Luxor: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride & Nile Views with Pickup

Summary

See Luxor’s temples and the Nile from a sunrise balloon ride

You’ll rise before dawn for hotel pickup in Luxor, cross the Nile by motorboat with your guide, then float above ancient temples and tombs on a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Watch Karnak Temple glow in early light and spot hidden corners of the West Bank before landing for breakfast with new friends. It’s peaceful up there — something you’ll remember long after you’re back on solid ground.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Luxor looks like when everyone else is still asleep? I didn’t really think about it until we were standing in the dark, waiting for our minibus to pick us up. The city was so quiet — just a few voices, some distant barking, and that faint sweet smell of tea somewhere nearby. Our guide, Mahmoud, handed out these little breakfast boxes (I’m not usually awake enough to eat at 4:30am but somehow the bread tasted better outside). Then we took this short motorboat ride across the Nile — the water was black and smooth as glass, except where our boat cut through.

The balloon itself was much bigger than I pictured. I tried to joke about heights but honestly, my hands were sweaty climbing in. Mahmoud grinned and said “No worries — you’ll forget your fear in two minutes.” He was right. Once we lifted off, everything below just faded into patterns: green fields, sandy stretches, the river winding like a blue ribbon. You could see Karnak and Luxor Temples catching that first gold light — it’s hard to describe how quiet it felt up there, except for the occasional whoosh of the burner. There were other balloons too but somehow it felt like we had all that sky to ourselves.

I kept trying (and failing) to take photos that did it justice. At one point I just put my phone down and watched as the Valley of the Kings came into view — rows of tombs tucked into pale cliffs. Someone pointed out Hatshepsut’s temple off in the distance; Mahmoud told us stories about her reign while we floated past. The hour went by weirdly fast. Landing was softer than I expected — kind of like stepping off an escalator if you close your eyes.

Afterwards we sat together in a field with strong coffee and warm bread again. The sun was properly up by then and you could hear birds everywhere, plus a couple kids waving from far away. I keep thinking about that silence above Luxor — how old everything looked from up there, how small we all seemed for a bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise hot air balloon over Luxor

• Pickup from Luxor hotel
• Enjoy light breakfast
• Soar above Luxor at sunrise
• View Karnak and Luxor temples
• See Nile River from air
• Fly over Valley of the Kings and Queens
• Descend after one hour flight
• Breakfast in Egyptian countryside
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the hot air balloon ride in Luxor last?

The flight lasts about one hour from takeoff to landing.

Is hotel pickup included for this hot air balloon tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your Luxor hotel or port are included.

What time does the Luxor hot air balloon ride start?

The tour begins before sunrise; expect early morning pickup around 4–5am.

Is breakfast provided before or after the flight?

A light breakfast is served before boarding your hot air balloon.

Are guides present during the hot air balloon experience?

Yes, live commentary is provided in English by local guides throughout.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the West Bank launch site?

No, transport by motorboat and bus is included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel or port pickup in Luxor, transfer by motorboat across the Nile to reach the West Bank launch site, a full hour floating over temples and tombs in a certified hot air balloon with live English commentary from your local guide, plus all taxes and fees covered along with a flight certificate and light breakfast before you set off back home.