Luxury Hot Air Balloon Riding in Luxor
Badge of Excellence
Luxor, Egypt
- 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Known as Egypt's open air museum, Luxor offers visitors the chance to experience the ancient world at its temples, monuments, and tombs. But few visitors get to see these historic sights from the sky. On this unparalleled hot air balloon adventure, see Luxor from high above the desert, and snap stunning photos in the morning light as you soar through the sky.
- Tour Luxor in a hot-air balloon on this excursion with stunning desert views
- Travel by motorboat to the West Bank, and stay in the air for about an hour
- Start with a light breakfast, and snap unparalleled photos from the air
- Enjoy included hotel pickup and drop-off for easy transportation
What's Included
- Pick up Service from your Hotel/ Nile cruise & return
- Transfer by air-conditioned Vehicle
- Bottled water during your trip Motorboat to transfer to the West Bank
- 45 : 75 minutes ride in Hot Air Balloon, in the sky of Luxor
- Flight certificate
- All service charges and taxes
- Coffee and/or TeaSnacks
- Gratuities
- Any extras not mentioned in the program.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Itinerary
1
Nile River Valley
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Temple of Hatshepsut
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Valley of the Kings
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Luxor Temple
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
krystal_s
Our family had an absolutely incredible experience with Valley of Kings and the hot air balloon ride! Dr. Mo was an exceptional tour guide, truly a brilliant Egyptology professor, and an equally skilled hot air balloon pilot, making our trip unforgettable. The drivers were also fantastic, ensuring smooth and comfortable transfers throughout our journey. Just a heads-up for future travelers: if you're paying by card, confirm they bring the machine with them. This was a truly five-star adventure we'll cherish forever!
Reviews
4.5
based on 781 reviews
Sheilalaity, Apr 2026
The Hot Air Balloon ride was Great! Better than we ever imagined. The views were spectacular. Our pilot was excellent. Ground crew were great
The travel to the site was terrible. We were a group of 8. They arrived at the pick up site on time. Then we spent over an hour driving around trying to fill up the van, some stops no one got on! Because of all of the driving around we arrived at the launch site just after sunrise. We had specifically booked a sunrise balloon ride. We then spent another 30+ minutes waiting for authorization to take off, by then well after sunrise
Please don’t offer and charge for a sunrise tour if you can’t have us there in time (there were about 40 balloons that had launched before we arrived and did get to see sunrise)
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We’re really glad to hear that you enjoyed the hot air balloon ride itself and that the views, pilot, and ground crew met your expectations—that means a lot to us.
At the same time, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced with the transfer and the delay in arriving at the launch site. We completely understand how important the sunrise timing is, especially when you specifically booked a sunrise flight. What you described regarding the extended pickup time and waiting period is not the standard experience we aim to provide.
Your comments have been taken very seriously and will be shared with our operations team to improve pickup coordination and ensure better timing for future guests.
We truly appreciate your honest feedback, and we hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a much smoother and perfectly timed experience in the future.
Jhoan_M, Apr 2026
Very disappointing experience. I paid for the hot air balloon, but it was canceled and I never received a refund, which is completely unacceptable.
On top of that, during the private half-day tour in Luxor, the guide charged me an extra €30 for Tutankhamun’s tomb, which was not clearly explained beforehand. The overall experience was very poor. The information provided was extremely basic, and the guide did not explain important aspects of Egyptian history or culture.
He mostly took me to shops where I was expected to spend money, rather than focusing on the actual sites. At the tombs, he didn’t even go inside or provide any meaningful explanation. I was left alone after just a few minutes to look around without guidance.
Overall, not worth the money at all and I would not recommend this service.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, and we take your concerns very seriously.
First, regarding the hot air balloon cancellation, please note that all balloon flights are strictly subject to weather conditions and aviation authority approvals for safety reasons. Even if the weather may appear suitable on the ground, final clearance is always determined by the authorities. However, we would like to clarify that refunds for canceled balloon rides are always processed. If you have not received your refund yet, kindly contact us directly with your booking details so we can urgently follow up and resolve this for you.
Regarding the additional €30 for Tutankhamun’s tomb, this ticket is not included in the standard package and is optional, as it is issued separately by the Ministry of Tourism. This is mentioned in the tour details, but we will review how this information is communicated to ensure better clarity in the future.
As for the tour experience itself, your comments are very concerning to us. We do not tolerate guides providing minimal explanations or prioritizing shop visits over the historical experience. This is not the standard we aim to deliver. Your feedback has been escalated internally and will be addressed with the guide to ensure this does not happen again.
