Start your hot-air balloon experience with a pickup from your centrally located Madrid hotel or alternatively, meet direct at the launch site, roughly 40 minutes’ drive away at Villanueva de la Cañada. On arrival at the site, watch your brightly coloured balloon inflate while listening to a comprehensive safety briefing with your pilot. Then, step inside your balloon’s basket and take to the skies with your pilot. Each basket comfortably holds between 10 and 16 people, so there’s plenty of room for you to sightsee as you soar gently up and away. Have your camera ready to capture bird’s-eye views of Guadarrama Regional Park as you softly glide through the early morning skies. As you pass over beautiful oak forests, your pilot will talk to you about the area’s captivating landscape; hear about lesser-known monuments like the stunning Castle of Mocha as you glide above it and learn about the mountains that frame the national park. After an hour in the air, listen to your pilot’s instructions for a smooth landing. Once back on the ground make your way inside the on-site café to enjoy your typically lavish Spanish brunch. Meals change according to seasonality and what’s available on the day of your tour, but typical meals include slices of Iberian chorizo and sausage, cured cheeses and bread. In the winter, a warming soup is often served. Relax as you eat, and after receiving your souvenir photo, video and flight certificate, toast your group with your glass of sparkling cava; it’s the perfect way to celebrate your Spanish hot-air balloon flight! Finish your experience at Villanueva de la Cañada or your Madrid hotel, depending on option selected.