Luxor Hot Air Balloon Ride & Sunrise Over Temples

Summary

Sunrise Balloon Flight Above Luxor’s Ancient West Bank

Step into Luxor’s cool dawn for a sunrise hot air balloon ride above ancient temples and the Nile. With local guides sharing stories mid-flight, you’ll catch golden views of Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, Karnak, and the Colossi of Memnon — all before breakfast. Includes hotel pickup, snacks, and your own flight certificate for a memory you’ll carry long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

We shuffled out before dawn, still half-asleep, into the soft hush of Luxor’s early morning. The van picked us up right at the hotel — I remember the driver’s quiet “sabah el kheir” and the faint smell of mint tea someone was sipping nearby. Crossing the Nile in that blue pre-sunlight felt surreal; you could just make out the silhouettes of palm trees and minarets as we headed for the West Bank. I kept thinking, am I really about to float over all this history?

The balloon crew greeted us with sleepy grins and a quick safety talk — our pilot, Mahmoud, had this calm way about him that made me trust him instantly (even though my knees were wobbly). Climbing into the basket was awkward but kind of funny; everyone tried not to step on each other’s toes. Then suddenly we were rising, so smooth it barely felt real. The city stretched below in gold and shadow, temples like Queen Hatshepsut’s and Karnak glowing as the sun crept up. Mahmoud pointed out the Colossi of Memnon — they looked tiny from above, but somehow more mysterious.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would be up there. Just a few camera clicks and someone whispering in Arabic behind me. The air smelled faintly dusty but fresh, almost sweet as we drifted over fields and rooftops. At one point Mahmoud told us a story about his grandfather working near Luxor Temple — he laughed when I tried to repeat “Thebes” in Arabic (I definitely butchered it). The whole thing lasted maybe an hour? Time got weird up there.

Landing was bumpier than takeoff — not scary, just a jolt back to earth. We got these little flight certificates (cheesy but I kept mine), some water and snacks while everyone swapped photos on their phones. Driving back through Luxor with sunlight finally warming everything up, I realized I’d seen Egypt from a place most people never do. Still think about that view sometimes when I close my eyes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Luxor

• Your hotel pickup and transfer to West Bank
• Safety briefing and meet pilot and crew
• Hot air balloon takeoff and flight over West Bank
• View Luxor Temple from above
• View Temple of Hatshepsut from above
• View Colossi of Memnon from above
• Return transfer to hotel

Top questions

How early does the hot air balloon ride in Luxor start?

The ride starts before dawn with hotel or cruise ship pickup arranged in advance.

Is hotel pickup included for the Luxor hot air balloon ride?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or port is included in the booking.

What landmarks can you see during the balloon ride over Luxor?

You’ll see Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon from above.

Are snacks or refreshments provided during the tour?

Bottled mineral water and light refreshments are included during your tour.

Is this balloon ride suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

How long is the actual hot air balloon flight over Luxor?

The flight itself lasts around an hour depending on conditions.

Do you get anything to remember your flight by?

You receive a flight certificate as a souvenir after landing.

Are taxes or fees included in the price?

All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in your booking.

What’s included

Your morning includes pre-dawn pickup from your hotel or cruise ship in Luxor, all taxes and fees covered upfront, bottled water and light snacks during your journey, plus a hot air balloon flight guided by locals with stories to share. After landing you’ll get a souvenir flight certificate before being dropped off back at your accommodation.