3 Days Private Tour to Abu Simble, Balloon Ride, Aswan and Luxor

Exploring Egypt in just three days? Yes, it’s possible—and this private tour promises a whirlwind experience across some of the most iconic sites from Aswan to Luxor. While it packs in a lot, from the grandeur of Abu Simbel to the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Kings, it’s an adventure that offers a solid glimpse into Egypt’s ancient wonders.

What we really appreciate are the expert guides who bring the history to life, the opportunity to see Abu Simbel’s stunning façade, and the breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Luxor. Plus, the seamless transportation between sites makes the busy schedule manageable. One thing to consider: some entrance fees and extras aren’t included, so budgeting for those is wise. This tour is perfect for travelers eager to tick off the major highlights in a short amount of time, especially those who enjoy guided experiences and iconic photo ops.

Key Points

• Well-organized itinerary covering Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Nile River highlights
• Expert guides add context and enrich the visiting experience
• Includes unique activities like a sunrise hot air balloon ride
• Transport logistics are handled, including train travel between cities
• Some entrance fees are extra, so budget accordingly
• Private tour format offers flexibility and personal attention

A Practical Look at the 3-Day Private Tour to Abu Simbel, Balloon Ride, Aswan, and Luxor

This tour aims to condense Egypt’s highlights into a compact, action-packed package. While the itinerary is intense, it offers a chance to see some of the most celebrated monuments and enjoy authentic experiences, like the hot air balloon over Luxor.

Day 1: Starting in Aswan — Engineering Marvels and Ancient Temples

The journey kicks off with a pick-up from your hotel, cruise, or train station in Aswan. This seamless start is a plus, especially after a long journey. The first stop is the Aswan High Dam, a true testament to modern Egyptian engineering. From the viewing platform, you’ll get panoramic views of Lake Nasser and the surrounding temples—seeing the dam in person gives you a sense of Egypt’s modern achievements alongside its ancient monuments. Although the dam visit lasts about 50 minutes, note that the entry fee (~$6) isn’t included, so be prepared for that extra cost.

Next up is the Temple of Philae, which is often highlighted as the tour’s favorite. Perched on an island, this temple dedicated to Isis offers a picturesque setting, especially after the short motorboat ride. Our guide was praised for their knowledge, explaining the temple’s relocation efforts when the Nile waters rose due to the dam’s construction. Visitors can expect about two hours here, with plenty of time to explore the beautifully landscaped surroundings and intricate hieroglyphs.

The final stop of the day is the Unfinished Obelisk at the granite quarries. This 1,000-ton monument, with its crack, offers insight into ancient quarrying techniques. Having a guide explain how the obelisk was carved adds a layer of appreciation. The visit here lasts about an hour, and while the site is quite raw, it’s a tangible link to Egypt’s stone-working mastery.

Reviewers noted that the organization is generally good, though some mentioned the extra costs for entrance fees and optional services like the sleeper train. The overall experience is smooth, with a focus on balancing sightseeing with comfortable transport.

Day 2: Abu Simbel — The Iconic Temple and Transfer to Luxor

The early morning start is necessary to beat the heat and crowds at Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage site carved out of sandstone cliffs by Ramses II. The size and detail of the façade, with its colossal statues, are breathtaking. Visitors often describe standing beneath these massive figures as awe-inspiring. The small Temple of Nefertari nearby offers a more intimate look at Ramses’ wife and her divine attributes.

This site visit takes around 8 hours, which includes the drive and tour time. Keep in mind that entrance tickets (~$45) are extra, and some reviews mention confusion about total costs beforehand, so planning ahead helps.

The return to Aswan is followed by a train transfer to Luxor, taking around three hours. Many travelers find this train ride comfortable and a convenient way to continue the journey without long drives.

Upon arrival in Luxor, a rep will meet you and transfer you to your hotel—setting you up for the next day’s adventures.

