Luxor: Hot Air Balloon, Karnak & Valley of Kings Private Tour

Summary

Sunrise balloon ride over Luxor temples, Nile felucca & ancient tombs

You’ll float above Luxor at sunrise in a hot air balloon, then walk through ancient tombs in the Valley of the Kings with an expert guide. Sail a traditional felucca along the Nile and explore both Karnak and Luxor Temples before heading back full of stories you’ll want to tell again.

What’s the experience like?

I can still smell that early morning air in Luxor — kind of dusty and sweet, with a chill that surprised me. We were up before dawn for the hot air balloon ride (I’d never done one before), and honestly, I was half-awake when they handed us tea. Our pilot, Mahmoud, joked about “Egyptian coffee being stronger than pharaohs,” which made everyone laugh even though I think he’s told that joke a thousand times. When we lifted off, the city lights faded and suddenly there was just this hush — you could see the patchwork of fields and temples below as the sun crept up behind the hills. I thought I’d be scared but it was more like floating in a dream.

After landing (with slightly wobbly knees), our guide Samira led us straight to the Valley of the Kings. She knew every story — pointed out tiny details on tomb walls I would’ve missed. The air down there felt heavy and old, if that makes sense. At Hatshepsut’s temple, sunlight bounced off those pale terraces so bright I had to squint. There was a group of local kids selling postcards; one tried to teach me “shukran” properly but gave up and just grinned when I kept messing it up.

The Colossi of Memnon are even bigger than you expect — birds perched on their heads like they owned the place. Lunch was at this noisy spot where everyone seemed to know our driver (he waved at half the street). Later we drifted along the Nile in a felucca; warm wind, water slapping gently against wood, someone humming nearby. By afternoon we were wandering through Karnak Temple’s forest of columns. Samira answered every random question (even my awkward ones about gods marrying their sisters). Last stop: Luxor Temple at sunset, stones glowing gold while people strolled quietly past. It’s funny how ancient places can feel so alive — I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor with balloon and temples

• Pick up from hotel or cruise ship
• Enjoy 45-80 minute hot air balloon flight
• Visit the Valley of the Kings
• Visit Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• See the Colossi of Memnon and have lunch
• Sail on the Nile River in a felucca boat
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Transfer back to hotel or cruise ship

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Luxor tour?

Yes, pickup is included from any hotel or cruise ship in Luxor.

How long does the hot air balloon ride last?

The hot air balloon flight lasts between 45 to 80 minutes depending on conditions.

Are all entry fees covered in this private tour?

Yes, all entry fees and service charges are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided during this day trip from Luxor?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included after visiting the West Bank sites.

Do we get an Egyptologist guide on this tour?

Yes, you’ll have a professional English-speaking Egyptologist as your private guide.

Does this tour include sailing on a felucca boat?

Yes, you’ll enjoy a traditional felucca ride on the Nile River during your day.

What main sites are visited on this day trip?

You’ll visit Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon.

Is this private tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages—infant seats and stroller access are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or cruise ship pickup in Luxor by air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees and taxes covered upfront so you don’t have to worry about tickets or cash at each site. You’ll get sunrise VIP hot air balloon flight with an experienced pilot, guided visits with your private Egyptologist throughout both banks’ temples and tombs, a traditional felucca ride on the Nile for some downtime between monuments, plus lunch at a local restaurant before heading back comfortably at sunset.