Luxor from Hurghada: Hot Air Balloon, Felucca & Valley of Kings

Summary

Sunrise balloon ride above luxor temples plus nile felucca evening

You’ll catch sunrise over Luxor in a hot air balloon, float down the Nile at sunset on a felucca, wander ancient temples with an Egyptologist guide, and ride camels past village life—all with hotel pickup, local lunches, and plenty of time for small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Luxor looks like before the city wakes up? I didn’t really know what to expect when we left Hurghada at that weirdly quiet hour—was it 5am? The road was empty except for a few sleepy cats and our driver, who kept humming something under his breath. Four hours in a private car sounds long, but honestly, it passed in this blur of desert light and half-dreams. We stopped for strong coffee somewhere outside Qena—can’t remember the name, but it smelled like cardamom and dust.

Lunch came first (thankfully), at this Egyptian spot where our guide, Hossam, ordered for us because I had no clue what half the menu meant. He laughed when I tried to say “molokhia” right—pretty sure I butchered it. After that we wandered through Karnak Temple’s columns. They’re massive—like you could hide a bus behind one—and there’s this weird silence under the stone even with tourists around. Hossam pointed out some faded hieroglyphs I’d never have noticed. By sunset we were on a felucca drifting down the Nile; the water was glassy and gold and there was this cool breeze that felt like relief after all that sun.

The next morning was wild. We checked out before dawn—bags still half-zipped—and got shuttled to the hot air balloon launch. There’s this moment when you feel the burner’s heat on your face and realize you’re actually going up. Seeing Luxor from above is…well, it’s just different. You see green fields pressed right up against desert, temples looking tiny below. My hands were cold from gripping the basket but I couldn’t stop looking down.

After landing (and still feeling slightly floaty), we crossed to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings. The tombs are cooler inside than you’d think—the air almost damp—and each one is painted differently. There was a quick stop at Queen Hatshepsut’s temple (it sits against these cliffs like it grew there) and then those giant Colossi of Memnon statues where everyone tries to take photos pretending they’re holding them up—guilty as charged. We finished with a camel ride through villages; kids waved at us and someone’s donkey brayed so loudly I nearly dropped my phone.

I still think about that sunrise view sometimes—the way everything felt ancient and new at once. If you’re curious about Luxor or just want to see Egypt from another angle (literally), this day trip from Hurghada sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Luxor and Nile felucca ride

• Pick up from Hurghada at 5:00 am
• Drive 4 hours to Luxor
• Have lunch at local Egyptian restaurant
• Visit Karnak Temple complex
• Check in and rest at Luxor hotel
• Sunset felucca ride on the Nile
• Dinner at restaurant
• Return to hotel for overnight

Day 2 — Hot air balloon and West Bank tour

• Early morning hotel pick up and check out
• Drive to hot air balloon take off area
• Enjoy sunrise hot air balloon flight
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• Photo stop at Colossi of Memnon
• Camel ride through local villages
• Lunch in Luxor
• Drive back to Hurghada
• Drop off at accommodation in Hurghada

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Hurghada to Luxor by car?

The drive from Hurghada to Luxor takes about 4 hours each way in a private car.

Is hotel pickup included for this Luxor day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included in your booking.

Do I need to book my own accommodation in Luxor?

No, accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Luxor with breakfast is included.

Is food provided during the tour?

Yes, two lunches and one dinner at local Egyptian restaurants are included.

What activities are part of this tour?

The tour includes a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor, felucca ride on the Nile at sunset, visits to Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, plus a camel ride through villages.

Are entry fees covered?

All entry fees and taxes for attractions mentioned are included in your tour price.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

A professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout.

Can infants join this trip?

Yes; infants can join with prams or strollers available upon request.

What’s included

Your trip covers hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, all attraction entry fees and taxes, an overnight stay at a 4-star hotel in Luxor with breakfast included, two lunches plus dinner at local restaurants, guided visits with an Egyptologist guide throughout both days, private air-conditioned transport between sites, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor’s temples and tombs, sunset felucca cruise on the Nile River, plus a camel ride through nearby villages before heading back home again.