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Surrounded by the Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the Vaca Range to the east, Napa Valley's scenic beauty knows no bounds. This California region's fertile soils and temperate climate create the perfect environment to cultivate high-quality grapes. And the sights? Magnificent — especially from the altitude of a<strong> hot air balloon. </strong>
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The region yields exceptional wines and sights. And combined with world-class <a href="https://ealuxuryestates.com/blog/napa-restaurants" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Michelin-star restaurants</a>? Napa Valley attracts luxury travelers from San Francisco and beyond who seek life’s finer pleasures. 
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And we happily cater to them with sophisticated vacation rentals and services here at<a href="https://ealuxuryestates.com/napa-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> EA Luxury Estates</a>. We curate sublime Napa Valley wine country holidays for you and your loved ones. From booking your dream rentals from our collection of luxurious handling reservations, we've got it all covered. Sit back, relax, and prepare to be spoiled by an amazing experience of absolute luxury—all while savoring copious amounts of world-class Napa Valley wine.
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But back to hot air balloons – the quintessential Napa experience that we insist on including on your itinerary! We’ll walk you through popular providers and uncover why hot air balloons are the perfect viewing point for your Napa vacation. 
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<h2><strong>Hot Air Balloon Rides</strong></h2>


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Imagine a slow walk brushed with vine-adorned, sun-kissed cliffs peppering your purview — delightful, no doubt. But the allure of the hot air balloon is in the <em>elevated </em>view of unobstructed panoramas, allowing stunning vistas that extend to new breadths, as far as the eye can see. A universal bucket list item, no doubt.
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Ascend in spacious hot air balloon baskets suspended beneath a massive, inflated balloon to witness breathtaking aerial views. The balloon drifts with the wind currents, swaying to the inhale and exhale of mother nature and powers that be. “Dreamy” is an understatement; the experience is downright <em>divine</em>. 
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Napa Valley is an ideal destination for hot air balloon rides thanks to the region's picturesque vineyards and rolling hills. Soar above the enchanting towns of St. Helena, Calistoga, Yountville, and more, taking in sweeping views of iconic landmarks like Castello di Amorosa and the renowned Old Faithful Geyser. 
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Good weather is crucial for hot air balloon rides, and you won’t usually find them in winter climates. Operators monitor conditions for a safe, turbulence-free ride before every takeoff. The activity depends on clear skies and the absence of fog, so keep multiple mornings open in your schedule to increase the chance of a successful hot air balloon ride.
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Most balloon rides are scheduled at sunrise, taking advantage of tranquil winds early in the morning. The cherry on top of an early morning? Swirls of soft pastel colors that paint the sky at daybreak. 
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<h2><strong>Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in Napa</strong></h2>


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Numerous hot air balloon Tours operate in Napa Valley. To save you time, our team has carefully selected the top four phenomenal operators in the region. We considered each company's safety measures, unique offerings, and customer reviews for this list. All you have to do is bring extra batteries for your camera because, trust us, the views will have you clicking away!
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<h3><strong>1. Napa Valley Balloons, Inc</strong></h3>


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<li><strong>Website:<a href="https://www.napavalleyballoons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Napa Valley Balloons</a></strong>

<li><strong>Ages: </strong>Enquire within

<li><strong>Ride time: </strong>45 mins - 1 hour
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Enjoy an all-encompassing hot air balloon ride with Napa Valley Balloons. Their approach combines seasoned professionals in the ballooning world with cutting-edge technology and top-quality gear. Your hot air balloon ride will be a one-of-a-kind experience with a strong emphasis on <em>peace of mind</em>. Throughout your journey, engage with our expert pilot, who shares insightful tidbits about the stellar landscape below.
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Choose from a selection of flight packages tailored to your desires. Your options include a<a href="https://www.napavalleyballoons.com/flight-packages/classic-flight" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> classic flight</a> paired with breakfast from a local bakery,<a href="https://www.napavalleyballoons.com/flight-packages/flight-cuvee-wine-tastings" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> a flight featuring wine tastings</a>, and<a href="https://www.napavalleyballoons.com/flight-packages/private-flight" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a>a <a href="https://www.napavalleyballoons.com/flight-packages/private-flight" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">private flight</a> tailored for two, a <a href="https://ealuxuryestates.com/blog/napa-valley-honeymoon" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">perfect option for couples</a>.
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<h3><strong>2. Balloons Above the Valley</strong></h3>


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<li><strong>Website</strong>:<a href="https://balloonrides.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Balloons Above the Valley</a>

<li><strong>Ages</strong>: All ages are welcome, but kids have a 48-inch height requirement.

