Luxor hot-air balloon flight: Valley of the Kings sunrise

Float over Luxor’s temples at dawn, savoring Egyptian tea on the boat ride back

A 3-hour hot-air balloon flight from Luxor takes you over the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut at sunrise, with hotel or cruise ship pickup, motorboat transfer to the West Bank, and return transport included. The balloon launches timed to catch the sunrise, and you'll land with a flight certificate. Children from age 6 are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hot air balloon flight at sunrise

• Early hotel pick-up
• Transfer to motorboat
• Enjoy refreshing drink
• Boat transfer to West Bank
• Transfer to balloon take-off area
• 45-minute hot air balloon flight
• View Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut
• Return transfer to hotel or ship

The experience

The day starts before dawn. A driver picks you up 45 minutes before takeoff and drives you to the motorboat dock. The boat crosses to the West Bank with Egyptian tea on board, then a van takes you to the launch site where the balloon crew prepares for flight. You step into the basket as the sky begins to lighten, and the balloon lifts off timed to catch the sunrise over the ruins.

The 45-minute flight passes directly over the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. From the air, the scale of the temples and the layout of the royal tombs become clear in a way ground level never shows. The morning light hits the sandstone and the Nile floodplain spreads out below. When you land, the crew presents you with a flight certificate, then the van and motorboat return you to your hotel or ship in Luxor.

The entire program runs 3 hours from pickup to return. Departure times shift with the sunrise, so confirmation the day before is worth doing. The activity suits all fitness levels, though you do need to be comfortable stepping in and out of the balloon basket and standing for the duration of the flight.

What’s included

• Early hotel or cruise ship pickup.
• motorboat transfer to the West Bank with Egyptian tea.
• 45-minute hot-air balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut at sunrise.
• air-conditioned van transport to and from the launch site.
• flight certificate.
• return transfer to your hotel or ship.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 97 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Egypt Best Holidays

Is this one for you?The early start and 45-minute flight time suit travelers who want to see Luxor's major ruins from a unique vantage without committing a full day, and who are comfortable with a pre-dawn pickup and standing in a balloon basket.

Traveler reviews

4.67★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens during the 45-minute balloon flight?

The balloon carries you over the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut, timed to launch at sunrise so you see the ruins lit by the morning light as the balloon climbs.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the West Bank, or is transport included?

Transport is included: hotel or ship pickup, motorboat transfer to the West Bank, and return transport after landing are all part of the booking.

What time does the pickup happen, and how early do I need to be ready?

Hotel pickups happen 45 minutes before the scheduled balloon takeoff, which varies depending on the time of sunrise that day. Confirmation in advance is recommended so you know the exact time.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The price covers motorboat transfer to the West Bank, round-trip hotel or ship transfers, the 45-minute balloon ride, Egyptian tea on the motorboat, air-conditioned van transport, and a flight certificate. Wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen and a camera.