Hot Air Balloon Ride Luxor: Temples from Above

The monuments of Thebes look entirely different when you're floating above them at dawn.

A hot air balloon flight over Luxor's West Bank at sunrise, departing pre-dawn from your hotel or cruise ship. You drift over the Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon and other landmarks while a guide shares the history, then return to your hotel after landing. The flight lasts 2 to 3 hours total, including pickup, the safety briefing and return transport. Children from age 4 can ride. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hot air balloon ride over Luxor

• Pre-dawn pickup from hotel or cruise
• Cross River Nile to West Bank
• Safety briefing and meet crew
• Board hot air balloon
• Take off and fly over West Bank
• View monuments of Thebes
• See Luxor Temple from above
• See Temple of Hatshepsut from above
• See Colossi of Memnon from above
• Enjoy sunrise over East Bank and mountains
• Listen to guide's historical insights
• Land and return to hotel

The experience

The balloon departs before sunrise. After pre-dawn pickup from your Luxor hotel or cruise ship, you cross the River Nile to the West Bank, where the balloon and ground crew are waiting. A safety briefing and introduction to the pilot come next, then you climb into the basket and prepare for lift-off. The whole sequence (pickup, crossing, briefing, flight and return) takes 2 to 3 hours.

Once airborne, you drift peacefully over the West Bank monuments away from the daytime crowds. As the early morning sun rises over the East Bank, the city and surrounding mountains light up in golden hues. From the basket you see the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple and other structures of ancient Thebes. Your guide provides historical context on what you're passing over, so the landmarks become more than shapes below. They become the places they were. The River Nile runs through the view the whole time.

After landing, you're transported back to your hotel. You receive a flight certificate and souvenir, along with bottled mineral water and light refreshments during the experience. Suitable for all fitness levels, the activity welcomes children from age 4 and accommodates infants in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Luxor hotel or cruise ship and return transport.
• the hot air balloon flight with safety briefing.
• a guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.
• bottled mineral water and light refreshments.
• a flight certificate and souvenir.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 03:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 95 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Infant (4 to 6 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Cheap trips

Is this one for you?This is a shared balloon flight, so you'll be in the basket with other travelers: a good fit if you want the experience without the cost of a private charter, and the group size keeps the basket balanced and stable. The pre-dawn departure and early morning timing mean an early start, but it's what puts you in the air as the sun rises and before the crowds gather on the ground below.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 11 years); Infant (4 to 6 years). Children under 4 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 temples can I see from the hot air balloon over Luxor?

The Temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor Temple and the Colossi of Memnon are all visible from the balloon as you drift over the West Bank. Your guide will point out these and other monuments of ancient Thebes and explain their history as you pass over them.

What time does the hot air balloon flight depart?

The balloon departs pre-dawn, which is why pickup from your hotel or cruise ship happens early in the morning. This timing lets you see the sunrise illuminate the monuments and the city from the air, before the daytime crowds arrive.

Is pickup from my Luxor hotel included in the balloon ride?

Yes, pickup from your Luxor hotel or cruise ship is included, as is the return transport after you land. You cross the River Nile to the West Bank where the balloon awaits.

What's included with the hot air balloon flight?

The flight includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel or cruise ship, the balloon flight itself, a safety briefing with the pilot and ground crew, bottled mineral water, light refreshments and snacks, a flight certificate and souvenir, plus a guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.