Luxor Tour 2 Days: Valley of Kings & Hot Air Balloon Ride

Four temples, a felucca on the Nile, and sunrise from a hot air balloon over ancient Luxor

A 2-day private tour from Hurghada to Luxor with an Egyptologist guide, one night in a hotel, and a hot air balloon ride at dawn. The itinerary covers the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple by night on day one. Day two begins with the balloon flight before return to Hurghada. Hotel pickup and all transfers are included, along with lunch and breakfast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Luxor's East and West Banks

• Pickup from Hurghada hotel
• Meet Egyptologist guide
• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Explore Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon statues
• Boat trip on Nile River
• Lunch at riverside restaurant
• Tour Karnak Temples
• Visit Luxor Temple by night
• Overnight stay in Luxor hotel

Day 2: Hot Air Balloon and Return

• Hot air balloon ride at sunrise
• Return transfer to Hurghada hotel

The experience

How do you fit Luxor's major sites into a single overnight trip from Hurghada without rushing through them? This 2-day tour builds the day around what takes time to absorb: the Valley of the Kings opens first, where you walk through tombs of Ramses II and three other pharaohs (Tutankhamun's tomb requires a separate ticket). Then comes the Temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank, the best-preserved mortuary temple in the region, followed by the Colossi of Memnon. Two massive statues that are all that remain of a royal temple complex. A private air-conditioned vehicle moves you between sites with your Egyptologist guide, who speaks English and can arrange other languages for an additional fee.

The afternoon shifts pace with a felucca, a traditional sail boat, on the Nile before lunch at a riverside restaurant on a river island. Then you head to Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex ever built, spanning 247 acres and layered with the work of generations of pharaohs. The day ends at Luxor Temple at night, when the site is lit and far fewer visitors crowd the space. You sleep one night in a 4-star hotel in Luxor, included in the price.

Day two begins before dawn. A representative meets you for a 45- to 60-minute hot air balloon ride as the sun rises over the archaeological sites: the vantage point that shows you how the temples and tombs sit within the landscape. After landing, your driver takes you back to your hotel in Hurghada, a journey that gives you time to process what you've seen.

What’s included

• All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle from your Hurghada hotel.
• a felucca boat ride on the Nile.
• a 45- to 60-minute hot air balloon flight at sunrise on day two.
• one night accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Luxor.
• lunch at a riverside restaurant and breakfast on day two.
• an English-speaking licensed Egyptologist guide.
• all service charges and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Infant (under 6)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Egypt Holiday Makers Travel

Is this one for you?Choose this overnight trip if you need to see both the Valley of the Kings and the temples of Karnak and Luxor in one journey, with a private guide who sets the pace at each site and a hot air balloon sunrise on day two.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is inside the Valley of the Kings that I'll see?

The Valley of the Kings holds the tombs of Egypt's rulers from the 18th to 20th dynasty. On this tour you enter the tombs of Ramses II and three other pharaohs. Tutankhamun's tomb is not included but can be purchased separately. Each tomb is carved into the rock and decorated with hieroglyphics and scenes from the afterlife.

Is the hot air balloon ride included, or do I pay extra?

The hot air balloon ride on the morning of day two is included in the tour price. It lasts 45 to 60 minutes and launches at sunrise, giving you an aerial view of Luxor's temples and the Nile Valley before you return to Hurghada.

What's the difference between seeing Luxor Temple at night versus during the day?

Luxor Temple is lit after dark, which changes how you experience the architecture and carvings. The site is also much less crowded in the evening, so you can move through the temple at a slower pace and spend more time at the details your guide points out.

Do I need to book Tutankhamun's tomb separately, or is it part of the tour?

Tutankhamun's tomb is not included in this tour and requires a separate ticket purchased in advance. Your guide can advise you on how to arrange it if you want to add it to your visit to the Valley of the Kings.