.
Side by side
| Chianti flight | Siena flight | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9 from 248 | 4.8 from 149 |
| Five-star reviews | 238 (96%) | 137 (92%) |
| Price | from about $312 per person, $405 with Florence transfer | from about $358 per person, $474 with Siena hotel transport |
| Time in the air | About 1 hour | About 1 hour |
| Total length | About 3 hours | About 3 hours |
| Basket | Shared, up to 30 | Shared, up to 15 |
| Breakfast | Yes, with Prosecco | Yes, with sparkling wine |
| Booked ahead, on average | 63 days | 63 days |
| Wheelchair accessible | No | No |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before | Free up to 24 hours before |
What travelers say
On the Chianti flight
I took my partner on this experience as a birthday present and we thoroughly enjoyed!
Nicholas_M, August 2026, via Viator
We had to reschedule once for wind, and the communication was exceptional.
Dawn_H, May 2026, via Viator
On the Siena flight
It was our 40th anniversary and truly an unforgettable experience and the highlight of our trip!
malvarezymailcom, June 2025, via Viator
The company went out of its way to find a location to ensure more optimal weather for the ride.
Tal_W, August 2026, via Viator
Reviewers of both flights talk about the calm up there, the crews and the breakfast after landing. Meanwhile, the Siena flight has a few more one-star reviews in proportion, and most reservations on both concern the weather rather than the flight itself.
More in Tuscany
After an early flight, the day is still young: compare a private wine tour in Tuscany, truffle hunting or horseback riding in Tuscany. Then, in Siena itself, the Siena walking tour covers the Duomo and the Campo.
For more at this level across Italy, see our guide to luxury experiences in Italy.
Questions travelers ask
How much is a hot air balloon ride in Tuscany?
On October 1, 2026, Viator listed the Chianti flight from about $312 per person, or $405 with a transfer from Florence, and the Siena flight from about $358 per person, or $474 with hotel transport from Siena.
How long is the flight?
About an hour in the air on both, within about three hours in total, including the preparation, the landing and breakfast.
What time do balloon flights start?
Early. The Chianti flight meets at 6:00, or 5:30 with the Florence transfer, for a sunrise takeoff. However, the Siena operator arranges the time and the launch site the day before, according to the wind.
Can you book a private balloon in Tuscany?
Yes, some operators sell private flights, including the Chianti operator. However, the private options had only a handful of reviews on October 1, 2026, so we compared the two shared flights with the strongest records.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The operator moves or reschedules the flight. Reviewers of both describe clear communication when that happened. So plan your flight early in your trip.
Can I cancel?
Both offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start, as shown on Viator on October 1, 2026. Check the terms again when you book.
In short, book Chianti for a sunrise flight from Florence at the better price; book Siena for a smaller basket in the south of the region.
Editorial assessment by Italy2Love, October 2026. Inclusions and exclusions, meeting points, itineraries, prices, ratings, review counts and cancellation terms read on both Viator product pages (product codes 143849P2 and 6365HAB), October 1, 2026. Reviews quoted with attribution to their authors and to Viator. Next review April 2027, or sooner on any change to either option.