Hot Air Ballon ride Get a bird's eye view of Luxor's ancient sites from aboard a hot air balloon. Your driver will pick you up and take you to the launch site in an air-conditioned vehicle, where you'll attend a safety briefing before getting ready to fly. You'll then head up to the sky, with a local guide on board to point out sights and tell you about their history and relevance. Take a hot air balloon ride over Luxor An English-speaking guide will provide commentary Save money by opting for a group ride Round-trip transfers from your hotel are included
Fiery limestone cliffs are a dramatic backdrop for the Temple of Hatshepsut, a monument to the female pharaoh who was once king of ancient Egypt. The temple’s smooth colonnade has been reconstructed, and the facade alternates between glowing columns with deep shadows. Venture inside to find relief carvings, hieroglyphics, and sanctuaries.
Valley of the Kings, long narrow defile just west of the Nile River in Upper Egypt. It was part of the ancient city of Thebes and was the burial site of almost all the kings (pharaohs) of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties (1539–1075 BCE), from Thutmose I to Ramses X. Located in the hills behind Dayr al-Baḥrī, the 62 known tombs exhibit variety both in plan and in decoration. In 1979 UNESCO designated the valley part of the World Heritage site of ancient Thebes, which also includes Luxor, the Valley of the Queens, and Karnak.
Valley of the Queens, gorge in the hills along the western bank of the Nile River in Upper Egypt. It was part of ancient Thebes and served as the burial site of the queens and some royal children of the 19th and 20th dynasties (1292–1075 BC). The queens’ necropolis is located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) west of the mortuary temple of Ramses III (1187–56 BC) at Madīnat Habu. There are more than 90 known tombs, usually consisting of an entrance passage, a few short halls, and a sarcophagus chamber. The earliest may be that of Sitre, wife of Ramses I. The most notable are those of Nefertari, the favourite queen of Ramses II; of Princes Khaemwese and Amonhirkhopsef; and of a Ramesside queen called Titi. In 1979 UNESCO added the Valley of the Queens, the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor, and other sites of Thebes to the World Heritage List.
The two faceless Colossi of Memnon, originally representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III, rising majestically about 18m from the plain, are the first monuments tourists see when they visit the west bank. These magnificent colossi, each cut from a single block of stone and weighing 1000 tonnes, sat at the eastern entrance to the funerary temple of Amenophis III, the largest on the west bank. Egyptologists are currently excavating the temple and their discoveries can be seen behind the colossi.
4 Comments
4.6
The experience of gliding through the warm air, witnessing the impressive remnants of ancient civilization beneath us, was utterly captivating. We especially cherished the moment when the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the vast landscape, making the archaeological sites look like something out of a storybook. Our only suggestion would be to enhance the briefing before the ride, as we felt a bit rushed in understanding the landmarks we were viewing.
4.2
Soaring gently in the balloon, we marveled at the blend of hot air and stunning archaeological marvels beneath us. The transportation to the launch site was seamless, but we wished there had been a bit more time to soak in the breathtaking views before landing.
4.6
From the moment we stepped into the basket, the anticipation of witnessing the archaeological wonders below filled us with excitement. The ride itself was a blend of gentle warmth and breathtaking views, which made every minute unforgettable as we floated over ancient sites. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories that enriched our understanding of the history we were observing. Although the early morning wake-up call came a bit too soon for us, the stunning sunrise made it worthwhile. Overall, it was a remarkable experience that we would recommend to any family seeking adventure and cultural insight.
5
Floating high above Luxor, we marveled at the breathtaking archaeological wonders below as the sun cast a golden hue over the ancient landscape; it truly felt like a dream.