Cairo to Luxor 2 Days Tour: Hot Air Balloon & Valley of the Kings | Egypt Tours
Overview
Escape Cairo for an unforgettable two-day adventure to the world’s greatest open-air museum. This expertly planned tour includes a domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor, saving you over 10 hours of driving. Experience the thrill of a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor’s West Bank, explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, marvel at the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut, and wander through the colossal Karnak Temple complex. With comfortable overnight accommodation, an Egyptologist guide, and all logistics handled, this short escape delivers the best of Luxor in just two days.
Tour Highlights
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Domestic flight included – Fly from Cairo to Luxor and back, saving valuable time
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Hot air balloon ride at sunrise – Soar above the Valley of the Kings and Luxor’s West Bank for breathtaking aerial views
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Valley of the Kings – Explore three royal tombs with an expert Egyptologist guide
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Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – Marvel at Egypt’s only female pharaoh’s dramatic three-tiered mortuary temple
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Karnak Temple Complex – Walk among 134 massive pillars at the largest religious site ever built
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Colossi of Memnon – Stand before the iconic 18-meter-high twin stone giants
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night |
| Group type | Small group tour with private transfers and domestic flights |
| Guide | English-speaking Egyptologist for all ground tours |
| Included | transfers, hotel stay, hot air balloon flight, entry tickets, guided tours, breakfast, lunch |
| Start point | Your hotel in Cairo or Cairo International Airport |
Included/Exclude
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Round-trip domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor (economy class )
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All airport transfers in private, air-conditioned vehicles
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1 night accommodation in a handpicked 5-star hotel in Luxor (breakfast included)
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Sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor's West Bank (approximately 45 minutes)
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Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
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English-speaking Egyptologist guide for all ground tours
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Lunch on both days at quality local restaurants
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Unlimited bottled mineral water during transfers and tours
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All service charges and local taxes
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24/7 customer support from Egypt Tours
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International flights to and from Egypt
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Any drinks with lunch (soft drinks, juice, or alcoholic beverages)
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Tipping for your guide, driver, balloon crew, and hotel staff
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Entry to Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings
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Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks,etc
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Anything not explicitly mentioned in "What's Included"
Tour Plan
Step 1: Early Morning Pickup from Your Cairo Hotel
Your Egypt Tours representative will pick you up directly from your Cairo or Giza hotel for transfer to Cairo International Airport.
Step 2: Domestic Flight from Cairo to Luxor
Board your morning domestic flight to Luxor (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). Flight time will be confirmed upon booking.
Step 3: Arrival in Luxor & Meeting Your Guide
Arrive at Luxor International Airport, where your Egyptologist guide and driver will meet you. Transfer directly to begin your tour.
Step 4: Visit Karnak Temple Complex
Begin your Luxor exploration at the magnificent Karnak Temple – the largest religious complex ever built. Walk through the Avenue of Sphinxes, stand beneath the 134 towering columns of the Hypostyle Hall, and see the sacred lake. Your Egyptologist guide will bring the stories of Amun-Ra and generations of pharaohs to life.
Step 5: Lunch Break
Enjoy a set-menu lunch at a quality local restaurant in Luxor (vegetarian option available – drinks not included).
Step 6: Check into Your Luxor Hotel & Free Afternoon
Transfer to your handpicked hotel in Luxor for check-in. Enjoy a free afternoon to rest, swim, or explore the nearby area.
Step 7: Free Evening in Luxor
Enjoy a free evening. Optionally:
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Take a stroll along the Nile Corniche
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Visit the lively local bazaar for souvenir shopping
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Book a sunset felucca ride on the Nile
Dinner is on your own.
Overnight: Handpicked 5-star hotel in Luxor (breakfast included for Day 2)
Meals: Lunch (Luxor restaurant)
Step 8: Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Pickup
Very early pickup from your Luxor hotel for the highlight of your tour – a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West Bank.
Step 9: Balloon Launch & Flight
Transfer to the launch site, receive a safety briefing, and ascend into the sky just as the sun rises. Drift peacefully over the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon for approximately 45 minutes. Capture breathtaking aerial photos before a gentle landing. A light breakfast or snack is typically included after landing.
Step 10: Return to Hotel for Check-Out & Breakfast
Return to your hotel to check out and enjoy your included breakfast.
Step 11: West Bank Tour – Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Colossi
Cross to Luxor's West Bank for your final archaeological tour:
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Valley of the Kings – Enter 3 royal tombs of your choice (excluding Tutankhamun and Seti I). Your guide will help you select the best open tombs based on your interests. Learn about the pharaohs' journey to the afterlife and the meaning behind the stunning wall paintings.
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Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – Marvel at the dramatic three-tiered mortuary temple of Egypt's only female pharaoh. Your guide will share the fascinating story of her rise to power and her eventual erasure from history.
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Colossi of Memnon – Stop for photos at the two massive 18-meter-high quartzite statues that once guarded Amenhotep III's mortuary temple.
Step 12: Lunch Break
Enjoy your final included lunch at a quality local restaurant in Luxor.
Step 13: Transfer to Luxor International Airport
Board your private vehicle for transfer to Luxor International Airport.
Step 14: Domestic Flight from Luxor to Cairo
Board your afternoon domestic flight back to Cairo (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). Flight time will be confirmed upon booking.
Step 15: Arrival in Cairo & Transfer to Your Hotel
Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where your driver will meet you for the private transfer back to your Cairo or Giza hotel. Tour ends.
Meals: Breakfast (Luxor hotel), Lunch (Luxor restaurant)