Luxor Full Day: Hot Air Balloon, East and West Bank Private Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting city of Luxor, where ancient wonders come alive. This full-day tour offers a unique blend of exhilaration and exploration, starting with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the majestic Nile River. Discover the grandeur of the East and West Banks, delving into the captivating histories of Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings, and the remarkable Hatshepsut Temple. With expert guidance, private transportation, and a delightful local lunch, this tour promises an immersive experience that will leave you captivated by Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the secrets of Luxor’s timeless wonders.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day tour of Luxor’s ancient wonders, including a hot air balloon ride over the Nile River and guided visits to the East and West Bank sites.
• Explore the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple with an expert Egyptology guide.
• Enjoy a local lunch at a selected restaurant and private, air-conditioned transportation for the entire tour.
• Boat transfer to the West Bank and commentary that brings the ancient sites to life.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off services, with flexible cancellation and refund policies.

Luxor Full-Day Tour Overview

The Luxor Full-Day Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the ancient wonders of Luxor, Egypt.

Starting with a serene hot air balloon ride over the iconic Nile River and archaeological sites, the tour then takes guests to the East and West Banks of Luxor.

Professional Egyptology guides lead private tours through the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple, providing in-depth insights into the rich history and significance of these remarkable landmarks.

Included in the experience are private transportation, a local lunch, and all entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and enriching day of discovery in one of Egypt’s most captivating destinations.

Hot Air Balloon Adventure

A highlight of the Luxor Full Day Tour is the serene hot air balloon ride that takes guests soaring over the ancient landmarks and meandering Nile River.

The 30 to 45 minute flight offers an unparalleled aerial perspective of Luxor’s striking landscape.

Key highlights include:

• Daily departures with advance confirmation recommended
• Children under 6 not allowed to fly, but can wait in a ground support van
• Cameras not permitted, but cellphones are allowed for photos
• Weather-related cancellations result in a partial refund
• Pickup occurs 45 minutes before the hot air balloon take-off time

This exhilarating hot air balloon adventure is a must-do activity to fully take in Luxor’s breathtaking scenery from the sky.

Exploring the East Bank

After the serene hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s breathtaking landscape, the tour takes visitors to explore the awe-inspiring monuments and temples on the East Bank.

First, they’ll visit the magnificent Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex in Egypt. Their knowledgeable guide will share the history and significance of this ancient site, where pharaohs left their mark over centuries.

Next, they’ll marvel at the grand Luxor Temple, a magnificent example of ancient Egyptian architecture, connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.

Throughout the tour, the guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the East Bank’s rich heritage to life. This comprehensive experience offers a deeper understanding of Luxor’s enduring legacy.

Discovering the West Bank

Following their exploration of the East Bank’s iconic monuments, the tour group boards a motorboat to cross the Nile River and discover the remarkable sites of the West Bank.

This side of the river holds a treasure trove of ancient wonders, including:

• The Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs’ tombs are meticulously decorated with hieroglyphics and vibrant murals
• The Hatshepsut Temple, a remarkable feat of architecture honoring one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs
• The Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III’s temple

The tour guide provides expert commentary, bringing these ancient sites to life and immersing the travelers in the rich history of Luxor’s West Bank.

Dining and Lunch Experience

Lunch is a highlight of the Luxor Full Day Tour, offering travelers an opportunity to savor local cuisine and enjoy the culinary traditions of Egypt.

The tour includes a lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant, where guests can indulge in authentic Egyptian dishes. The menu typically features a variety of mezze plates, main courses like koshari or falafel, and fresh seasonal produce.

Lunch is served in a relaxed, comfortable setting, allowing visitors to recharge and refuel before continuing their exploration of Luxor’s ancient wonders.

The inclusion of lunch in the tour package ensures a well-rounded and satisfying experience for all participants.

Pickup and Dropoff Details

The Luxor Full Day Tour provides convenient pickup and drop-off services for all participants.

Pickup points include all hotels and Nile Cruises in Luxor, with pickup occurring 45 minutes before the hot air balloon take-off. This ensures that travelers are on-site and ready for the exhilarating balloon ride.

Some key details:

• Pickup and drop-off services are included in the tour price
• Pickup locations cover a wide range of accommodations in Luxor
• Pickup timing is timed to coincide with the hot air balloon departure
• Transfers are provided via private, air-conditioned vehicles
• The tour is designed for seamless logistics and a stress-free experience.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The Luxor Full Day Tour includes an array of experiences and services to ensure a comprehensive and seamless journey.

Travelers will enjoy a private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers, a 30-45 minute hot air balloon ride over Luxor, and a motorboat transfer to the West Bank.

The tour also includes a professional English-speaking Egyptology guide, lunch at a local restaurant, and entrance fees to the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple.

Tipping for the guide and driver, as well as water or drinks during lunch, are also covered.

This private tour ensures a personalized experience tailored to the group’s needs.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy. Cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience starts will receive a full refund.

Here are 5 key details about the cancellation and refund policy:

• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior to the tour start time
• Refunds of $70 USD per adult and $60 per child for weather-related cancellations of the hot air balloon ride
• No refunds for cancellations within 24 hours of the tour start time
• Infants must be included in the booking, though they can sit on laps during the tour
• Flexible payment options allow travelers to reserve now and pay later

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour provider allows participants to bring their own food and drinks, except for the included lunch at a local restaurant. Bringing additional snacks and beverages is permitted to enhance the overall tour experience.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate, regardless of the number of people. The tour price varies based on group size.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

The tour operator recommends pre-booking the tour to secure availability, as advance confirmation is advised for the hot air balloon ride. Booking in advance ensures a spot on the tour.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. The private nature of the tour allows you to work with the tour provider to adjust the activities and locations to match your interests and needs.

What Happens if I Need to Make Changes to My Booking?

Travelers can make changes to their booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. They’ll receive a refund if the hot air balloon ride is canceled due to weather-related issues.

Recap

The Luxor Full-Day Tour offers an unforgettable experience, blending the thrill of a hot air balloon ride over the Nile with comprehensive explorations of Luxor’s iconic East and West Bank sites. Travelers can explore ancient history, marvel at architectural wonders, and savor a delightful local lunch, all while enjoying private transportation and expert commentary. This tour provides an immersive journey through Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, leaving lasting memories for any visitor.