We always strive to provide informative, engaging, and guest-focused experiences, and it’s clear we fell short in your case. We genuinely appreciate you bringing this to our attention, as it helps us improve our service.
Please reach out to us directly so we can further assist you and make things right.
Michelle_J, Feb 2026
To start we did not do the hot air balloon. They canceled that part and said it was due to the weather. The weather was literally perfect that morning. However, The trip started off good. The tour guide was knowledgeable and kept the humor up throughout the trip. However we took two extra stops that felt like a time share experience. The first one we were taken to a store and the tour guide made it seem like the pieces in the store were handmade by the workers there but when you go to other parts of the tour, you see the same pieces being sold for way cheaper at other locations. Also the workers at the shop were heckling us bad about tips. Of course the tickets are not included in the experience but we did not know you have to pay for extra transportation at the sites as well and that is it cash only. The sites were nice and we did get to experience the sites for a good minute. The lunch was also nice as well. The worst part of this trip was the drop off. It was only 4 of us on the excursion. They dropped off the first person and the second person with no issue. However when it was time for me and my husband turn to get dropped off; on the way to our hotel, two random guys hopped into the van with us! With us being tourist, we did not know what was going on. We felt completely unsafe and uneasy with the two extra guys randomly hopping into the van. There was no warning from the tour guide about these two extra guys. You would’ve thought it was a set up. My husband did speak up and asked if the guys were also coming to our hotel which the tour guide said that they were not going to our hotel but just coming along with him. Once again, that’s a very scary experience especially when you are the only two tourist in the van with four other men and two of the men are random. I never experience anything like this before on any trip. This entire experience made me not want to visit Luxor again as a whole. I would not recommend this excursion to anyone!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
First of all, thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We truly value every guest’s experience, and we are genuinely sorry that parts of your day did not meet your expectations.
Regarding the hot air balloon cancellation, safety is always our absolute priority. Even if the weather appears “perfect” on the ground, flight decisions are made strictly according to official aviation authority reports, wind speeds at different altitudes, and pilot safety assessments. These decisions are never taken lightly, as passenger safety always comes first.
We are pleased to hear that you found the guide knowledgeable and engaging. However, we sincerely apologize if the additional shop stops felt uncomfortable. We understand that shopping experiences are not for everyone, and your feedback helps us reassess how these stops are presented. We also do not tolerate any inappropriate behavior regarding tipping, and this matter will be reviewed internally.
Concerning transportation at certain archaeological sites, local shuttle services (such as electric carts or site trains) are managed independently by the authorities and are sometimes cash-only. We agree that clearer communication beforehand would have been helpful, and we will make sure to emphasize this more clearly to future guests.
Most importantly, we are truly sorry that the drop-off experience made you feel unsafe. Your comfort and security are extremely important to us. The individuals who entered the vehicle were not random passengers, but we completely understand how, without prior explanation, the situation could feel alarming. This should have been communicated clearly in advance, and for that we sincerely apologize. We are reviewing this with our operations team to ensure this never causes concern for future guests.
Luxor is a destination rich in history and beauty, and it saddens us that this experience left you with a negative impression. That was never our intention. We genuinely appreciate your feedback, as it helps us improve and maintain the standards our guests deserve.
If you would be open to it, we would welcome the opportunity to restore your confidence in us in the future.
Alice_O, Dec 2025
Picked up at 6:30 as told. Waited at the ferry for 25 minutes to pick up more people from the east side of the river. 15 minutes ride to the location. Waited 40 minutes for our balloon. Then the guide screamed to get some of us over for about 8 spots to fill up a ballon distant away. Climbed in. Afterwards, everything was good. Beautiful view. Up in the air for about 35 minutes. Had to switch the vans a few times for them to decide which bus they would take us back. Took us to hotel with no more surprises.
josefa_d, Dec 2025
We finished almost two hours after they had told us the day before.
This was a very big problem for the rest of our day. They knowed that we had a trip to Aswan and we had to cancel.
The experience en and pilot was great, also the staff.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Dear Guest,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the delay on the day of your flight. We fully understand how frustrating it is when timing issues affect the rest of your travel plans, especially knowing in advance that you had a scheduled trip to Aswan.
Hot air balloon operations are highly dependent on weather conditions and aviation safety regulations, and sometimes unavoidable delays occur to ensure a safe flight for all guests. That said, we acknowledge that the delay was longer than expected, and we regret the impact this had on your day.
We truly appreciate your kind words about the pilot, crew, and overall flight experience, and we are glad to know you enjoyed the balloon ride itself. Your feedback is very important to us, and we will use it to improve our time management and communication with future guests.
We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again and provide a smoother experience.