<li><strong>Ride time:</strong> 1 hour
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For over four decades, Balloons Above the Valley has presented the people of Napa Valley with the opportunity to see the world from a bird's eye perspective. They've kept up with the changing times and innovated their ballooning gear to match current standards. Past passengers have complimented the pilot's extraordinary skills, providing a smooth flight, free from any bumps during takeoff or landing.
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At the core of their ethos is a genuine care for every passenger, evident in their diverse tour options. They offer multiple tour packages, from a simple hot air balloon ride to a special "Chase" package. If anyone in your group has acrophobia (fear of heights), the<a href="https://balloonrides.com/flights/chase-package/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Chase Package</a> allows them to participate by joining the ground crew, ensuring no one is left out of the escapade.
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Tours kick off with a steaming cup of joe and pastries from the Oprah Winfrey-approved Model Bakery before stepping on the balloon. During foggy Napa mornings, Balloons Above the Valley shuttles you to Vaca Valley for takeoff, and the views are equally stunning.<br>
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<h3><strong>3. Napa Valley Aloft</strong></h3>


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<li><strong>Website</strong>:<a href="https://nvaloft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Napa Valley Aloft</a>

<li><strong>Ages</strong>: 6 years and above with height restrictions of at least 48″.

<li><strong>Ride time:</strong> 40 mins to 1 hour
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</ul>
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Glide past sprawling vineyards with Napa Valley Aloft. Established in 1978, they are one of the pioneering hot air balloon companies in Napa Valley.
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Headquartered in Yountville, Napa Valley Aloft has multiple departure points in the Northern Valley. Most flights take off from Yountville, but if there’s heavy fog, they shuttle clients to the nearby Pope Valley. Taking off from Pope Valley means the view below features meandering fields, expansive vineyards, and hills adorned with majestic oak trees. Gorgeous, right?
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They have three available tours, but we recommend the private<a href="https://napavalleyaloft.checkfront.com/reserve/?item_id=6&_gl=1*fhuqkp*_ga*NzEzMjE2MTkuMTcwMjAxMjUzOQ..*_ga_WKXKH69Y12*MTcwMjExMTU2NS40LjEuMTcwMjExMTU3Mi4wLjAuMA.." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> flight for two</a> or four passengers, with an add-on of champagne post-flight breakfast. Bottoms up! 
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After the ride, relish a delectable spread of brunch specials, like pastries, mimosas, bacon, chicken sausage, and more. Of course, all their pilots are FAA-certified, ensuring that you're in safe hands. 
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<h3><strong>4. Calistoga Balloons / Up & Away Hot Air Ballooning</strong></h3>


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<li><strong>Website</strong>:<a href="https://www.up-away.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Up & Away Hot Air Ballooning</a>

<li><strong>Ages</strong>: 8 years and above.

<li><strong>Ride time</strong>: Approximately one hour
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Hot Air Balloon rides are addictive—we get it. As soon as your feet touch the ground, the desire for another journey takes hold. Up & Away Hot Air Ballooning, formerly known as Calistoga Balloons, beckons those with an insatiable appetite for the thrill of hot air balloon flights. 
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So, if you're aching for more airborne thrill after your Napa Valley escapade, get in touch with Up & Away to book a glorious ride over Sonoma County. Aside from the rare far-off view of Napa Valley's countryside, expect to see the Russian River, <a href="https://ealuxuryestates.com/blog/napa-wineries" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sonoma wineries</a>, and, on clear days, even the iconic San Francisco skyline.
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Up & Away Hot Air Ballooning offers three tours ranging from the<a href="https://beta.rezflow.com/p/book/6269af1f2eea3c0006ee1425?version=v4&external&id=56882deca7ad746ea43db708&adults=0&header=Classic%20Flight%20-%20$299%20Per%20Person&_ga=2.73133843.1023125465.1702108328-122894795.1702108328" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Classic Flight</a> to an intimate<a href="https://www.up-away.com/packages" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> private tour for two</a>. Visitors with ample time to spare can make a day trip out of it by opting for their third<a href="https://beta.rezflow.com/p/book/6269aff738d7de00061c81a9?version=v4&external&id=56882deca7ad746ea43db708&adults=0&header=Balloons,%20Bikes%20%26%20Brews%20Tour%20-%20$468%20Per%20Person&_ga=2.169577505.1023125465.1702108328-122894795.1702108328" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> 'Ballooning, Bikes, and Brews'</a> package. As the name suggests, you get to visit Sonoma country from the ground, and the tour ends with sampling the local craft beer.
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<h2><strong>Enjoy Napa Valley Sights with EA Estates</strong></h2>


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Bottom line? A hot air balloon ride is a non-negotiable itinerary item for anyone who truly wants to relish the Napa Valley sights. 
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And if you need a helping hand to book your trip? Sit back and relax as we craft your very own personalized vacation itinerary, backed by our local connections, experience, and breathtaking vacation rentals.
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Stay in a<a href="https://ealuxuryestates.com/resort/chateau-de-vie" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Chateau</a> fit for kings or a<a href="https://ealuxuryestates.com/rentals/modsita" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> contemporary space</a> that feels like a home away from home. The only challenge? Our astonishingly cozy beds make it incredibly tough to peel yourself away for the early morning wake-up call before your hot air balloon ride. But we promise the early hour is worth it!
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<a href="https://ealuxuryestates.com/napa-valle" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Book your Napa Valley vacation today</a>!
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