Luxor Full Day Tour and Hot Air Balloon Package including Lunch

Embark on a full-day private tour that promises to immerse you in the captivating history of Luxor's East and West Banks at your own pace. Here's a detailed overview of your incredible journey:

Hot Air Balloon Ride (Duration: 45 minutes to 80 minutes)

Your day commences with a convenient hotel pickup, available from various locations in Luxor, including cruise ships. Prepare for an extraordinary adventure as you enjoy a hot air balloon flight that lasts between 45 to 80 minutes. What sets us apart is our unique offering—the opportunity to ascend to an impressive height of 1500 feet, making us the sole provider of such high-altitude balloon flights. With expert pilots and stringent safety measures, you can relax and savor the experience of floating above Luxor, witnessing its historical sites from a bird's-eye view—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After your unforgettable hot air balloon experience, our tour guide will meet you at the Colossi of Memnon, the colossal statues that date back to the reign of King Amenhotep III. These statues are a remarkable sight to behold.

Following your visit to the Colossi of Memnon, you will be transported to the Necropolis of Thebes—the renowned Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank. This ancient burial site is a must-see for travelers, and you'll have the chance to explore four royal tombs, including the Tomb of Ramses, the Tomb of Horemheb, and the Tomb of Merenptah. The Valley of the Kings offers a unique glimpse into ancient Egyptian history, and your expert tour guide will provide in-depth insights.

Next on your itinerary is the awe-inspiring Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, also known as Deir el Bahari. Queen Hatshepsut, the only woman to reign as Pharaoh, is a remarkable figure in Egypt's history. Her temple, nestled in the cliffs of Deir el Bahari, is a testament to her legacy.

The Tomb of Ramesses IX, located in the Valley of the Kings, belonged to the third pharaoh of the Twentieth Dynasty of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. Ramesses IX, originally known as Amonhirkhopshef, was the fifth son of Ramesses III and eventually became the crown prince in the twenty-second year of his father's reign after the deaths of his four elder brothers.
The tomb is a testament to the rich and vibrant artwork of the period, with intricate details and vivid colors. The ceiling of the tomb features the goddess Nut stretching across the celestial expanse. Among the highlights is the impressively large sarcophagus, despite some deterioration of the paintings over time, making this tomb one of the most elaborately decorated in the Valley of the Kings.

Tomb 8 in the Valley of the Kings was the final resting place of Pharaoh Merenptah, a son of Ramesses II and Queen Isis-Nofret. This tomb serves as a model for royal tombs in the valley. Discovered by Howard Carter in 1903, it exhibits several unique features.

One notable change is the dramatic increase in the height of the corridors and rooms compared to earlier tombs. Unlike the jogged axis used in previous tombs, Merenptah's tomb features a single-axis design. Additionally, the entrance was made considerably wider than earlier tombs. The tomb is adorned with colorful decorations and offers a fascinating glimpse into the burial practices of ancient Egypt.

The tomb of Ramesses III, designated as KV 11, is a complex system within the Valley of the Kings. It has been known since antiquity and features stunning decorations, including colorful painted sunken reliefs. These reliefs showcase traditional ritual texts such as the Litany of Ra and the Book of Gates, as well as depictions of Ramesses III in the presence of the gods.

What sets this tomb apart are the secular scenes found in the small side rooms of the entrance corridor. These scenes depict foreign tributes, including highly detailed pottery imported from the Aegean, depictions of the royal armory, boats, and even blind harpists. These elements contribute to the tomb's alternative name, the 'Tomb of the Harpers.'

Tomb of King Tutankhamun (Optional)
For those interested in exploring the famous tomb of King Tutankhamun, extra tickets are available. This tomb, known for its remarkable treasures, provides an opportunity to witness the burial site of one of ancient Egypt's most iconic pharaohs.

Please note that visiting King Tutankhamun's tomb requires an additional ticket.

Your journey continues to the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex on Luxor's East Bank. This sprawling complex, dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu, is a world-renowned architectural masterpiece. Explore the Avenue of Sphinxes, the Hypostyle Hall with its colossal columns, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tutomosis I, and the stunning Temple of Amun adorned with lotus and papyrus designs. The Sacred Lake and the Granite Scarbeus of Amenophis III are among the other notable attractions. Karnak Temple is a true gem of ancient Egypt.

The Avenue of Sphinxes, though now only a few hundred meters long, was once a spectacular avenue that stretched for a distance of 3 kilometers from Luxor to Karnak. This impressive path connected the Karnak Temple to the Luxor Temple. The majestic sphinxes lining both sides of the avenue contributed to the grandeur of the ancient city.

Another remarkable attraction within the Karnak Temple Complex is the Obelisk of Thutmose I. These obelisks, with their intricate carvings and designs, stand as symbols of the ancient Egyptian civilization's devotion to its deities. They offer a glimpse into the rich religious and cultural heritage of the time.

Conclude your remarkable day at Luxor Temple, founded in 1400 BC and dedicated to the Theban Triad. Admire the grandeur of the temple, featuring the granite statues of Ramses the Great. Luxor Temple is a captivating testament to ancient Egyptian architecture and spirituality.

Your full-day private tour promises an immersive journey through Luxor's history and culture, allowing you to explore each destination at your own pace. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off as you uncover the treasures of this historic city.