Balloon, East Bank, West Bank, and Valley of the Queens in Luxor

Luxor , Egypt

Balloon, East Bank, West Bank, and Valley of the Queens in Luxor

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(28 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Extraordinary one-day journey immersing yourself in the wonders of Luxor's iconic sites, complemented by a memorable Hot Air Balloon ride. Your adventure begins with convenient round-trip transportation from your Luxor hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Uncover the mysteries of the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs found eternal rest, and experience the serenity of the Valley of the Queens. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Karnak and Luxor Temples.

Throughout the day, your knowledgeable Egyptologist guide will provide captivating insights into the historical and cultural significance of each site, bringing Egypt's ancient history to life. Enjoy the seamless convenience of transportation, allowing you to maximize your time exploring Luxor's incredible treasures. Discover the magic of Luxor as you traverse through these iconic landmarks.

Available options

Only Car With Driver

Only Car With Driver<br/>Pickup included

Guide + Car With Driver

Guide + Car With Driver<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Experienced Drivers

Private tour

All service charges & taxes

Hot Air Balloon

Bottle of Mineral Water

Pick up services from your hotel and return

Pick up From Luxor Airport

Guide

All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Don't miss the opportunity to witness the sunrise over Luxor from a hot air balloon. Get picked up from your hotel just before sunrise and head to the starting point on the west bank of Luxor. On the motorboat crossing the River Nile, enjoy a refreshing breakfast of cake, tea, and coffee. Once permission to fly has been granted, head to the take-off site where you can take captivating photos and watch the balloon inflation process. When everything is ready for the flight, rise up from the heart of Luxor and witness the world’s largest open-air museum. Your flight will last approximately from 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the weather.

Stop 2

Your first stop is the iconic Valley of the Kings, where admission is free. Explore this sprawling desert site with your guide, marveling at the ancient tombs that have stood the test of time. Delve into the history of the pharaohs as you visit a selection of tombs, each with its unique historical significance.

Stop 3

Next on the itinerary is the remarkable Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, a grand complex built by Queen Hatshepsut in the 15th century BC. Marvel at the colonnaded terraces, statues, and reliefs that adorn this magnificent structure, paying homage to the queen's divine birth and portraying her divine associations.

Stop 4

Stand in awe before the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These silent sentinels, made from quartzite sandstone, once guarded the entrance to the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.

Proceed to explore the magnificent Valley of the Queens, home to the tomb of the Great Queen Nefertari. Spend one hour immersed in the beauty and historical significance of this royal burial site.

Stop 6

Then, explore the Temple of Karnak, a vast complex of temples, columns, and chapels guarded by an imposing double row of sphinxes. Imagine the grandeur of the past as you navigate through this maze-like structure, connected to the Temple of Luxor by a 1.5-mile stretch of sphinxes.

Stop 7

Conclude your day with a visit to Luxor Temple, where recent restoration efforts have revealed brightly colored paintings that bring the ancient world to vivid life. Explore the temple and absorb the historical significance of this enchanting site

What's not included

Entrance fees

Tipping

Available languages

Guide guide

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Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

26 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Luxor

Luxor, once the ancient city of Thebes, is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian history and architecture. Known for its magnificent temples, tombs, and monuments, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the past. The city is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, with landmarks like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple attracting visitors from around the globe.

Top Attractions

Karnak Temple Complex

The Karnak Temple Complex is a massive temple complex dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. It is one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed and a must-visit for its grandeur and historical significance.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours Egyptian Pounds 160

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is a burial site for pharaohs and nobles from the New Kingdom period. It contains over 60 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.

Historical/Architecture 3-4 hours Egyptian Pounds 240 (includes entry to 3 tombs)

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple is a large ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile. It was constructed around 1400 BCE and dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Egyptian Pounds 160

Hatshepsut Temple

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a stunning temple dedicated to the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. It is uniquely designed and set against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Egyptian Pounds 120

Luxor Museum

The Luxor Museum is a small but impressive museum showcasing artifacts from the Theban Necropolis and the surrounding area. It provides a great overview of Luxor's rich history.

Museum 1 hour Egyptian Pounds 100

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kushari

A popular Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, pasta, and fried onions, topped with tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Ful Medames

A traditional Egyptian breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, often served with eggs, falafel, and tahini.

Breakfast Vegan

Grilled Kebab

Marinated and grilled skewers of lamb or chicken, often served with rice and salad.

Main Dish Contains meat

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains nuts

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon ride Felucca sailing Horseback riding Nile River cruise Spa treatments Café hopping Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This period offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and exploring the ancient sites. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Luxor is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist sites.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour companies and guides
• Negotiate prices in advance for taxis and services

Getting there

By air

Luxor International Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

Luxor Train Station

By bus

Luxor Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are a cheap and common way to get around Luxor. They can be crowded and may not be the most comfortable option for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

East Bank West Bank

Day trips

Valley of the Queens

3 km from Luxor • Half day

The Valley of the Queens is a burial site for the wives and children of pharaohs. It contains over 70 tombs, including the famous tomb of Nefertari.

Dendera Temple Complex

60 km from Luxor • Full day

The Dendera Temple Complex is a well-preserved temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor. It is known for its beautiful reliefs and the famous Dendera zodiac.

Abydos Temple

140 km from Luxor • Full day

The Abydos Temple is a significant archaeological site dedicated to the god Osiris. It is known for its well-preserved reliefs and the famous Abydos King List.

Festivals

Luxor African Film Festival • Late March to early April Luxor International Folk Festival • Late October to early November Eid al-Fitr • Varies (end of Ramadan)

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Hire a knowledgeable local guide to fully appreciate the history and significance of the ancient sites.
Stay hydrated and wear sun protection, as the sun can be intense, especially during the summer months.
Bargain politely in markets and with street vendors, as prices are often inflated for tourists.
Try local dishes like Kushari and Ful Medames for an authentic culinary experience.