Luxor is beautiful, execution excursion substandard, review settlement scandalous.
We booked this excursion in May 2026 via Viator and the trip turned out to be carried out by Luxor Egypt Tours.
My friend wrote a review on Viator and on Tripadvisor on the 23rd of May 2026. After the reviews she can no longer log in to her Viator account and the accumulated credit balance you get after an excursion is gone.
The organizer's response to her review is also incorrect/false.
The tour description clearly states that a 5-star hotel is part of this excursion. That is also explicitly asked of the lady in the chat (one Candy) when booking.
The description of both days also states that specific restaurants would be visited for lunch (Oriental restaurant on an island in the Nile on day 1 and a Nile view restaurant on day 2).
The boat trip is also mentioned at the programna on day 1 and also a visit to the illuminated Luxor temple in the evening.
However, we did not get all those parts, as mentioned in our reviews earlier. Moreover, my friend's content review on Tripadvisor is not visible.
In short: we put quite a bit of precious holiday time into reviews to help other travellers avoid disappointment. Then it is rather disappointing how that is handled. My partner has a detective agency in which truth finding, reliability and humanity are central, so the final word on this has not yet been said. We attach the photos of review and reaction to Viator.
Corina v · May 2026 · via Tripadvisor · Translated
Beautiful temples and balloon ride, good guide, rest thick substandard.
We were picked up at 6:00 by an Omar. Fine car and drove smoothly, only spoke no English. The guide Sayed who boarded in Luxor was a fine Egyptoog, spoke good English and took our pace into account. Very nice.
The temples Karnak and Luxor were impressive. However, on day 1, when we inquired about the departure time on day 2, we heard that the ballooning was cancelled due to a government decision. Because we specifically chose this tour for the balloon ride, and moreover paid heavily for this excursion to Egyptian standards (almost €700 for 2 people) we made our displeasure clear to the guide. He would be in touch with you about this.
In the afternoon of day 1 we were dropped at 3pm at the 4 star Aracan Hotel. Despite friendly staff and great food, this was definitely not the 5 star hotel in Luxor that was included in the program and was additionally promised by the organization when booking.
We also noticed after reading the program that we had not received lunch in an Oriental restaurant on the Nile, and also not a boat trip as is in the program. However, there was a simple lunch in Luxor city.
We have therefore booked an extra Felucca trip for the end of the afternoon of day 1 for €80. Because we had already seen the Luxor temple that afternoon, there was no light show in the evening, which is in the program.
In the evening we heard via app that the balloon ride on day 2 was still going ahead.
The balloon ride was great on day 2. We were picked up 5.15am and made a beautiful balloon ride at sunrise.
Then we were dropped on the west bank with our guide Hayed and driver Omar. We saw 3 tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and a shop in Luxor where art was made with alabaster. That was very nice thanks to Muhammed who showed us around.
Then we got (again) a very simple lunch in a small restaurant. So again no delicious lunch in a beautiful restaurant with Nile view, as was promised in the program.
After lunch we saw the Colossi of Memnon. The guide said goodbye and around 12.15 the excursion was finished. Driver Omar raced with 2 smoke/fuel stops to Marsa Alam. Upon arrival at our hotel, he reacted strongly that he found the $20 tip too little. Given the other tip for the guide we gave earlier, the extra costs for the boat trip, the fact that they are paid out of the €700 excursion fee and icm all the program parts we did not get, I found that behavior very inappropriate. That left a thick mark on the excursion joy.
In short: guide was fine, for him 5 stars, balloon ride was beautiful as were the visited temples. The rest did not meet the commitments in the programme at all.
I'm afraid the ballooning would not have taken place if we hadn't reacted to that on day 1 and said we would contact the organization about it. In short: too bad.
Nicoline_D · May 2026 · via Viator · Translated
Luxor is authentic and mysteriously beautiful ❤️
We made this trip and can say that our guide Sayed was fantastic. He knew how to tell a lot of backgrounds at the beautiful temples we visited. A top Egyptologist! He also took super good account of our wishes as guests. He took nice pictures and took our pace very well into account. Much appreciated! For him 6 stars!
The balloon ride on day 2 was magical!
The viewings of the temples impressive. And also the visit to the shop of Muhammed his basalt shop was very fun and entertaining.
