Ghent: Hot Air Balloon Tour

Elevate Your Morning or Evening with a Hot Air Balloon Over Ghent

The Ghent: Hot Air Balloon Tour offers a unique chance to see the historic city of Ghent from above, floating gently at dawn or sunset. Priced at $235 per person and lasting around 3.5 hours, this experience combines adventure with serene beauty. The tour features a 1-hour balloon flight led by an experienced pilot with over 900 hours of flying in more than 15 countries, ensuring safety and professionalism.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on personalized small-group experiences in small hot air balloons that carry just 2 to 6 passengers. This means more comfort, intimacy, and opportunities for stunning photos. The inclusion of an inflight picture, champagne toast, and a personal flight certificate create lasting souvenirs of this memorable ride. This journey is ideal for those seeking a peaceful yet exhilarating way to admire Ghent’s UNESCO Heritage sites at sunrise or sunset.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price: $235 per person for a 1-hour flight
• Duration: Total experience lasts 3.5 hours
• Timing: Available at dawn or sunset, depending on the season
• Experience: Guided by a pilot with 900+ hours of flying experience
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants for a personalized touch
• Includes: Inflight photo, Champagne toast, flight certificate, snacks, and drinks

Meeting Point and Departure Details in Ghent

The tour begins with a pickup option from nearby Ghent locations, such as Kiss & Ride or Kiss and Ride points. Participants typically meet about 30 minutes before sunrise or at a scheduled sunset time, with the exact hours varying with the season. After meeting, a safety briefing is provided by pilot Kenian, who is well-versed in ballooning safety across numerous countries.

The meeting and pickup logistics are flexible, making it convenient to incorporate into your broader Ghent itinerary. The tour’s small-group nature ensures a relaxed atmosphere, with personalized attention from the team. Once at the launch site, the crew prepares for takeoff, with safety the top priority. The entire process from meeting to landing takes around 3 to 4 hours.

Experience of the Balloon Flight over Ghent

The hot air balloon flight itself lasts approximately one hour, offering panoramic views of Ghent’s historical city center and surrounding landscapes. As the balloon gently rises, you’ll witness the city awakening at sunrise or the tranquil beauty of sunset, with breathtaking vistas stretching far beyond the city limits.

In-flight, you can take photos to remember this special moment, capturing Ghent from a perspective few get to enjoy. The stability and quietness of ballooning provide a peaceful environment, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery. After about an hour in the air, the crew leads a champagne toast to celebrate the flight, accompanied by a small pastry breakfast.

The Return and Post-Flight Celebrations in Ghent

Once the flight concludes, you’ll land at the designated site, where the crew ensures your safety before returning you to the starting point or selected pickup location. The flight certificate is handed out as a personal souvenir, commemorating your adventure in the skies above Ghent.

The return transfer is included in the tour price, and the entire experience wraps up within the total duration of around 3.5 hours. The crew’s focus on small group sizes ensures a more personal, relaxed experience, avoiding the crowds common in larger tours. After landing, many participants appreciate reviewing their inflight photos and sharing stories over the included drinks and snacks.

More Great Tours Nearby

Logistics and Practical Tips for the Ghent Balloon Tour

The tour offers flexibility in timing, with availability checked based on seasonal sunrise and sunset hours. Weather conditions can influence flight safety, so if unsuitable, the flight may be canceled with options to reschedule or receive a full refund. About 24 hours before the flight, participants receive updates via WhatsApp or email.

Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the early morning or evening weather. Bringing a camera and binoculars is recommended to make the most of the vistas. The tour is not suitable for children under 4 years, pregnant women, or wheelchair users due to safety and logistical considerations.

The Pilot and Crew: Expertise and Safety

Pilot Kenian, with over 900 hours of ballooning experience across more than 15 countries, guarantees a safe and professional flight. The ground crew supports each flight, ensuring all safety protocols are followed. The small group format enhances safety and allows the pilot to give more personalized commentary during the flight.

The crew’s passion for ballooning is evident, and their careful attention to safety creates confidence from start to finish. They also prioritize quality and a personal approach, making this tour both secure and enjoyable.

Unique Highlights of the Ghent Balloon Experience

What makes this experience memorable is the combination of stunning views, peaceful flight environment, and the personal touches like inflight photos, a champagne toast, and a flight certificate. Watching Ghent emerge at sunrise from the sky is an experience that feels both intimate and awe-inspiring.

The small balloons and limited group sizes allow for a more relaxed, less crowded experience. The safety briefing, provided by an expert pilot, ensures confidence in the process, adding to the overall enjoyment.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This hot air balloon tour suits anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic adventure in Ghent. It is perfect for romantic mornings or serene evenings and those interested in unique aerial views of the city’s landmarks. The inclusion of photos, a certificate, and champagne enhances the special feeling of this experience.

However, it’s not suitable for young children under 4, pregnant women, or wheelchair users. Travelers should also be prepared for possible cancellations due to weather and plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts on the Ghent Hot Air Balloon Tour

This experience offers a delightful way to see Ghent from a perspective that’s both peaceful and exhilarating. The quality of the pilot’s experience and the small-group approach provide a safe, personal, and memorable adventure. The stunning sunrise or sunset views are a highlight that will stay with participants long after landing.

While the price of $235 reflects the exclusivity and high quality of the experience, it remains a worthwhile investment for those seeking a unique, scenic highlight of their Ghent visit. The combination of aerial views, champagne, and personal souvenirs makes this tour a beautiful and meaningful highlight of any trip to Flanders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $235?
The price covers a 1-hour balloon flight, inflight picture, champagne toast, flight certificate, snacks and drinks, pick-up and return transfer, and insurance for each passenger.

How long does the entire experience last?
From start to finish, the experience takes around 3.5 hours, including pickup, safety briefing, flight, and return.

What is the best time of day for the flight?
Flights are available at dawn or sunset, with the exact timing depending on the season, to maximize scenic beauty and lighting.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it is not suitable for children under 4 years, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

What should I wear for the flight?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended, suitable for early morning or evening temperatures. Bring a camera and binoculars for photography.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable for flying?
If weather conditions are unsafe, the flight will be canceled, with options to reschedule or receive a full refund.

How experienced is the pilot?
The pilot has over 900 hours of experience in ballooning across more than 15 countries, ensuring a safe and professional flight.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, making it flexible to fit into your schedule once availability is confirmed.

What makes this tour different from other balloon rides?
The small group size and personalized approach in small balloons set this experience apart, offering a more intimate, comfortable flight with exceptional scenery.

Is it easy to include this in my Ghent itinerary?
Yes, the pickup and transfer options allow you to plan around your other activities, with the tour fitting comfortably into a half-day schedule.

This detailed review highlights the beauty, safety, and intimacy of the Ghent: Hot Air Balloon Tour, perfect for travelers seeking a serene yet adventurous way to see this historic Belgian city from the sky.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby