Explore Luxor: A Guide to Unforgettable Adventures
4 Best Things to do in luxor, Egypt
Discover the incredible beauty of Luxor, Egypt. This destination offers bucket-list activities, rich history, incredible landmarks, and warm people. You will be amazed by the unforgettable itinerary below to make your trip to Luxor out of this world!
1. Hot Air Balloon Ride at sunrise
- This incredible adventure can be experienced year round.
- Cost: $65-$75 USD per person
- Duration: 45 minutes-2 hours (depending on the wind)
- Link to book: https://www.getyourguide.com/luxor-l109/luxor-sunrise-hot-air-balloon-ride-with-transfer-t460620/?partner_id=XEH3RXN&cmp=CL
Be sure to bring a jacket despite what season you arrive in Egypt; it can be colder up in altitude.
What to expect:
You will have to be picked up around 4am to make it in the air by sunrise, so be prepared the night before. Arrive early to the lobby, to be picked up promptly and make sure you have the right pickup time.
You will first be picked up in a van, then transferred to a boat to go across the Nile River. After about a 10 minute ride, you will find yourself in another van to complete the journey to your Hot Air Ballon departure destination. Once there, you will quickly have to jog to your designated basket- where they will go over safety precaution and landing instructions.
Please note you will be sharing the basket with other people, unless you are a party of 4 or more. Denzel and I shared our basket with a dad/son and it was quite nice to meet people from around the world.
What to Expect Continued:
As the sun starts to rise, so will your Hot Air Balloon basket. In Luxor, several Hot Air Balloons are going up at once, so your pictures will be outstanding, colorful and vibrant across the Luxor countryside.
The ride duration will depend on the wind and its direction. In rare cases like ours, we crossed the Nile River and the view was exquisite.
2. Visit Karnak Temple
This majestic piece of history is an absolute must visit when you are in Luxor, Egypt. The pillars are large, grand, and still have the original hieroglyphics and illustrations from hundreds of years ago. Here are my tips for making the best of your experience.
- Do not forget to bring sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen and wear breathable linen clothing to prevent overheating. I also recommend going early in the morning to beat the crowds and tours.
Karnak Temple was our favorite landmark in Luxor and is definitely the most beautiful place to learn Egyptian history. You will enjoy capturing grand pictures with the best background Luxor has to offer and get videos by yourself in the morning and evening (I recommend going as soon as they open).
- Cost: Around $5-$14 USD depending on the time of year you visit
- Hours: 6am to 5:30pm
- Open Year Round
- Clothing Recommendation: Long dress, jumpsuit, pants or shorts for men – there are guards that have told some travelers their outfits were not appropriate (so be respectful).
Book a Private Guide
Hiring a private Egyptian guide will enhance your experience of Karnak Temple 100x better. Not only are guides knowledgable about Egyptian history, but they are there to take your pictures, videos, give recommendations, transportation, and more!
Our Guide’s name is Bassam “Smiley” and he was fantastic. He arranged our airport transfer, guided us through all attractions, and taught us about the history of Karnak Temple + all the kings of the past. If interested, his WhatsApp is +20 109 423 5144.
3. Felucca Ride on the nile river at sunset
This magical moment will absolutely leave you stunned. Our tour guide, Smiley, arranged a romantic boat ride on the Nile River and it has to be on your itinerary too! This is great for couples, group trips, or families. For solo travelers, I would opt for the Nile Cruise Dinner Cruise to have others to interact with and talk to!
- Cost: $15 USD
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Location: Nile River (Near Steigenberger Nile Palace for us)
I recommend asking your guide to take a video of your cursing the Nile River, while you enjoy the scenery. This will be a memory you will never forget and will want to relive again and again. This would also be a great engagement proposal moment, if you are traveling to Egypt for special reason with the love of your life.
I strongly encourage to arrange this excursion any time of year except July-August. During this season, it will be unbearably hot and you will not be able to take in the full beauty of this location.
Where To Stay: steigenberger Nile Palace
Click the icon above for the link to book.
This gorgeous hotel offers 303 rooms offering rooms and suites with balconies facing the Nile River, Courtyard, and City. The rooms available are spacious, display modern design, cool and air conditioned, and will give you the most comfortable experience during your time in Luxor.
If you would like to see these three destinations come to life, checkout our IG reel below.
