hurghada 3 day tour to luxor and Aswan including hot air balloon

Experience Egypt’s Highlights in Just 3 Days: Luxor, Aswan, and a Hot Air Balloon Ride from Hurghada

Travelers seeking an unforgettable journey into Egypt’s ancient wonders will find this 3-day tour from Hurghada an excellent way to see some of the country’s most iconic sites. With visits to Luxor’s colossal temples, a hot air balloon experience over Luxor, and a trip to Aswan’s impressive dam and islands, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Egypt’s history and landscape.

What makes this trip stand out? Firstly, the flexibility—they tailor the itinerary to your preferences, making each day feel personalized. Secondly, the inclusion of a hot air balloon ride, a bucket-list experience for many, delivers breathtaking aerial views of Luxor’s monuments. Thirdly, the combination of ancient temples, valleys, and modern engineering marvels provides an immersive cultural experience.

One thing to consider is the additional cost of entrance tickets, which are not included in the tour price. While the overall value remains strong, travelers should be prepared for extra expenses if they wish to access all sights.

This tour is ideal for history lovers, adventure seekers, or anyone looking to maximize a short trip with authentic experiences. If you’re comfortable with a packed schedule and enjoy exploring Egypt’s rich heritage, this is a fantastic choice.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: Fully customizable to your interests and preferences.
• Iconic Sights: Visits to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Aswan Dam.
• Unique Experiences: Hot air balloon ride over Luxor for unforgettable views.
• Two Nights in Luxor & Aswan: Comfortable 5-star accommodations included.
• Cost Considerations: Entrance fees and optional extras are paid separately.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised guides like Ramzy and Abdul enhance the experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Hurghada to Luxor’s Ancient Wonders

Your adventure begins early with a pickup from your hotel or designated location in Hurghada. The drive to Luxor takes about a few hours, depending on traffic, but the scenery along the way offers glimpses of Egypt’s varied landscape. Once you arrive, you’ll visit the Temple of Karnak, a vast complex that could easily take hours to explore fully. While admission tickets aren’t included, the exterior and the sheer scale of Karnak are awe-inspiring.

Following this, a visit to Luxor Temple offers another chance to marvel at Egypt’s architectural prowess, especially as the sun begins to set. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at an oriental restaurant—think flavorful Egyptian dishes that provide a real taste of local cuisine.

The afternoon is dedicated to a city tour of Luxor, where your guide will help you navigate the bustling streets, share stories behind the sights, and point out hidden gems. The day concludes with check-in at a luxurious 5-star hotel, giving you time to relax and prepare for the days ahead.

What our reviewers loved: The flexibility of the tour, as one noted, “we are very flexible and can customize the trip as we like,” which really helps tailor the experience to your interests.

Day 2: The Valley of the Kings & Hot Air Balloon over Luxor

The morning begins with an early wake-up call. Today, your hot air balloon adventure offers a chance to see Luxor’s ancient sites from a perspective few travelers get to experience—floating peacefully over the West Bank, with views of tombs, temples, and the Nile. Reviewers rave about this experience: “the trip was absolutely amazing,” with guides like Ramzy making the trip memorable due to his extensive knowledge and friendly approach.

After the balloon flight, enjoy a breakfast box to keep you energized. Then, your day tour of Luxor’s West Bank kicks off with the Valley of the Kings, where you can imagine the grandeur of Egypt’s pharaohs buried deep within the mountains. While the Tomb of Tutankhamen isn’t included in the tour and costs extra, many find the visit to the Valley of the Kings compelling on its own.

Next, you’ll visit the Hatshepsut Temple, a stunning terraced structure dedicated to Egypt’s most famous female pharaoh. The colossal Colossi of Memnon mark the end of this section, providing fantastic photo opportunities. A visit to the Alabaster House allows you to observe artisans at work, often producing exquisite handcrafted souvenirs.

Lunch in an oriental restaurant continues the day’s theme of local flavor. Post-lunch, your journey might include a train ride to Aswan, where you’ll settle into a 5-star hotel for the night.

Review insight: Travelers appreciated guides like Abdul, who made the experience feel personalized and easy to understand, saying, “His English is excellent, and we had no trouble communicating.”

Day 3: Aswan’s Engineering Marvels and Cultural Gems

Your last day begins with breakfast, followed by a visit to the Aswan High Dam—a monument to modern Egyptian engineering. Standing 360 feet tall and spanning 12,500 feet, the dam has played a key role in Egypt’s development since its completion in 1971. Expect a brief stop here, but it’s worth noting that tickets aren’t included, and the visit takes around 10 minutes.

