Balloons over Tuscany: Magic in the skies, chaos on the ground

On calm, serene mornings – typically at an absurdly early hour – a fleet of hot air balloons graces the skies above the Tuscan Valley, perfectly visible from our home. These majestic vessels float silently across the horizon, their tranquility broken only by the occasional roar of flames as the balloons ascend higher into the skyline. It is a truly magical spectacle, evoking a sense of wonder and adventure. However, not everyone in our household shares this sentiment.

My dog, Daisy – a spirited staffie-collie mix – absolutely despises these airborne intruders. At €285 a trip, you might expect a peaceful voyage above Florence's rolling hills, but unsuspecting passengers often find themselves on the receiving end of Daisy's vigorous protests. Barking furiously, she chases them from below, determined to defend her territory from what she clearly perceives as giant, floating invaders. In her eyes, these globular sky dragons are anything but majestic – and if she ever had the chance, I’m certain she would happily deflate one with her teeth.

Occasionally, a balloon slips by unscathed – usually during Daisy’s rare nap times. On such mornings, the valley appears even more magical, as the balloons drift over vineyards, olive groves, and the timeless rooftops of Florence, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Duomo and the Arno River glinting in the early light. These flights provide travellers with a unique perspective on Tuscany’s beauty, a memory that lingers long after the adventure ends.

Here is one that got away: -

If you do fancy embarking on this extraordinary experience, I can only apologise in advance for Daisy's less-than-welcoming attitude. She remains steadfast in her belief that magical sky demons have no place in her domain. For more information about booking a flight, you can visit this link. Who knows, you might even catch a rare morning where Daisy lets one escape her notice!