For unbeatable views of Luxor’s famous temples, take a hot-air balloon flight over the Nile River’s west bank. Away from the crowds in the peaceful glow of dawn, your sunrise flight over Egypt’s ancient monuments promises to be a highlight of your visit
Hot air balloons are commonly used in Egypt to provide tourists with an aerial view of the country’s landscape and famous landmarks. In Luxor, such rides offer views of the Nile River, the temple of Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings, among other attractions.
the idea of a balloon ride over Luxor’s west bank as a little too touristy. But it was archaeologists who first launched hot air balloons over Luxor as a new way of mapping the Theban Necropolis. This fact gave the balloon ride enough credibility for sign up for the trip.
The steps of your tour
The start before sunrise
The day began in the chilly early morning, just before sunrise. Transfer in a car across to the other side of the Nile from our hotel (most hotels are located on the Nile’s eastern bank). you can arrange your through your tour guide or tour leader.
Assembling the balloon
Assembling, along with dozens of other tourists, at the launch site and wait for confirmation that the weather safe enough to fly.
What to see through this tour
The dawn sky
The dawn sky over the Nile’s eastern bank creates the favorite image of the morning.
Colossi of Memnon
Floating over the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that have stood in place for over 3400 years and once guarded the mortuary temple of Amenophis III, ninth pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty. Thebes is home to thousands of tombs and temples, and is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. The Theban Mapping Project, led by American Egyptologist Dr. Kent Weeks, aims to map and photograph every tomb and temple. It was Weeks who first introduced hot air ballooning to the area for this purpose.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
Best known of the few female pharaohs, Hatshepsut ruled Egypt for around 22 years and was often depicted in masculine form, wearing a beard and kilt. Her temple sits beneath the sheer, hanging cliffs of the Theban Hills and features great ramps and courtyards.
The Ramesseum
The mortuary temple of Ramses II, third pharaoh of the 19h Dynasty. Ramses II is often described as having been obsessed with building great monuments to himself – the twin 65-foot statues of his likeness at Abu Simbel are testament to this. However, the Ramesseum’s position by the edge of the Nile floodplain meant that it was inundated by the river’s annual flooding for around 3000 years and today stands in ruins
Tombs of the Nobles
More numerous and less elaborate than their royal counterparts in the Valley of the Kings, the Tombs of the Nobles are the final resting places for high officials, scribes, and priests of the New Kingdom era.
The landing
The balloon makes an effortless landing in a sugarcane field while a farmer looked on it’s really amazing advernture.
Essential Information About the Hot Air Balloon Luxor Tour
Departure Point: Centrally located Luxor hotels or Luxor Port
Departure Time: Early morning departure (between 3am and 5am depending on sunrise), exact time to be advised at time of confirmation
All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.
Total Experience Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Flight Duration: 30-45 minutes
Return details: Returns to original departure point
Inclusions:
Hot air balloon flight
Flight certificate and souvenir
Hotel/port pickup and drop off
Exclusions:
Gratuities (recommended)
Food and drinks, unless specified
Accessibility Info:
All passengers must be able to climb into the basket with minimal assistance