Luxor: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride & Valley of the Kings

Summary

Sunrise flight over Luxor’s ancient sites with hotel pickup

You’ll float high above Luxor at sunrise in a hot air balloon, watching ancient sites like the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut appear below as daylight grows. Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, stories from your local pilot, warm tea before takeoff, and that strange mix of nerves and wonder that stays with you long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget standing in that chilly field outside Luxor, waiting for the balloon crew to finish their checks. The burners hissed and everyone shuffled around, clutching little paper cups of tea. Our pilot, Mahmoud, grinned and asked if we were ready — I thought I was, but my hands said otherwise. The sky was still dark but you could feel it shifting, like something big was about to happen. We climbed into the basket (not as graceful as I’d hoped) and then, so quietly it surprised me, we lifted off.

Rising over Luxor in a hot air balloon is nothing like I imagined. It’s not loud or wild — it’s more like floating in a dream while the city wakes up below you. You can see the green ribbon of the Nile twisting through dusty land, and suddenly there’s the Valley of the Kings right beneath us. Mahmoud pointed out tomb entrances — tiny from up here — and told us stories about pharaohs who’d been buried with golden boats and favorite pets. The sun crept up behind the mountains and everything turned this kind of soft gold. I tried to take photos but honestly just stared most of the time.

We drifted past the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari — it looked almost unreal from above, all straight lines against rock cliffs. A couple next to me whispered about how small people looked down there; I laughed because yeah, everything felt different from up here. When we finally touched down (a bit bumpy, but nobody minded), someone handed out flight certificates and strong coffee. My legs were shaky but my head was somewhere else for hours after — you know that feeling when your body’s back on earth but part of you is still floating?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon flight over Luxor

• Pick up from hotel or cruise ship
• Enjoy 30-45 minute hot air balloon flight
• Fly over Valley of the Kings
• See Temple of Hatshepsut from sky
• Land and return to hotel

Top questions

How high does the hot air balloon go over Luxor?

The balloon reaches up to 1500 feet above Luxor during the flight.

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

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or cruise ship in Luxor are included.

How long does the hot air balloon flight last?

The flight lasts between 30 to 45 minutes over Luxor.

Which sites do you see during the balloon ride?

You’ll see the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut from above.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

Is tea or coffee provided before flying?

Yes, tea and coffee are served before your flight.

Is transportation private or shared?

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Do you get a certificate after landing?

Yes, each traveler receives a flight certificate after landing.

What’s included

Your morning starts with private hotel or cruise ship pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle. All fees and taxes are covered. Before your 30-45 minute sunrise flight over Luxor City, enjoy tea or coffee with fellow travelers. After drifting above historic sites like the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut with your local pilot (and plenty of photos), you’ll receive a flight certificate before being dropped back at your accommodation.