Next, you’ll explore Isis Island’s Temple, a site that combines natural beauty with ancient history. The view of the Nile and the dam from the island is impressive and adds a peaceful contrast to the previous day’s site visits.

A traditional Egyptian-style lunch provides a final chance to enjoy local cuisine before heading to the Aswan railway station. From here, you’ll catch a train back to Qena, where your driver will be waiting to return you to Hurghada. The entire last day involves about five hours of travel and sightseeing, making it a full, satisfying experience.

What reviewers say: One reviewer appreciated the knowledgeable guides, saying, “Our guide made the trips fabulous. He had a stack of knowledge at all destinations and made our trip truly special.”

Transportation & Logistics

All transportation is via air-conditioned car, ensuring comfort during the long drives between Hurghada, Luxor, and Aswan. The tour operates from a private group setting, which means less hassle and more flexibility. Pickup is available from any location in Hurghada, and the tour is designed for most travelers who are able to handle some walking and exposure to outdoor conditions.

Timing is straightforward, with a start time of 8:00 am each day. Tours are approximately 3 days long, with some variation depending on customization and traffic. The tour includes bottled water and two nights’ accommodation in 5-star hotels, which significantly adds to the value, especially considering the comprehensive itinerary.

Cost & Value

At $250 per person, this tour provides a notable amount of value. The price covers transportation, guided tours, accommodations, and the hot air balloon ride—an experience that alone can cost hundreds if booked separately. However, entrance fees to sights are not included, which could add around $300 USD per person if you wish to access all sites. Many reviews highlight guides’ willingness to customize and suggest that the overall experience remains well worth the price.

Authentic Experiences & Guides

Based on reviews, guides like Ramzy and Abdul aren’t just knowledgeable—they genuinely enhance the trip. Ramzy’s expertise at all destinations made the sightseeing seamless, while Abdul’s excellent English and personalized approach made travelers feel valued and well cared for. One reviewer even called their guide “extraordinary,” emphasizing how much guides can influence the overall enjoyment of a trip.

Highlights from reviews:

• “He went above and beyond the necessary and made our trip truly special.”
• “He was happy to customize everything and gave recommendations for the best sights.”

This personal touch is a key part of why this tour receives such high marks.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Entrance fees are extra, so budget around $300 USD for full access.
• Optional tours like King Tut’s tomb cost extra, around $25 USD.
• Lunch is affordable at about $10 USD per day, and included breakfasts are simple but satisfying.
• Weather can be hot, especially during the balloon ride, so wear sun protection and comfortable clothing.
• Travelers should be able to handle a busy schedule—this tour covers a lot of ground but is designed to be comfortable with good logistics and guides.

The Sum Up

This 3-day tour from Hurghada offers a compelling mix of Egypt’s most famous sites, comfort, and authentic experiences. With flexible options, expert guides, and a memorable hot air balloon ride, it’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Egypt’s history without the hassle of planning each detail.

Pricing provides solid value considering the accommodations, transportation, and exclusive experiences like the balloon ride. While entrance fees are not included, the overall experience remains accessible and rewarding, especially with knowledgeable guides who go out of their way to customize your trip.

Perfect for history buffs, adventure lovers, or those short on time but eager to see Egypt’s treasures, this tour delivers a well-balanced blend of culture, scenery, and comfort. If you’re ready for an action-packed yet manageable Egyptian adventure, this could be just the trip you need.

FAQ

Are pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, pickup is offered from any location in Hurghada, and the tour ends with transportation back to Hurghada.

Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates, allowing for flexibility and personalized attention.

What is the cost of entrance fees?
Entrance tickets to sights are not included and cost around $300 USD per person. Specific sites like King Tut’s tomb cost extra ($25 USD).

How long is the hot air balloon ride?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the hot air balloon is a key feature of the second day, offering spectacular views over Luxor’s monuments.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included for both mornings, and you’ll have lunch at oriental restaurants. Lunch costs around $10 USD daily.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the tour provider emphasizes flexibility and customization based on your interests and preferences.

What should I wear?
Light, breathable clothing and sun protection are advisable, especially for outdoor visits and the balloon ride.

This tour from Hurghada truly packs Egypt’s highlights into a manageable, memorable 3-day trip. Whether it’s your first visit or a return to the land of pharaohs, it offers a fantastic way to explore Egypt’s grandeur with the comfort of expert guides and luxurious accommodations.