Hot-air balloon flight over Segovia at sunrise

Siempre en las Nubes flies balloons over Segovia every day of the year, weekdays included, as long as the forecast allows: no wind and no rain. Take-off is shortly after sunrise from Segovia's flying field, about 500 metres from the walls, so the meeting time changes with the season. The flight lasts about an hour and the whole activity around three.

The morning, from start to finish

You meet the team at the flying field very early. You watch the balloon being set up and inflated, then climb into the basket with the pilot. Take-off is very gentle; the company insists that even people with a fear of heights enjoy it. The balloon cannot be steered: it goes where the wind takes it, so you never land in the same place twice, but you will usually pass close to the cathedral, the Aqueduct and the Alcázar and carry on over the surrounding fields, where you can see griffon vultures, kestrels, buzzards and kites, and with luck a golden eagle or a peregrine falcon. Sometimes other balloons fly at the same time.

After landing the balloon is packed away and there is a toast with cava in the field, with a picnic, and each passenger receives a baptism-of-flight certificate.

Price and what is included

The flight in Segovia costs €205 per person; there is also a night flight, from €225. It includes the one-hour flight, the toast, the picnic, the certificate, a high-definition video and a photo report of the experience, and the compulsory third-party liability insurance. Pick-up in Madrid, a vegetarian menu or a gift box can be requested as extras. You book online, choosing the date and area, or by email; if the weather does not allow flying, the date is changed. Passengers also get free guided visits and tickets from Segovia Tourism.

What to wear

First thing in the morning it is cold in Segovia even in midsummer. In the basket it is no colder than on the ground: wear clothes for a country walk at that time of year and closed sports shoes.

Who it is for

For couples and families with older children; ask about the minimum age when booking.

The night before and the rest of the day

Since the meeting is at sunrise, it is best to sleep in Segovia: the Hotel Infanta Isabel, on the Plaza Mayor, or the Parador, on the outskirts with parking. After the flight you have the whole day for the city.