Kind regards,
Dr Mo Tours Team
Othellia_M, Nov 2025
I was trying to look after my family by picking a safe option, not the cheapest, it was definitely not worth this price, I would recommend other travelers to not over pay, we met some other guest who paid $55USD and got the same experience as us. I am very annoyed that they ask for additional money.
I'm want express my disappointment with my luxury hot air balloon booking experience. We had a great time and the experience was fantastic, however, I was surprised and unhappy to be asked for an additional $20 USD each person, so an additional $80 USD for four adults, we already paid $396.00 for four adults, this company told us this at 6:39 pm in the evening, this small contractor told us they didn’t have the number for 5:30am tour and push us to do the 4:30am tour. It was not clearly communicated upfront and I feel like it's a bit of a sneaky extra charge, as when we ask the other guest that booked the tour they didn’t have to pay this. We didn’t appreciate they trying to rip us off last min when they know we can’t cancel under 24hours with this platform for a refund.
I'd appreciate it if you could look into this and see if there's anything you can do to rectify the situation. The last-minute request for extra money feels like a tactic to take advantage of us, and it's unacceptable.
The car was on time for pick up, then we travel on a small boat across the river to get to the ground for the balloons to take off. Would not recommended this if you guest are not mobile as you may have to cross over a few boat to get to your small boat as we did, on the boat they give us coffee tea and a candy bar.
This operation English is not up to an adequate standard, in our balloon there were other Tawain Chinese guests that couldn’t communicate with them, they came to the balloon launch site from a car in the morning, and when we where leaving, they did not understand why they had to get on a boat to return. They were left very confused. My husband speaks Arabic and English, I speak Chinese, we told them that’s how we arrived in the morning and not to worry. This should have been the tour guys job to communicate in basic English to all guests. If my husband couldn’t speak Arabic none of us would have been able to communicate with them at all.
For Viator We would have appreciated transparency and honesty upfront. I'm unhappy with the experience and hope you'll look into improving your subcontractors communication and business practices. Thank you.
We also never found out what this sub contractors company name was. And I think Viator need to do more quality control of these small operators. For this tour price I would 10000% not recommend, please do not over spend as this particular tour was not worth this price. Keep in mind they as us for additional $20 USD!!!!
Our tour guy was a teenager so was our videographer, we don’t have an issues with that, just a note for other guest about how you would get your footage later. To this small operation we also pay $1000 EPG for video of my uncle and auntie as it was they wedding anniversary and the guide couldn’t communicate how this would give us the footage later, luckily I have a local phone number, he later texted me and told us the video and photos are now ready. They will be available for download within 7 days only, which we appreciate.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the balloon experience itself, but we are genuinely surprised by several points in your review, as they do not reflect what actually happened during your booking or your tour.
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1. No guest was ever asked to pay an “extra $20 USD” to the operator
The only additional payment related to the 4:30 AM flight is a government-regulated price difference between flight times, and this is managed by Viator’s pricing structure — not by us.
You were never charged anything directly by our team, and we have clear documentation showing that no staff member requested extra money from you or from any of your group.
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2. Price differences between guests do not reflect the same booking
Guests who paid different amounts booked on different dates, different packages, or through different promotions.
Viator controls the pricing, not the local operator.
Comparing your fare with someone else’s is not an accurate indication of value or service.
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3. Flight time updates are standard and you were fully accommodated
On busy days or days with limited capacity, Viator may adjust timing automatically to ensure guest safety and proper balloon scheduling.
You were promptly informed at 6:39 PM, and your pickup was on time and exactly as arranged.
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4. The boat transfer is part of the experience and included in the itinerary
The short boat ride is included for all guests — it is not optional and not a surprise.
We appreciate your concern about mobility, and we will make our notes clearer for future travelers.
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5. About communication
Our ground team speaks Arabic and basic English, and we always do our best to assist every guest.
However, on that morning, your husband kindly helped translate for the Taiwanese guests — and we genuinely appreciate that.
Still, all instructions were provided clearly and safely during the operation.
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6. Your video delivery was completed professionally
Even though you mentioned difficulty understanding the process, you did receive:
• All your photos
• All your videos
• Delivered within the promised 7-day period
We appreciate your acknowledgment of this in the review.
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7. We are an officially licensed operator
You mentioned not knowing our company name — but our staff, uniforms, and balloons are all clearly branded, and our license is registered with Civil Aviation and Viator.
We do not use “unnamed subcontractors.”
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Final Note
We respect your feelings and are always working to improve, but several of the points mentioned in your review are inaccurate or based on misunderstandings.
