Small-Group Balloon Flight

Small-Group Balloon Flight, 1 to 4 hours, rated 4.8 across 61 traveller reviews.

Overview

This balloon flight takes off from a meeting point at Contrada Serritello La Valle, 6, 75100 Matera, with a start time of 06:00. Mongolfiere al sud Italia runs the experience as a small-group flight capped at eight participants, and the whole outing runs between one and four hours. The booking page says passengers must make phone contact at least 48 hours before the flight, and the crew calls again within 12 hours of departure to confirm final details of the departure point.

The flight itself gives aerial views over the UNESCO-listed city and its hillside architecture. Weather decides the exact route, and one reviewer pointed out that the balloon does not always pass directly over the Sassi, since wind conditions are outside the operator's control. An Italian breakfast in the city center is included, and the activity finishes back at the original meeting point.

It suits travellers in reasonable shape who can cope with an early start. The listing flags that it is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for people with back problems, pregnant travellers, or anyone with serious heart or other medical conditions.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Phone contactPassengers must call the operator at least 48 hours before the flight. The crew contacts passengers again within 12 hours of departure with details about the departure point.
2. Meet at departure pointThe meeting point is Contrada Serritello La Valle, 6, 75100 Matera. The start time is 06:00.
3. Balloon setup and flightThe balloon is prepared at the site and then flies over the area, with aerial views of Matera and its surroundings. Total duration is one to four hours.
4. Landing and pack-downThe balloon lands, in one reviewer's case in a farm field, and the crew packs down the equipment before the group returns.
5. Return to meeting pointThe activity ends back at the original meeting point in Contrada Serritello La Valle. An Italian breakfast in the city center is included with the booking.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape this flight, from the early 06:00 start to the role weather plays in the route.

• Early start. The flight starts at 06:00, so plan accommodation close by or arrange early transport. The meeting point is Contrada Serritello La Valle, and the booking page says it is near public transportation. One reviewer described pickup details changing after booking, so keep your phone handy.
• Fitness and mobility. Travellers need a moderate level of physical fitness, and the experience is not wheelchair accessible. The listing also advises against it for pregnant travellers, people with back problems, or anyone with serious heart or medical conditions.
• Time in the air. One reviewer reported that out of a 3.5 hour outing only about 30 minutes was spent actually flying, with much of the rest watching the balloon being set up and packed down. Set expectations accordingly, since the listed duration covers the whole experience, not just the flight.
• Weather dependence. The flight requires good weather and can be cancelled for wind. A reviewer noted that the route does not always pass over the Sassi, as conditions dictate where the balloon can go. If weather cancels the flight, the operator offers a different date or a full refund.
• Crew and safety. Several reviewers praised the crew and pilot for looking after passengers well and flying safely and responsibly. The listing also caps the flight at a small group of eight participants.
• Food included. An Italian breakfast in the city center is included. No other food or drink is listed as part of the package.

Common issues. Weather is the biggest variable, and the listing states the flight requires good conditions, with a different date or a full refund offered if it is cancelled. The flight also needs a minimum number of travellers, and the operator offers a different date or experience, or a refund, if that minimum is not met. One reviewer described a poorly organized outing with long waits during setup and pack-down and a landing in a wheat field, while another reported a lost booking and shifting pickup details before a wind cancellation. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.

Common Questions