Luxor: Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Ride & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Sunrise flight over Luxor’s temples and tombs with hotel transfer

You’ll rise before dawn for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor with hotel pickup included. Watch ancient temples light up beneath you as your guide shares stories mid-flight. There’s laughter (and maybe nerves) as you float above Karnak and Hatshepsut Temple before touching down gently—leaving you with memories that stick long after breakfast.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous when that flame first roared to life in the half-dark — it was barely 5am and there we were, clutching coffee in paper cups, shuffling near other sleepy faces on Luxor’s West Bank. Our pilot, Mahmoud, grinned like he’d done this a thousand times (he probably has), and cracked a joke about “Egyptian elevators” as the basket creaked upright. The air smelled faintly of dust and something sweet, maybe someone’s perfume or just the Nile breeze drifting by. I still don’t know.

Once we lifted off — honestly smoother than I expected — everything below shrank into patchwork: green fields, tiny donkeys, the roads twisting toward Karnak and Hatshepsut Temple. Mahmoud pointed out the Colossi of Memnon in the haze; they looked less like statues and more like old friends watching over the valley. He tossed out little facts in English between bursts of silence where you could hear nothing but wind and distant dogs barking. At some point my hands stopped gripping the side so tightly. I didn’t expect to feel so calm up there.

The sun hit the cliffs behind us and suddenly everything went gold for a minute — temples glowing, palm trees throwing long shadows. You could see other balloons floating nearby but it felt quiet anyway, kind of private. Someone tried to say “good morning” in Arabic (I won’t repeat my attempt) and Mahmoud laughed so hard he nearly dropped his radio. The landing was softer than I imagined too — just a bump and then we were back on earth, blinking at each other like we’d all dreamed it together. I still think about that view sometimes when I wake up early at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon ride over Luxor

• Receive safety guidelines
• Take off at sunrise
• Fly over Luxor’s West Bank
• View Karnak temple complex
• See Hatshepsut Temple and cliffs
• Spot Colossi of Memnon
• Listen to expert guide narration

Top questions

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

Yes, roundtrip transportation from your central Luxor hotel is included.

How long does the hot air balloon flight last?

The exact flight time isn’t specified but most rides last around 45 minutes to an hour.

Is live commentary provided during the balloon ride?

Yes, live tour commentary is provided in English by your guide during the flight.

Are entrance fees or taxes extra?

No, all fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Can people with spinal injuries join this balloon ride?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the departure area.

What ancient sites can you see from the balloon?

You’ll see Karnak Temple complex, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon from above.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel pickup in Luxor by air-conditioned car or minivan, all entry fees and taxes covered upfront, plus live English commentary throughout your Hod Hod Soliman hot air balloon flight—so you just have to show up early and bring your sense of wonder (and maybe some coffee).