Luxor 2-Day Trip from Hurghada with Optional Balloon Ride: trip overview
Luxor deserves more than a single day, and staying overnight transforms the experience. You avoid the long there-and-back drive in one go, see the temples in the softer morning and evening light, and can take a hot-air balloon flight over the West Bank at sunrise.
Day one covers the East Bank — Karnak and Luxor Temple after dark. Day two starts with the optional balloon, then the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon before driving back to Hurghada.
Highlights
- Overnight in a comfortable Luxor hotel
- Optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight
- Luxor Temple illuminated at night
- Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple
- More time at every site
Your day, as it feels
Day one ends differently from any day trip: instead of a four-hour drive back, you walk into Luxor Temple as the lights come on and the carvings glow gold against the dark sky.
Before dawn on day two, the optional balloon rises over the West Bank. Below you, the Nile, green fields, temples and the desert cliffs appear in the first light — one of the most beautiful sights in Egypt. Then, rested and inspired, you explore the royal tombs and Hatshepsut's temple before driving back to Hurghada.
Why guests choose this trip with Hurghada Day Trips
No rushing
The sites are spread over two days.
Luxor Temple at night
Something day-trippers rarely see.
Sunrise balloon option
Only possible when you stay overnight.
Comfortable hotel
4–5 star with breakfast.
Itinerary, hour by hour
- Day 1 · 06:00
Pickup and drive
Drive to Luxor, check in or drop bags.
- Day 1 · Afternoon
Karnak Temple
Guided visit, then lunch.
- Day 1 · Evening
Luxor Temple
See the temple lit up at night.
- Day 2 · 05:00
Balloon (optional)
Sunrise flight over the West Bank.
- Day 2 · Morning
West Bank
Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon.
- Day 2 · Afternoon
Return
Lunch and drive back to Hurghada.
Times are approximate and confirmed with your booking. Pickup times vary by hotel area — you receive yours the evening before.
What's included
- Hotel transfers
- One night in a 4–5* hotel with breakfast
- Egyptologist guide
- Entrance tickets listed
- Two lunches
Not included
- Hot-air balloon (optional extra)
- Dinner
- Special tombs
- Tips (optional)
Optional extras — told to you before you book
| Optional extra | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hot-air balloon | optional extra |
| Dinner | not included |
| Single room | supplement |
Your safety on this trip
- Licensed balloon operators; flights cancelled in unsuitable winds
- Comfortable hotel and experienced drivers
- Egyptologist guide both days
What other travellers complain about — and what we do instead
We read public reviews of Hurghada excursions so you don't have to learn the hard way. Here is what goes wrong on some trips of this kind, and the standard we hold ourselves to.
Is this trip right for you?
Perfect for
- Travellers who dislike very long days
- Photographers
- Couples
Maybe not for you if…
- Guests with only one free day
Insider tips from our team
- Book the balloon when you book the trip — it sells out in winter.
- Pack a warm layer for the balloon at dawn.
- Use the free evening to walk the Luxor Corniche.
What to bring
- Passport
- Overnight bag
- Warm layer for the balloon at dawn
Good to know
- Balloon flights depend on wind; if cancelled by the authorities, the balloon price is refunded.
- Single room supplement applies.
Hotel pickup areas
Pickup and drop-off are arranged from hotels in central Hurghada and from El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Soma Bay, Safaga. Read our pickup areas guide for typical transfer times.
Luxor 2-Day Trip from Hurghada with Optional Balloon Ride: questions & answers
Is the balloon safe?
Balloon operators in Luxor are licensed and flights are cancelled in unsuitable winds. We only work with established operators.
Can we add Dendera or Abydos?
Yes, on a private version of this trip.
What if the balloon is cancelled?
If the authorities cancel flights because of wind, the balloon price is refunded.
Is dinner included?
Dinner is not included, so you can choose where to eat.
