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

Summary

Sunrise flight over Luxor’s ancient wonders with hotel pickup

You’ll float over Luxor as dawn breaks, watching ancient temples and tombs appear in soft morning light during your sunrise hot air balloon ride. From hotel pickup to seeing Valley of the Kings from above with an expert pilot guiding you, every moment feels both surreal and real at once — especially as you cross back over the Nile after landing.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really sleep the night before — too much excitement, or maybe just nerves about floating over Luxor in a hot air balloon. The city was still half-asleep when we got picked up (they were right on time, which surprised me), and the drive across the Nile felt sort of dreamlike. There was this faint smell of river water and bread baking somewhere nearby. Our guide, Mahmoud, kept things light — joked that he’d only had one coffee so far, which made me feel less alone in my grogginess.

The launch site was busy but not chaotic. I remember the ground crew moving around quietly, checking ropes and burners while we munched on some sweet bread and sipped tea. It wasn’t fancy but it hit the spot at 5am. The safety briefing was clear but not scary — just enough to make me trust these folks knew what they were doing. Climbing into the basket felt awkward (I’m not graceful) but nobody cared; everyone just grinned at each other like we were all kids about to do something wild.

When we finally lifted off, there was this hush — not silence exactly, because you could hear the burners now and then, but everything else faded out for a minute. Watching the sun edge up behind Hatshepsut’s temple… I don’t know how to describe it without sounding cheesy. The light hit those cliffs and turned them gold for a second. Mahmoud pointed out tombs below us — “That’s where they found Tutankhamun,” he said quietly, like it was a secret between us and the sky. The Valley of the Kings looked tiny from up here; it’s weird how small things seem when you’re floating above them.

I tried to take photos but honestly gave up after a bit — it felt better just looking. My hands smelled like rope from gripping the basket too tight (not proud of that). Landing was smoother than I expected; one woman cheered when we touched down safely. On the way back, crossing the Nile again by boat felt different somehow — lighter? Maybe just relief mixed with leftover adrenaline. Anyway, I still think about that view sometimes when I wake up early back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon flight over Luxor

• Early morning hotel pickup
• Travel to west bank launch site
• Enjoy pre-flight snack and refreshments
• Meet pilot and ground crew
• Attend safety briefing
• Board hot air balloon
• Fly over Hatshepsut temple
• Fly over Valley of the Kings

Top questions

How long does the Luxor hot air balloon ride last?

The flight lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for this sunrise balloon tour?

Yes, pickup from your central Luxor hotel or cruise ship is included.

Will I see Valley of the Kings during this balloon ride?

Yes, you’ll see Valley of the Kings from above during your flight.

Are transfers across the Nile included if I stay on east bank?

Yes, crossing by motorboat or van is included if staying on Luxor’s east bank.

Is breakfast provided before flying?

A light pre-flight snack and refreshments are served at the launch site.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

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

What temples can I see from the hot air balloon?

You’ll see Hatshepsut Temple and other ancient sites from above.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup from your hotel or cruise ship in Luxor, transfer across the Nile by motorboat or van if needed, all fees and taxes covered, a premium hot air balloon flight piloted by local experts with snacks before takeoff, plus return drop-off after landing back on solid ground.