3-Day Private Luxor Tour from Cairo with Balloon Ride and Felucca

3 Days Round trip from Cairo / Giza Hotel or Cairo International Airport Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Guided exploration of Karnak Temple Complex, including the immense Hypostyle Hall
02 Evening visit to Luxor Temple and the restored Avenue of Sphinxes at dusk
03 Sunrise hot air balloon flight with panoramic views over Luxor's West Bank
04 Explore the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon
05 Discover Deir El Medina and Medinet Habu, then sail the Nile by private sunset felucca

Uncover the grandeur of Ancient Egypt on this 3-day private journey from Cairo to Luxor, combining seamless transfers with expert-guided touring across the East and West Banks. Explore the towering columns of Karnak Temple, see Luxor Temple and the restored Avenue of Sphinxes at dusk, and discover legendary royal tombs and remarkable mortuary temples. The experience is elevated with a sunrise hot air balloon over the Nile Valley and a private sunset felucca sail, balancing iconic sights with relaxed pacing and personal attention.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Premium

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Cairo, Giza, Luxor

Languages Arabic, Czech, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Luxor and East Bank Temple Discovery

Cairo Transfer & Flight to Luxor: 06:00 AM - 08:30 AM - Early morning private transfer from your Cairo/Giza hotel to Cairo International Airport for your 1-hour flight to Luxor. Upon arrival at Luxor Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your private local guide.
Karnak Temple Complex Guided Exploration: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM - Transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever constructed in antiquity. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 colossal sandstone pillars.
Authentic Nile-View Lunch & Hotel Check-in: 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM - Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Nile, followed by hotel check-in and time to refresh.
Luxor Temple & Illuminated Avenue of Sphinxes: 04:30 PM - 07:00 PM - Visit Luxor Temple in the heart of the city. Walk along the newly restored Avenue of Sphinxes as dusk approaches and admire the temple's beautiful night illumination.
Evening at Leisure: 07:30 PM - Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at your hotel in Luxor.

Day 02

Sunrise Balloon Ride, West Bank Wonders and Sunset Felucca

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: 04:30 AM - 07:30 AM - Early morning pick-up for a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of Luxor. Marvel at panoramic views of the Nile River, agricultural fields, and ancient monuments bathed in golden morning light.
West Bank Monuments Guided Tour: 08:00 AM - 01:00 PM - Breakfast at the hotel, followed by guided visits to:
- Valley of the Kings: Explore the rock-cut tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, featuring remarkably well-preserved wall paintings.
- Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari): Marvel at this terraced architectural masterpiece built into the cliff face.
- Colossi of Memnon: View the massive twin stone statues of Amenhotep III.
Local Egyptian Lunch: 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM - Relax and enjoy lunch in Luxor.
Private Sunset Felucca Sail on the Nile: 04:30 PM - 06:30 PM - Board a traditional wooden felucca sailboat for a peaceful sunset cruise along the Nile River with complimentary Egyptian tea.
Overnight Stay: 07:30 PM - Overnight stay at your hotel in Luxor.

Day 03

West Bank Hidden Treasures and Return to Cairo

Breakfast at the Hotel and Check-out: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Valley of the Artisans (Deir El Medina) & Medinet Habu: 09:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Visit Deir El Medina, the ancient village of the craftsmen who built the royal tombs, featuring vibrant tomb paintings that depict daily life. Continue to Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, known for its deeply carved relief walls.
Farewell Lunch & Local Souk Stroll: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM - Enjoy a final lunch in Luxor, followed by brief free time to explore the traditional bazaar for souvenirs.
Transfer to Luxor Airport: 03:30 PM - Private transfer to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo.
Cairo Arrival & Hotel Drop-off: 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM - Arrival at Cairo International Airport and private transfer back to your Cairo/Giza hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Cairo / Giza Hotel or Cairo International Airport 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation & Flights: Domestic flight tickets (Cairo Luxor Cairo).
Transportation & Flights: All private transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
Accommodation: 2 nights at a 5-star Luxor hotel (double occupancy) with breakfast.
Guided Tours & Activities: Professional English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide.
Guided Tours & Activities: Sunrise hot air balloon experience over Luxor's West Bank.
Guided Tours & Activities: Private sunset felucca ride on the Nile River.
Entrance Fees: All official entry tickets to the temples and ancient sites listed.
Meals: 2 breakfasts at the hotel and 3 lunches at local quality restaurants.

What's Not Included

International flight tickets & Egypt entry visa.
Tomb of Tutankhamun / Nefertari extra entrance tickets.
Personal expenses, shopping, and souvenirs.
Unspecified dinners and beverages.
Tipping / gratuities for the guide, driver, and cruise crew.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Light breathable clothing
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
A light sweater for early morning balloon transfers

Know before you go

Hot Air Balloon Weather Dependency: Hot air balloon rides are subject to morning weather conditions and civil aviation clearance. Safety is always prioritized.
Tomb Entrance Tickets: Standard entry tickets include access to 3 main tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Special tombs like Tutankhamun or Seti I require separate tickets upon request.
Best Exploration Hours: West Bank excursions start early in the morning to avoid the desert afternoon heat and secure optimal photographic lighting.
Felucca Sailing Experience: Traditional feluccas rely on natural wind currents. A motor support boat is always on standby for safety and seamless navigation.
Passport Requirement: Please carry a valid original passport for airport check-in and security checkpoints throughout Luxor.
Customization Options: Extensions to Aswan via Nile Cruise (3 or 4 nights) or private vehicle can be seamlessly integrated into this itinerary upon request.