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 What could be more exhilarating than seeing a sky full of spectacularly colored balloons against the brilliant white of snow-covered Alps? There can only be one answer: flying in your own balloon among them! On this trip, you'll share convivial, on-board lunches with your balloon mates and soak up unforgettable views. Your extended, daily low-level balloon flights glide through pristine Alpine valleys, skimming the roofs of quaint chalets and villages that dot the hillsides. Each day's adventure is different from the last. Each flight brings new vistas as the wind changes direction. These are the Alps at their finest, and the highlight is undoubtedly the world-class balloon festival in the Chateau d'Oex valley. You'll be an active participant, joining in the thrilling mass ascension of more than eighty hot air balloons. Continuous street parties follow with fireworks, Guggenheim bands and the breathtaking glow of balloons aloft at night. Of course, there's always time for land exploration, shopping and the region's
unrivaled Swiss and international dining. Here's your itinerary:
 After arrival in Geneva, you'll head to the Hotel d'Angleterre overlooking Lake Geneva for the first night of your adventure. You'll unwind and listen to the lapping waters and soft
sound of the fountain on the lake. Then you'll enjoy dinner in a totally relaxed atmosphere, and prepare for the week ahead.
 After a legendary Swiss breakfast, your pilot and crew will meet you. We've arranged travel by private car to the lovely, four star Swiss chalet in Gstaad, the Hotel Steigenberger. This will be your home in the heart of Alpine country for the next six nights. After a welcome
reception and a light lunch on arrival, you'll head to the site of your first balloon flight in Chateau d'Oex. The thrill of your first liftoff will give you a taste of pleasures to come. Then you'll return to your hotel with free time for sightseeing or shopping before dinner.
 These days will be spent with the perfect blend of ballooning, exploring, dining, and just plain relaxing in the best Swiss tradition. Each day begins with breakfast followed by
liftoff on a flight through the Alps. Flights are extended, venturing deep into valleys and along mountain trails, allowing time for an in-flight lunch complete with French wine and champagne. For three glorious days your balloon flights will be part of the spectacular Chateau d'Oex Balloon Festival and you'll fly alongside festival balloons from all over the world. A party of all parties, this event will prove the highlight of your trip. After each day's flight, there's still plenty of time to take in the fascinating, traditional attractions nearby. You can explore Gruyeres castle, watch cheese making and enjoy a tasting on a fromagerie tour, or watch artists at work on antique Swiss cowbells. You'll have time to sightsee or shop before each evening's dinner party where you'll enjoy the elegant presentation of Alpine cuisine and wine in the finest local restaurants. After dinner, the area's colorful cosmopolitan nightlife beckons you before you call it a day.
After breakfast you'll leave Gstaad behind and be transferred back to Geneva, leaving at 10 a.m. and arriving around noontime.
Dates: January18 - February 4, 2007
Price: $1,495 per per day per person
Switzerland in Winter - the Alps, the Chateau d'Oex valley and the International Balloon Festival
Switzerland in Summer - Jungfrau and Emmental Regions
France - The Loire Valley
Japan - Sendai Province, Miyagi Prefecture
Brochure Cover (PDF 1.81MB)
Balloon Brochure A (PDF 6.85MB)
Balloon Brochure B (PDF 7.17MB)
1. Tours can be booked for a 5-day minimum.
2. All prices are quotes in U.S. dollars.
3. All reservations are guaranteed with a 20% deposit. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
4. Tour price includes: participation in hot air balloon event, hot air balloon flight daily (weather permitting), first class hotels, 2 meals daily (continental breakfast and dinner with wine), sightseeing and ground transportation arranged by our staff.
5. Tour does not include: air transportation to event, passport, airport departure or arrival taxes, rental cars, rental or purchase of any personal items, laundry, valet, alcoholic beverages (in room or out) except those served by USHABT.
6. Participants are required to sign a release of liability at the time of final payment.
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