What we did find a bit unfortunate was that we did not get the overnight stay presented in the program and by the lady of the booking in the 5-star hotel Steigenberger Nile Palace (or similar), but in the 4 star AraCan hotel. Also have to say honestly that the hotel was otherwise fine and the dinner was nice. Super friendly service too. Only very hard mattresses. However, the hotel in itself was not comparable to the 5 star Steigenberger.
On the 1st day, when we asked about the departure time on day 2, we learned that the balloon ride would not take place. We were not happy with that to say the least, because this was the reason for this well-paid trip to Luxor including ballooning. After a friendly request on our part, the guide did his best.
In the evening we heard that it was still going ahead.
You always want an honest review. What we didn't get and what was in the program was lunch in a beautiful Oriental restaurant on an island in the Nile and with a view of the Nile (day 1) and a boat trip. And no lunch at a Nile View restaurant on day 2. We did get a simple lunch twice in 2 local eateries.
Because we did not have a boat trip, we booked a Felucca sailing trip through our guide himself on day 1. That cost € 80 and was very nice.
All in all a beautiful and impressive excursion, but with some caveats.
Our driver Omar had a fine car and brought us smoothly to the places discussed. He didn't speak English, which was a shame.
A bit of a pity was also that our tip of 20 USD by the driver, in addition to the contribution that is already in the paid excursion fees for him, led to visible anger and a request for more. We just had nothing more because of tipping during both days and the extra Felucca trip. So the change from friendly during trip to this behavior, we didn't think was very appropriate and left a mark on the excursion joy on return.
So not 5 but 4 stars maximum.
Greatly enjoyed beautiful and authentic Luxor ❤️
nicolined703 · May 2026 · via Tripadvisor · Translated
Mesmerizing Night Tour
The special night tour to Luxor from Marsa Alam was a mesmerizing experience from start to finish. Witnessing the ancient wonders of Luxor under the stars was a dreamlike adventure, made even more special by our guide informative commentary. The dinner in Luxor was a gastronomic delight, allowing us to savor traditional Egyptian dishes in a picturesque setting. An unforgettable night that will remain etched in our memories forever!
Navigate38799341170 · Feb 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
This special night tour to Luxor from Marsa Alam was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The opportunity to witness Luxor iconic landmarks illuminated at night was breathtaking and truly awe-inspiring. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate, offering valuable information about each site we visited. The dinner in Luxor was a perfect ending to a perfect evening, providing a taste of local cuisine amidst the ancient wonders. A must-do for anyone visiting Egypt!
Coastal67490725628 · Feb 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Magical night tour to Luxor from Marsa Alam!
The opportunity to explore Luxor iconic landmarks under the starlit sky was a breathtaking experience. Our guide was passionate and personable, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of the ancient city. A special night trip that left a lasting impression
Flyer16604085120 · Feb 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Exceptional night trip to Luxor from Marsa Alam!
The beauty of Luxor by night is truly something to behold, and this tour allowed us to witness it in all its splendor. Our guide was excellent, providing in-depth commentary and creating a magical atmosphere throughout the evening. A special night to remember
Odyssey00679563712 · Feb 2025 · via Tripadvisor
An extraordinary night excursion to Luxor from Marsa Alam!
The charm and grandeur of Luxor by night were awe-inspiring, creating a truly special atmosphere for our tour. Our guide was exceptional, providing detailed explanations and engaging anecdotes that enriched our visit. A night to Luxor that felt like a dream come true
Asmaa M · Feb 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Mesmerizing night in Luxor!
This tour from Marsa Alam was a breathtaking experience that showcased the timeless beauty of Luxor under the night sky. The guide's insights and the delicious dinner in Luxor made the night both educational and enjoyable, with every moment filled with wonder and discovery. A night of enchantment and magic that I highly recommend to all travelers
music m · Feb 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Captivating night tour to Luxor!
This special evening excursion from Marsa Alam was a captivating journey through the illuminated treasures of ancient Egypt. The guide's expertise and the flavorful dinner in Luxor added depth and flavor to our night, creating an unforgettable experience. A night of beauty, history, and great food that I would recommend to all
Climber34076863244 · Feb 2025 · via Tripadvisor
