Livingit – Experience Catalunya

The hot air balloon is the oldest successful human-carrying flight technology. The first untethered  manned hot air balloon flight was performed by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d’Arlandes on November 21, 1783, in Paris, France, in a balloon reated by the Montgolfier brothers.

A hot air balloon consists of a bag called the envelope that is capable of containing heated air. Suspended beneath is a wicker basket (in which carries passengers and a source of heat, in an open flame. The heated air inside the envelope makes it buoyant since it has a lower density than the relatively cold air outside the envelope. As with all aircraft, hot air balloons cannot fly beyond the atmosphere. Beginning during the mid-1970s, balloon envelopes have been made in all kinds of  shapes, such as rocket ships and the shapes of various commercial products, though the traditional shape remains popular for most non-commercial, and many commercial, applications.

Today you leave the hustle and bustle of Barcelona behind and live this early-morning hot-air balloon flight. You fly over the Pla del Bages with the beautiful view of the north face of Montserrat mountain and capture outstanding views of Catalonia from the sky (Santpedor, Manresa, Sallent, Artés…).

• Altitude: Maximum altitude: 4.500 ft.
• Temperature: The temperature  during  the balloon flight is the same as on the ground
• Velocity: From 3km/hour to 30km/hour.
• Itinerary: Hot air balloons have no direction control, it goes where the wind wants to.

After the hot air ballon experience you will enjoy a tradicional catalan meal in a typical restaurant.

Done your meal we drive you to a  particular vineyard Parés Baltà a family owned winery in the Penedès region with traditions that goes back to 1790. In the 70’s, the Cusiné family took over the winery which is now managed by the 3rd generation.They have their own flock of sheep to fertilize the vineyards and bees that help pollinate the vines, bringing the essence of the Mediterranean ecosystem to our grapes. The winemaking is in the hands of Maria Elena Jimenez and Marta Casas, enologists and wives of Joan and Josep. Two skilled young women whose efforts are reflected in the quality of the wines that are produced at Parés Baltà; showing fine character and concentration yet with elegance and balance.

Inclusions:

• Guided tou from Barcelona in Spanish or English
• Balloon flight instructor
• Departure 6:15am
• Transport is included and it is operated in a minivan or air-conditioned mini-coach

Exclusions:

• Gratuities
• Hotel Pick Up/Drop Off

Days of operation: Everyday.

Specific information:

• This tour is available in English, Catalan and Spanish
• Please arrive 10 minutes prior the tour
• Please, bring sun protection during summer season
• Please, bring raincoat in case it rains and a jacket during winter season
• A current valid passport is required on the day of the tour
• No refunds are available once a tour or service has commenced. If you cancel at least 3 calendar days in advance of the scheduled departure or commencement time, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel within 2 calendar days of the scheduled departure or commencement time, you will be charged a 100% cancellation fee
• We can also pick you up and drop off at your accommodation place for just 15€/group more. Tell us when you check in!

Meeting point

The meeting point is at Plaça Ossa Menor (in the Glories Shopping center), which is easily accessed from the entrance located in Diagonal Avenue. We meet next to McDonalds.

Tailor made? Would you like a private tour? Would you prefer a tailor made tour? Please, write us with your interest and enquiry and will get back to you with an interesting proposal! livingit@livingit.cat