Hot air balloon rides in Napa Valley
WITH ENDLESS WINERIES and restaurants, gorgeous terrain and a chill vibe, California wine country is an adventure for all five senses. But when it comes to getting a big-picture view, nothing tops a hot air balloon ride ascending from the Napa Valley floor to heights up to 3,000 feet. Numerous companies within Napa offer a wide variety of packages — from group tours with two dozen passengers to intimate two-passenger VIP flights. To ensure calm winds and cooler temperatures, flights generally launch just after dawn, which also creates perfect timing to catch the sunrise over the valley’s lush, rolling hills and vineyards. The licensed pilots aren’t just there to guide the balloon safely, they also act as tour guides, offering entertaining commentary about the region
and answering questions. Flight duration depends on the weather, but generally clocks in around an hour. Between checking in, inflating the balloon, the flight itself and transportation back to your destination, plan on four to five hours total — or a bit longer if your tour operator also provides a post-trip breakfast. Depending on the package you choose, many companies have offerings that can be combined with a variety of winery and bike tours. Casual clothing with layers is the preferred attire to accommodate rising temperatures and flat-heeled, closed-toed shoes are recommended for walking in the outdoor terrain. Vendors may have restrictions for age, height and physical ability, so check the guidelines when you are researching your trip.
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