Epiphany Hot Air Ballooning: here is what you can do in Piemonte
Are you looking for something to do in Piedmont during this time of the year? Well: in this article I will suggest something interesting to see in Italy and in particular I will present the only Epiphany Ballooning event. This is the thirtieth edition of the International Epiphany Ballooning Meeting. This takes place every year at Mondovì and the edition in question is held on the 5th, 6th and 7th January 2018.
The event and the place it is held
The event takes place every year and involves the entire city attracting tens of thousands of spectators from all over Italy. Air balloons, also called air queens, line the skies of the town and offer an incredible and exclusive show. In particular this consists of 30 balloons, with Italian and foreign crews, that will carry out two flights every day. At the following times :
- 9:30 a.m.
- 2:00 p.m.
Now look at this: take off is carried out in the large green space of Parco Europa which is located in Via Manzoni. Here there is a speaker that describes the type of flight that is being done and the target to which the balloons must head every day. It will certainly be an incredible show that will keep many people with their noses towards the sky.
In addition to flights, other related events are also held. The first is one of the most amazing and consists in a parade of all the flight crews through the city center. There are also Merchant King stalls in the park and on Saturday evening you can watch the hot air balloons being inflated, and the flight just for children on Sunday afternoon. This is to let the little ones experience the thrill of flying. The Epiphany hot air balloon event is something to see in Italy especially for those who are looking for something to do in Piedmont during the holiday period.
Actually, it is organized in these places because this is home to the only national aero club dedicated exclusively to hot air balloons. Also present is the Balloon Porto, unique throughout Europe. Many associations and clubs contribute to the event.
How to reach it and where to stay
Mondovì is located in the northwest of the peninsula, in Piedmont, and can be reached by car, train or plane.
By car you should take the A6 Torino-Savona motorway and exit at Mondovì. Also the train station is on the line that connects these two cities. The nearest airport is Cuneo, from which you can reach the town of the event by bus or taxi. Other nearby airports are Turin Caselle and Genoa, from which it is possible to reach the destination by train.
For your stay I suggest you book a hotel room in the city all weekend. The Hotel Villa Cinzia is located not far from Mondovì. The cost for a double room is about € 100 per night. As an alternative I suggest you stay at the B & B Villa Durano which is located in the suburbs. The average price is € 80 per night.
Consider this: the event always attracts a great number of visitors thanks to the incredible show that it can offer. As you have seen this is one of the most interesting answers to the question about what to do in Piedmont. The Epiphany Hot Air Balloon event is definitely one of the most amazing things to see in Italy.