We hope that future travelers reading this will see the full picture:
You had a safe flight, an on-time pickup, received all media as promised, and enjoyed the experience — and we are glad for that.
We remain available for any further clarification.
Alyssa_H, Nov 2025
This tour never happened. First, I booked it for 5:30 am. After I paid, the tour operator contacted me via WhatsApp and said that the the 5:30 am tour was unavailable and only the 4:30 am was available and it would be an extra $25/person. I said we did not want that tour and we were not going to manipulated into spending more money for something we didn’t want. He then agreed to transferring our ticket to the following day. Stating that he would get ahold of us the evening before to confirm. The evening before I tried messaging him through Viator and WhatsApp between 6-9pm and calling him. The messages were read but he would not reply. I contacted Viator support at this point to issue a refund. Finally at 10 pm he told me he did not have enough people to run the tour, he said he had cancelled my trip and I would receive a full refund. Unfortunately today is my last day in Luxor and it’s too late for me to book with another operator. I really wish I had picked someone more trustworthy the first time and not someone who strung me along.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you encountered. We would also like to clarify several important points regarding your booking.
The 5:30 AM flight you initially selected did not reach the required minimum number of participants set by the civil aviation authorities. For this reason, our team informed you that the only confirmed departure available at that time was the 4:30 AM flight, which operates under a different cost structure. You were completely free to decline it — and you did, which we fully respected.
As a solution, we offered to move your reservation to the following day at no additional charge. Unfortunately, the next day once again did not meet the minimum number of passengers required to operate. The decision to cancel was not commercial; it was based on aviation regulations that every company must follow.
We sincerely regret that the confirmation message reached you later than expected. This was not an attempt to “avoid” communication, but a result of waiting for the final passenger list and aviation approval before updating you. However, we acknowledge that the delay caused frustration, and we apologize for that.
Regarding your refund, it was processed immediately on our end once the cancellation was confirmed. Refunds made through Viator are handled exclusively by Viator’s payment system, meaning processing time is determined by them, not by us.
We understand how disappointing it is to miss an activity you were looking forward to, especially on your last day in Luxor. We assure you that there was no intention to “string you along” or push you into a different flight. Our team acted according to aviation requirements and did everything possible to offer alternative options.
We appreciate your feedback and will continue to work on improving communication and clarity for all future guests.
Tathagat_D, Oct 2025
Poor service. Our trip was cancelled after reaching the spot. The excuse given to us was too much wind. Our friends boarded another hot air balloon at the same time. Only difference was they booked through their tour operator who charge double and they pay these operators extra to cancel bookings of people booking through these apps. And for a little extra money they will cancel your ride. So dont book through the app as there is no guarantee that you will get the service.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback, and we are truly sorry for the disappointment you experienced.
However, we want to clarify an important point: flight cancellations are never influenced by tour operators, apps, or payment differences. Hot air balloon flights are regulated directly by the civil aviation authorities, and the pilot on site has the final and mandatory responsibility to cancel a flight if wind conditions are unsafe.
In your case, the pilot determined that the wind at your takeoff area was not suitable for flying at that moment.
Different companies sometimes take off from different launch sites, and weather conditions can vary slightly from one area to another — this is why another operator may have taken off while your pilot chose safety first.
We never cancel flights for financial reasons, and we do not accept payments from any operator to influence decisions. Passenger safety is something we simply do not compromise on.
We understand how frustrating it is to look forward to the experience and have it cancelled, but we hope you can appreciate that the decision was made purely to protect you and your group.
If you need assistance with your refund or would like to reschedule your flight, our team is here to help.
SophieCatherine_F, Oct 2025
Great trip! Read all the bad reviews before and was really worried but it turned out perfect. The Hot Air Baloon Ride was amazing and we felt very safe.
After that we had Dr. Mo as our guide and he explained everything perfectly and not too long. We we‘re really flexible and it was a beautiful half day tour.
Thank you so much. Definitely recommend.
Patrick_M, Oct 2025
They told us we couldn't fly because they didnt have enough bookings on the 5.30am flight and charged us 80us extra for the 4.30am flight. Only to pick us up late around 5 then make us stand around in the field and do dances while they recorded us pretending to be happy after everyone on our basket chatted and found out we had all been scammed 20us each. Puts a really sour taste in your mouth and ruined much of the experience for many. Making it more expensive than the other providers. Fortunately our family had fun, because they didn't notice the scamming.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We sincerely regret that you felt disappointed with your experience. Please allow us to clarify that our flight times and prices may vary depending on weather conditions, government regulations, and operational factors such as the minimum number of passengers required for each time slot.
