Worth all the money spent
Unforgettable experience, everything organized in a perfect way!
We left Hurghada at 23:00 with a very comfortable private taxi, air conditioning and cool drinks for the whole day. The driver Ahmed stayed with us until the return, making travel between the sites very convenient.
The Italian guide Marvet (I hope it's written that way) was kind and competent. Sometimes he got confused with a few words, but the explanations were still clear and very interesting.
The program was spectacular: after breakfast we went in a hot air balloon at dawn, with a breathtaking view and a private photo book included, really a precious memory! Then we visited the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, had lunch in a local restaurant, took a relaxing boat ride on the Nile and concluded with the imposing Karnak Temple.
All entrance fees were already included, as well as bottled water during the day. We didn't have to worry about anything.
I recommend this tour to those who want to experience Luxor completely and without worries: impeccable organization, comfort and unforgettable memories!
AndreiRoberto_M · вер. 2025 р. · через Viator · Перекладено
Misrepresented, Unsafe, and Deeply Disappointing – Avoid This Tour
We booked the “Private Day Tour to Luxor with Hot Air Balloon from Hurghada” based on its glowing 5-star reviews and high price, expecting a premium and professional experience. What we got instead was frustrating, at times unsafe, and nowhere near what was advertised.
The listing promised experienced English-speaking guides, air-conditioned transport, water throughout the day, full site entry, and a traditional felucca ride. Instead:
• Our “guide” mohammed spoke limited English, offered minimal explanation at any site, and chain-smoked throughout the day — even after we asked him not to.
• We were stranded for over an hour after the hot air balloon with no contact or instructions — incredibly stressful.
• The driver (also called mohammed) used his mobile phone for long stretches while driving, and took photos/videos of us sleeping in the car, which he sent to others — a complete violation of privacy.
• No water was provided despite 45°C+ temperatures — we had to buy our own at inflated prices.
• The felucca ride was replaced by a motorboat operated by children with no life jackets — we refused to board due to obvious safety concerns (my partner cannot swim).
• Key stops like the Colossi of Memnon were completely skipped with no explanation.
• Additional ticket costs were sprung on us mid-tour, despite the listing implying full inclusion.
None of the well-reviewed guides were involved in our day. Our emails to the operator were dismissed, and our refund request was ignored. This was not a premium or even acceptable experience, and it’s clear the good reviews are linked to a small group of guides — not a consistent standard.
This tour was unsafe, poorly organised, and misrepresented. Strongly recommend avoiding.
Hub247 · лип. 2025 р. · через Tripadvisor
Avoid at all cost
With little notice we were asked to “slightly” move our pick up time….. by 9 hours, but offered a free hotel in Luxor…. It was too late to rebook with another company for the ballon ride so we had little choice.
The “private” transport was drive by a driver who was given a drugs test at the first check point by the police and then hits speeds of 174kmph we looked it up and it’s 108 mph…. Whilst on the phone arguing with his girlfriend we assumed by the shouting, it was awful driving and it got worse at the rip off stop over. We actually went to his house in Luxor where is friend took over driving and he went to bed.
The hotel was so poor we went to the one next door to eat and only slept for a couple of hours due to the noise in the hotel.
The balloon trip was cancelled due to high winds which was not uncommon so we were ferried to a local cafe to await pick up with around 100 other people again more out of pocket expenses.
The only positive on the whole journey was our Egyptologist Ahmed Elsisi who was excellent during the day.
The trip back was more sedate at around 100 mph.
We requested a refund for the ballon ride and were offered £20 each. The company refused more and we pointed out the the experience we actually received could be bought for a lot less they refused to move on the offer.
Avoid them at all costs.
Robert_S · лип. 2025 р. · через Viator
Hot air balloon and valley of the kings
Your pick up is late at night 11pm and then around 4 hours of travel from hurghada to Luxor, you do stop a couple of times along the way, we then had breakfast which was nice, but a bit early for us at 4:30am. We were then driven to a meeting point where other were being dropped off for the hot air balloon ride, we were part of smaller groups banned together, and found that the larger groups appeared to have president over our group, we were up in the air for a short time as unfortunately the wind direction was sending everyone towards the no fly zone.
From here we meet back with the driver and our guide for the tombs in the valley of the kings, guide was very knowledgeable and gave lots of history background about the temples we were visiting ( an additional fee of 700egp per person for the tomb of Tutankhamen) , some of the tombs have steep stairways to be aware, well worth the visit, be cautious as your guide cannot enter tomb with you, you will find others there who will offer some knowledge and to take photographs ( but a tip is expected, and you can feel overcrowded as they will follow) we also visited the temple of Hatshepsut which is breathtaking. We left here to a boat trip on the Nile, which was a nice break from the heat.
The lunch afterwards was delicious, drinks were not included but are reasonably priced. In total the trip lasted for 16hours with pick up and drop off
bethan335 · лип. 2025 р. · через Viator
Great Journey to Luxor with an Excellent Driver and Knowledgeable Guide
Our driver Bomba was excellent—very skilled and professional. We had great conversations during both the journey to and from Luxor. He even treated us to some drinks during the breaks, which I really appreciated.
Our tour guide in Luxor, Marc, was very knowledgeable and gave us deep insights into the history of the area. We felt well taken care of at all times.
L1724CCyasiny · черв. 2025 р. · через Tripadvisor
Amazing valley of kings
I had a wonderful time with a great tour guide professor Ahmed Elsisi. I recommend him.he is very educated and very articulate..this is a must do if you go to
Luxor or Egypt of that matter!
damiengJ4702MP · черв. 2025 р. · через Tripadvisor
Superb day
Superb experience with Pompa!! Thanks again for this day and also thanks to our French guide who was present!
I recommend ++++
742flaviem · трав. 2025 р. · через Tripadvisor · Перекладено
One of a kind must do experience
Excellent service from start to finish by knowledgeable locals with great English speaking skills
Hot air balloon trip looked uncertain due to recent winds but we were fortunate enough to take off and enjoy a one of kind experience 🤩😃
Cruising the skies at sunrise across the valley of the kings was exciting and enjoyable
robert m · трав. 2025 р. · через Tripadvisor
Ruined by the driver
The balloon trip was amazing, as was the Valley of kings, our tour guide was fantastic.
The whole experience was marred by our trip in the car, on the way the driver was on the phone 70% of the time, then he made a stop for a break and took us into this run down place where he started smoking shisha and talking to the other men in Arabic. I was super uncomfortable, as was my husband.
We were then dropped at the Paris cafe and offered omelettes at 5am, none of us were interested as it was so early. It’s a shame as it ruined what would have been an incredible day
Hazel A · трав. 2025 р. · через Tripadvisor
Amazing sights
This was a long day but the valley of the kings was amazing. The balloon flight was a real experience and I loved it. Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave a lot of information about the things we saw. Definitely a memorable experience.
Victoria_B · трав. 2025 р. · через Viator
