Luxor Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Ride & Nile Views

Summary

Sunrise Over Thebes: Floating Above Luxor’s West Bank

You’ll float above Luxor at sunrise in a hot air balloon with a local guide, catching golden views of the Nile and ancient monuments below. Enjoy hotel pickup before dawn, snacks on arrival, and a gentle flight over Thebes’ temples and fields — plus a souvenir certificate you’ll probably keep longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

I was barely awake when the van picked us up from our hotel in Luxor — it was still dark, that weird hour when the city feels like it’s holding its breath. Crossing the Nile to the West Bank, I could smell the river, kind of earthy and cool. Our pilot, Mahmoud, greeted us with this sleepy grin and handed out coffee (instant, but honestly needed). The balloon looked massive up close — I didn’t expect the heat from the burners to be so loud or comforting. There was a quick safety talk; I only half-listened because my heart was already thumping.

Climbing into the basket felt clumsy (I’m not graceful at 5am), but suddenly we were rising — so gently I almost missed it. The ground slipped away and everything went quiet except for a few gasps and Mahmoud pointing out where Hatshepsut’s temple hid in the shadows below. The sun started to edge over Luxor’s East Bank, turning the Nile gold and making the mountains look soft around the edges. Someone behind me whispered something about “flying over history,” which sounded cheesy but also… kind of true? I kept thinking how small everything looked — even those huge statues of Thebes.

There was this moment when we drifted right above a cluster of fields; you could hear distant roosters and smell smoke from someone’s breakfast fire. Mahmoud told us stories about his first flight as a kid — he laughed about getting lost in his own city from above. We all just watched as light crept across Luxor, not really talking much after that. It felt like time slowed down up there. After landing (which was less bumpy than I’d feared), they handed out these little certificates with our names on them — silly maybe, but I tucked mine away anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Luxor

• Hot air balloon ride over West Bank Luxor

Top questions

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

The pickup is just before dawn from your hotel or cruise ship in Luxor.

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

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

How long does the hot air balloon flight over Luxor last?

The exact flight time isn’t specified, but it covers sunrise over Luxor’s West Bank and main sights.

Are snacks provided during the hot air balloon ride?

Yes, snacks are included before your flight.

Can infants or small children join the hot air balloon ride?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is public transportation available to reach the launch site?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Will we see major monuments like Thebes from the balloon?

You’ll fly over sights such as monuments of Thebes and see both banks of Luxor from above.

Do you get anything to remember the flight by?

You receive a flight certificate as a souvenir after landing.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup from your hotel or cruise ship in Luxor before dawn, all taxes and fees covered, snacks on arrival at the launch site, a gentle hot air balloon flight with an experienced local pilot over historic sites like Thebes and the Nile Valley, plus a souvenir flight certificate before drop-off back at your accommodation.