We never charge extra without clear communication and guest approval. The earlier flight is a premium sunrise flight, which has a higher operational cost due to specific timing and permits. Our team always provides guests with all options before confirming any changes.
Regarding the field activities, these are simply light entertainment to make the waiting period more enjoyable while pilots and aviation authorities ensure that conditions are 100% safe for takeoff.
We are glad your family still enjoyed the balloon ride, and we hope you will consider giving us another opportunity in the future to offer you a perfect experience from start to finish.
Warm regards,
Maxime_L, Oct 2025
SCAMMERS! They charged double the price upon arrival the balloon area saying that they were not enough people. Try other better companies
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Guest,
We are truly sorry to hear that you left disappointed, but we must respectfully clarify that our company never charges guests any additional amount without their full awareness and consent. All prices and changes—if any—are always communicated in advance through Viator or directly with the guest before the flight.
Occasionally, when there are not enough passengers for a specific time slot, guests are offered the option to join another flight time (such as the premium sunrise flight), which has a different rate due to permit and operational costs. This is always optional and not a hidden charge.
Adventure Balloon is a licensed and well-reviewed operator that strictly follows the regulations set by the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority. We take accusations of dishonesty very seriously and would appreciate if you could reach out to us directly with your booking details so we can review the situation thoroughly.
Best regards,
Stephen_S, Oct 2025
These guys are scammers. I was informed that my appointment time might be cancelled. And so they tried to upsell me an earlier appointment time for $25 more. I told them I dont want upsold and to let me know soon if they will cancel the trip so I can plan my day. i said if they are going to take a while to tell me, then I prefer to cancel the trip because I could find another booking. He tried to upsell $10 extra to make sure the trip will go. Very sharky! I was informed that the trip would not go and that he could cancel my booking. I said yes and then book another tour. Then he would not cancel my trip as he said he would
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear guest,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry for any confusion regarding the booking process. Our team only offers earlier or guaranteed departure options as an alternative for guests who wish to ensure their flight goes as scheduled — never as a form of pressure or upselling.
We understand how frustrating it can be when plans change unexpectedly, especially with balloon flights that depend on weather and official permissions. We always aim to communicate transparently and assist our guests as best as possible.
We hope to have the chance to welcome you another time for the great experience you originally planned for.
Dayton_V, Oct 2025
Very nice, everything worked fine. Smoother than I thought. Really good staff and capitain. Amazing views!
Mithun_A, Oct 2025
Balloon Ride – Honestly, it was a very disappointing experience. They kept us waiting for over an hour in the field, and when our turn finally came, it was the last ride of the morning. By then the sun was already up, the weather was hot, and the magical sunrise view was gone. While others were already returning home, we were just taking off. Definitely not worth it.
Luxor All Day Tour – This was even worse. They took us for breakfast at Ali Baba Café, which clearly seemed like a commission stop. For just one omelet and a Pepsi, the bill was 350 EGP (~8 USD)! Later, at the Valley of the Kings, the guide demanded an extra 10 USD per person just to give a 2-minute “briefing” about Tutankhamun’s tomb – information you could easily find online. For lunch, they again took us to an overpriced place. I only ordered one Coca-Cola and a mango juice, and the bill was 250 EGP (~5.2 USD).
Overall, this was the worst tour experience in my 15 days in Egypt. Everything felt like a money trap – unnecessary stops, commissions, and overpriced food. They are only after your money.
My advice: Don’t book this tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are truly sorry to hear that the tour did not fully meet your expectations.
For the balloon flight, the schedule and order of take-off are determined by Civil Aviation authorities and weather conditions to ensure maximum safety. Sometimes this means later departures, but our priority is always passenger safety. Even on later flights, guests still enjoy breathtaking aerial views over Luxor, and we regret that you felt the timing affected your experience.
Regarding the tour stops, please note that meals and drinks are not included in the package, and all guests are free to choose whether or not to order. We always encourage checking menus and prices in advance. We understand how important transparency is, and we are working closely with our partners to ensure fair and comfortable options for everyone.
We take your feedback seriously and are committed to improving our services. Many of our guests leave with wonderful memories of Luxor, and we hope you will give us another opportunity in the future to provide you with the experience we are known for.
Bryan_B, Sep 2025
The hot air balloon ride in Luxor was absolutely phenomenal. The views were breathtaking—we floated over the Nile, the West Bank, and even had a stunning perspective of Hatshepsut’s Temple from above. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The only downside, and the reason I gave 4 instead of 5 stars, was the timing. I specifically asked when we’d be back at the hotel and was told by 8:00am, but we didn’t return until 9:30am. Unfortunately, this caused us to miss another activity we had planned.