Day 3: The Living Museum — Hot Air Balloon, Tombs, and Temples

The highlight of the third day is the hot air balloon ride at sunrise. This 45-minute flight offers a bird’s-eye view of Luxor’s sprawling temples and river. While the tour notes mention the ride departs daily, confirming in advance is recommended. This experience is often praised for its stunning vistas, and you’ll receive a flight certificate as a memorable keepsake.

Following the balloon, the tour guides you to the Colossi of Memnon, two giant stone statues from the reign of Amenhotep III. These statues have withstood millennia and are a favorite for their grandeur and mysterious history.

The Valley of the Kings is next—an essential for any Egypt itinerary. You’ll visit four tombs, including Ramses’ and Horemheb’s, gaining insight into burial practices and royal art. The tickets (~$17) for these tombs are extra, and the review mentions that some visitors find the entrance fees add up. The intricate carvings and preserved art inside make this a highlight despite the busy schedule.

A visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari offers a chance to see the only woman to reign as Pharaoh, with its striking terraces and statuary. The guide’s detailed explanations help bring the historical significance of this site alive.

Finally, the Karnak Temple complex is a sprawling testament to Egyptian devotion. Expect to wander among giant columns, obelisks, and sacred lakes. The guide’s insights help make sense of this vast site, which can be overwhelming without context.

The day wraps up with a visit to Luxor Temple, known for its impressive statues and hieroglyphs. After this, you’re transferred back to your hotel or other preferred drop-off point.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The expert guides are frequently mentioned as a major plus—they add historical detail, answer questions, and make every site come alive. The hot air balloon ride is also a favorite — offering a unique perspective of Luxor’s vast ancient landscape that many travelers say is unforgettable.

The seamless transportation between sites—via private car, train, and boat—means less hassle and more time to enjoy each stop. The inclusion of certain activities like the balloon ride and train transfer at reasonable prices makes the overall package quite competitive.

However, the additional costs for entrance tickets and optional extras, like the sleeper train, can add up. Some travelers found the total expenses were higher than they initially expected, so budgeting for those fees is essential.

One reviewer notably pointed out a misperception about entrance fees, clarifying that they paid those themselves, which is good to know if you’re trying to keep a tight budget.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time in Egypt and see its most famous sights without the hassle of organizing transport and guides themselves. It suits those comfortable with a busy schedule, as each day is packed with sightseeing.

If you’re keen on experiencing a hot air balloon ride and want a knowledgeable guide to explain the sites in detail, this tour delivers. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a private, guided experience rather than group tours, ensuring more flexibility and personalized attention.

However, if your priority is to minimize extra costs, you might want to consider the overall expenses for entrance fees and optional activities, which are not included.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day private tour offers a comprehensive taste of Egypt’s most celebrated sites, balancing historical exploration with memorable experiences like the balloon ride. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to see the major highlights in a short timeframe and value expert guidance.

While some costs are additional, the overall experience provides a solid foundation for understanding Egypt’s ancient culture and modern achievements. The knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and smooth logistics make it a convenient and enriching option.

It’s best suited for those who don’t mind a busy schedule, appreciate guided tours, and are eager to capture iconic moments of Egypt’s landscape and architecture. For those new to Egypt or strapped for time, this tour offers an efficient way to tick off multiple bucket-list destinations.

FAQs

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, all hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, making your start and end points hassle-free.

Is the hot air balloon ride guaranteed?
The trip departs daily, but confirmation in advance is recommended to ensure availability.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance tickets for sites like Abu Simbel, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings are extra, so budget for those separately.

What transportation is used during the tour?
A private luxury air-conditioned car handles most transfers, with a train from Aswan to Luxor and a motorboat for the Nile visit.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, there’s some flexibility, but most stops are fixed due to their historical importance.

What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a hat are recommended. Also, carry some cash for entrance fees and tips.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at sites.

This tour offers an engaging, well-rounded experience at an accessible price point, especially for those eager to see Egypt’s best in just three days. Whether you’re a history lover, adventure seeker, or just eager to tick off bucket-list sites, it’s a compelling introduction to Egypt’s grandeur.