Three Magical Days in Luxor, Egypt: Temples, Tombs & Hot-Air Balloon Views
Curated By
Michelle Lindemann
Curator’s statement
My stay in Luxor was nothing short of pure magic. With a well-orchestrated mix of ancient wonder, current culture, resort luxury, and awe-inspiring experiences, Luxor is a destination that will leave your soul full. Walking among the towering columns of Karnak and exploring the hidden tombs of the Valley of the Kings felt like time-traveling to a world of ancient mystery and beauty. You cannot miss a trip to the Dendera Temple to see the Egyptian blue hieroglyphics with your own eyes. One of my favorite memories was watching the sunrise from a hot-air balloon over the Nile—an unforgettable experience worth the early wake-up.
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Where to stay in Luxor
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Things to do in Luxor
Sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the West Bank
Sunrise hot air balloon ride: Rising above the crops of the West Bank, this experience is worth the early wake-up. You get to enjoy the sunrise over the Nile, a bird’s eye view of the ancient temples, and the excitement of an unknown landing location.
Private West Bank tour: Explore the Valley of the Kings and Queens, alabaster shops, and an authentic Egyptian lunch on your own schedule.
Private East Bank tour: Choose from an early start to explore the Karnak and Luxor temple or an evening pick-up to experience these ancient wonders illuminated during sunset.
Cruise down the Nile on a traditional felucca. Sail down the Nile or include a stop to Banana Island.
Enjoy authentic Egyptian cuisine along the marina strip. There is no shortage of flavor in the cuisine.
Places to eat & drink in Luxor
Authentic Egyptian lunch at Restaurant Paris
Khan Al Moudira: Traditional Lebanese and Egyptian cuisine located in the Ottoman-style courtyard of Al Moudira Hotel.
Restaurant Paris: A charming, locally loved spot serving authentic Egyptian and Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed, home-style setting. Perched near the Colossi of Memnon, its upstairs seating offers lovely views of fields and nearby temples like Hatshepsut.
Nubian House Restaurant: A family run eatery. They cook everything from scratch—including fish, rabbit, and meat—paired with homemade bread and seasonal vegetables from their own farm, creating a deeply personal experience
The Farmer's House: True Egyptian hospitality known for authentic Egyptian dishes and their tagine.
Tut Ankh Amoun: A restaurant across from the Nile that has seating above the water for felucca-viewing at sunset.
Need to know
Be mindful that in many parts of Egypt, the beauty of ancient history often stands beside the realities of daily life, where many local families live with limited resources. While the people here are warm, generous, and deeply proud of their heritage, it’s clear that economic hardship affects much of the community, particularly in rural areas. Tourism plays a vital role in supporting livelihoods, and many small, family run businesses depend on the income it brings. Visiting with care, choosing local guides and restaurants, and engaging respectfully allows travelers not only to experience Luxor’s magic but also to give back meaningfully to the people who make it so memorable.
Travel Advisor
Michelle Lindemann
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