Aside from that scheduling issue, the ride itself was magical and unforgettable.
krystal_s, Sep 2025
Our family had an absolutely incredible experience with Valley of Kings and the hot air balloon ride! Dr. Mo was an exceptional tour guide, truly a brilliant Egyptology professor, and an equally skilled hot air balloon pilot, making our trip unforgettable. The drivers were also fantastic, ensuring smooth and comfortable transfers throughout our journey. Just a heads-up for future travelers: if you're paying by card, confirm they bring the machine with them. This was a truly five-star adventure we'll cherish forever!
Geoff_W, Sep 2025
We were a part of a small party, who booked a sunrise balloon trip over sights in Luxor.
Initially after booking the support was good, queries regarding pick up timings, and locations etc. was faultless. Upon arrival at the venue, we were briefed that we would be departing on the second wave of liftings, which was fine even though that meant we would miss the sunrise views !
Having watched the spectacular sight of seeing the first wave take off, moments later our small group was approached by a man informing us that due to weather, and wind direction the second wave of flights had been cancelled?
This is when I became somewhat sceptical of the service?
If indeed the weather was an issue, why then surely were any Balloons launched? As an ex RAF serviceman any pre flight taken. Involves planning in regards to weather, strength of winds and direction etc. Even a simple windsock would indicate the direction/ speed to anyone?
After being told that we wouldn't be flying that day, as compensation we were asked about returning the following day, unfortunately for ourselves and another couple. This wasn't an option due to departing later that day from Luxor.
To cap things off the return transportation to our hotel to three different locations was a trial in itself, 30 mins round trip to three different hotel locations, required two transfers by vehicle?
And the only bonus for us, as the first logical drop off the taxi driver forget our hotel and took us into the city centre to drop off the other two couples first giving us a free city tour! Before being dropped off last.
Having witnessed that every Balloon that lifted that morning, which must have been about 12 - 15 ?
Each one had around 20 passengers onboard, as the only last remaining six individuals.
If I'm to be truly honest; my gut feeling says that financially it probably wasn't in their best interests to offer the service.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We are truly sorry that your experience did not go as planned. Safety is always our top priority, and balloon flights depend heavily on real-time weather and wind conditions, which can sometimes change unexpectedly after the first wave has already departed. In such cases, our pilots and aviation authorities must take immediate decisions to ensure passenger safety, even if this means cancelling subsequent flights.
We fully understand how disappointing this was, especially since you were not able to reschedule due to your travel plans. Regarding transportation, we apologize for the inconvenience caused by the multiple drop-offs and the extended return journey. Your comments are very valuable, and we will review our procedures to improve the efficiency and comfort of transfers for future guests.
We hope you can understand that passenger safety must always come first, and we sincerely regret that this meant you missed the flight. Should you visit Luxor again, we would be delighted to welcome you back and provide you with the full experience that you had originally hoped for.
Dr Mo Tours Team
FOE_I, Sep 2025
The landing and everything was really nice
The pilot did a great job at making us feel comfortable but they told us the pick up time was 4:50 am and they ended up coming at 5:30 and we didn’t get any coffee or tea as promised but overall the experience was really nice
Pablo_A, Aug 2025
Captain was the perfect one, always giving us some explanation about the views and surrounding areas.
The experience took place in a very busy area, coz every company wanted to take off as soon as we arrived, but everything worked as planned.
The amount of time in the air was poor. It was 30 min since the take off till landing, so dont trust in what they say.
Summing up the story, it worth the experience but not the flying time.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you very much for your feedback and for highlighting the professionalism of our captain. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the explanations and the overall experience.
Regarding the flight duration, please note that hot air balloon flights are always subject to weather and wind conditions, as passenger safety is our top priority. The duration can vary from day to day, and sometimes flights may be slightly shorter to ensure safe take-off and landing.
We truly appreciate your comments, as they help us clarify expectations and improve our service. We are delighted that you still found the experience worthwhile, and we hope to welcome you again for another memorable flight.
M_G, Aug 2025
The day before the hot air balloon flight, we were informed that our flight might be cancelled, but that we could upgrade to take it one hour earlier for $10 per person, which is about a third of the original price. After much negotiation, our flight was confirmed for 4:30 a.m., but at 10:45 p.m. we were told the time had been changed to 5:45 a.m. When we arrived at the meeting point, we were made to wait for 30 minutes before being told that the flight was cancelled due to weather conditions. It then took us over an hour of negotiations to obtain a written cancellation so that we could request a refund from Viator. I do not recommend this experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We are truly sorry that your experience was not as smooth as expected.
Hot air balloon flights are always subject to weather and wind conditions, and any changes to the schedule are made with passenger safety as the first priority. We regret that the multiple time adjustments created inconvenience and confusion, and we will work to improve how we communicate such changes in the future.
Regarding the cancellation, we apologize if providing written confirmation took longer than it should have. Please note that all payments and refunds are processed directly by the booking platform (Viator), and written confirmation is simply to support that process.
We fully understand your disappointment and value your comments, which will help us improve coordination and communication with our guests.
Dr Mo Tours Egypt
Christos_K, Aug 2025
we booked it, we paid, went to the place and because there was “air” apparently we didnt do the activity. even though we woke up from 3am because the guide said there is less air that time when our booking was at 5am. The guide said we will get our money back and I made sure to complete the refund procedure the right way, turns out our refund was rejected and the guide is happy somewhere in the bahamas with our money probably . dont go .
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are truly sorry that your flight was cancelled. Flight operations are strictly dependent on weather and wind conditions, and in cases where safety may be compromised, flights cannot go ahead. Passenger safety is always our number one priority, even if it means disappointing our guests.
Regarding the refund, please note that all payments and refunds are processed directly through the booking platform you used, not on-site by the guides or crew. If a refund was rejected, we recommend contacting the booking provider’s customer support so they can resolve the matter for you. We will also report this case on our side to ensure proper follow-up.
We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding of the importance of safety in hot air ballooning.
Dr Mo Tours Egypt
Jessica_O, Aug 2025
We booked a hot air balloon ride for 5:30 AM as confirmed in our booking. The evening before, the operator messaged to say our ride would be at 7 AM unless we paid an extra $10 per person for the earlier time — citing “strong wind” only for the later slot. If 7 AM was truly unsafe, we should have been moved to the earlier slot at no extra cost.
When we refused to pay extra, our booking was cancelled at 12:30 AM — far too late for us to find another company. This ruined our plans for the day.
Based on other reviews, this appears to be a recurring practice. We have reported the incident to Viator and the Egyptian Tourist Police. Book elsewhere to avoid disappointment.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
We appreciate your feedback and would like to clarify the circumstances.
All hot air balloon flights in Luxor operate under strict schedules set in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority, and times may vary depending on weather conditions, safety reports, and operational capacity. These updates are sometimes confirmed only the evening before the flight.
In your case, the confirmed operational slot available on the day differed from your preferred time. As we could not reach a mutual agreement on the alternative timing, the booking was cancelled before the start of operations in accordance with our booking policy.
We regret that this change affected your plans and wish you the best in your future travels. Our priority remains providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests within the framework of official aviation regulations.
Nawal_K, Aug 2025
They made us wait for 2 hours early morning at 5 and then cancelled the ride. If the weather wasn’t appropriate then they should have cancelled before taking us there. Should have auto refund process but had to fight for it as well.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hello Dear
We’re truly sorry for your experience and completely understand your frustration. We were also disappointed that the flight had to be canceled that morning, especially after such an early start.
However, safety is always our top priority, and balloon flights are strictly regulated by the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority. On that day, the weather conditions changed unexpectedly, and the final decision to cancel the flight was made by the authorities to ensure everyone’s safety. Unfortunately, such decisions are completely outside our control.
As soon as the cancellation was confirmed, we immediately refunded the full amount online to all affected guests. There was no delay in this process, and we handled it as quickly and transparently as possible.
While we fully understand your disappointment, we also feel it’s unfair to leave a negative review for a cancellation that was beyond our control, especially when a full and immediate refund was already issued.
We truly appreciate your understanding and hope to welcome you again under better skies.
Dr Mo tours team
Anonymous, Jul 2025
the hot air balloon trip was a great experience, and both the pilot and the bus driver were friendly. however there was a bad experience that the guide asked me to pay an extra fee of about 10 dollars, he said the balloon flight that i had booked was canceled, so i need to pay extra 10 dollors. Then i contacted cs to help me, and the cs called the guide so i didn't have to pay more in the end. by the way, i later found another flying guide on whatsapp who offered a better price around 1200 egyptian pounds, which was cheaper than this one.
overall, this was a nice trip, but i wouldn't recommend this guide
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear [Customer’s Name],
Thank you for your feedback. We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed the balloon ride and found our pilot and driver friendly.
Regarding the extra fee, we’d like to clarify that the option for an upgraded flight was offered upon request, and never imposed. We’re sorry if there was any misunderstanding, and we’re glad the matter was resolved quickly through customer support.
While there may be lower-priced offers available, they often come with differences in quality, safety standards, and overall experience. At Adventure Balloon, we prioritize your comfort and safety above all.
We appreciate your honest review and will continue working to ensure transparency and high service quality for every guest.
Best regards,
Dr Mo tours Team
Mao_M, Jul 2025
Don’t book this tour!!! On the day of the tour, they will cancel on you and will say it’s because of poor weather, then after once the tour is completed. You’ll then ask for a refund but they will then say that you didn’t show up. This is a scam.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hello Dear Customer
Thank you for taking time to write a review, sorry for the balloon cancellation which is completely out of our control due the weather and we would like to inform you we provided the full refund back for you the same day of cancellation so we would like to ask you to check your bank account one more time
Thank you so much
Dr Mo tours Egypt team
Hakim_H, Jul 2025
Incredible experience! The pick-up was slightly daunting: a shabby van full of men in which all but one right at the front could speak English. However, once arriving to the West Bank, from start to finish, it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of participating in. They offer a photography bundle on the spot for 25 dollars but you can opt for just pictures for 11 dollars I think it was. The photos actually came out really nice so I would also recommend that, it’s worth it. Special thanks to our captain Ahmed.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your incredible review! We’re thrilled to hear that the balloon flight was one of the best experiences you’ve ever had, and that you also enjoyed the photography option — we’re glad the photos turned out beautifully and made a great memory.
We appreciate your honest comment about the transfer. While safety is always assured, we understand how first impressions matter, and we will review this with our team to ensure a smoother and more comfortable start for future guests.
A special thank you for mentioning Captain Ahmed — he will be delighted to know he helped make your flight unforgettable. We would love to welcome you back again in the future for another amazing adventure!
Dr Mo Tours Egypt
Swati_S, Jul 2025
This balloon ride was great. Dr. Mo (the captain of the balloon) was quite a character and made everyone feel comfortable and welcomed. He gave good clear instructions and safety brief. Surprisingly, he spoke many languages and kept everyone onboard entertained during the ride. We booked this activity well in advance (even before we started our Egypt trip). However, a day before this activity, the company asked us to move our time slot to the sunrise time (and pay up extra) because our pre-selected time slot (which was at a later time of the day) might get cancelled (apparently due to weather). When we declined and asked for refund so we can book a balloon ride with some other company, they kept beating around the bush. Till very late the night before the ride, we were trying to sort this out with the company. This unnecessary last minute uncertainty for international travelers was totally avoidable. In the end it all worked out and despite the headache we had to endure with the arrangement for this trip, the balloon ride with the captain Dr. Mo was exceptionally great experience!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you very much for your detailed review. We are delighted to hear how much you enjoyed the flight itself and truly appreciate your kind words about Captain Dr. Mo. His energy, professionalism, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable are qualities we are very proud of, and he will be thrilled to know he made your experience so special.
At the same time, we are sorry for the uncertainty you experienced before the flight. While flight times may occasionally be adjusted due to weather or safety considerations, we understand that last-minute changes and unclear communication can be stressful, especially for international travelers. We take this feedback seriously and will work with our team to ensure clearer and smoother communication in the future.
We’re very glad that in the end you had a memorable and enjoyable flight, and we would love the opportunity to welcome you again for an even more seamless experience.
Dr Mo Tours Egypt
Mahrukh_N, Jun 2025
I had paid for this trip, which got cancelled last minute and I haven’t yet received my refund. Not only was the experience ruined, im money short aswell. This is unprofessional to say the least.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hello Dear Customer
Thank you for taking time to write a review, sorry for the balloon cancellation which is completely out of our control due the weather and we would like to inform you we provided the full refund back for you the same day of cancellation so we would like to ask you to check your bank account one more time
Thank you so much
Dr Mo tours Egypt team
Rebeka_M, Jun 2025
They canceled my activity and they still haven't returned my money, they gave me another date to do the balloon ride however on that date I wouldn't be in Luxor, situation that I warned and they didn't give me an answer
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hello Dear Customer
Thank you for taking time to write a review, sorry for the balloon cancellation which is completely out of our control due the weather and we would like to inform you we provided the full refund back for you the same day of cancellation so we would like to ask you to check your bank account one more time
Thank you so much
Dr Mo tours Egypt team
Lydie_H, Jun 2025
Guide was so cool and helpful but my hot balloon has been cancelled and I knew it just few time before
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hello Dear Customer
Thank you for taking time to write a review, sorry for the balloon cancellation which is completely out of our control due the weather
Thank you so much
Dr Mo tours Egypt team
From $45.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Luxury Hot Air Balloon Riding in Luxor
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1 hour 15 minutes
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