Just got back from our Egyptian holiday and wanted to say we enjoyed Hot Air Balloon flight Captained. He guided us over the west bank of the nile near the valley of the kings, hatshepsut, valley of queens and a few other temples. Although I would tell you I do not like heights the ride was very smooth, gentle and sometimes rotating I enjoyed it (but was glad I was not at the side of the large basket which carried 20 of us).
We were picked up from the Da Vinci Nile Cruiser at 5.45am and returned at 9.15am, which meant we had about 45minutes in the sky, which I think was very good value.
I must say the company did give us full instructions on landing positions, and even on the boat over the nile were made to wear life jackets.
My family and I would recommend this to anybody who wants to try it.

Posted 2 years ago.

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Hi

It's been a couple of years since I went to Luxor but I think my overnight sleeper was meant to take 9-10 hours but was actually delayed so we got in later. I am not sure whether this was unusual or whether it is regularly delayed. If your train is delayed, you may miss the hot air balloon trips as I recall these trips were quite early (I think pick up was 5am). We didn't end up taking a hot air balloon trip as we were on a budget.

Generally I don't think Luxor is very wheelchair friendly but in terms of using the train, I am sure the train guards would help you in return for baksheesh (tips).

I enjoyed Karnak and Valley of the Kings. I found the guidebooks Rough Guide and Lonely Planet quite good, especially in terms of where to eat. There is a lot to see in Luxor and you may be better off booking an organised trip for the day. I travelled with a few friends who spoke good arabic but we ended up booking an excursion partly because there was quite a lot of travelling to do between the east and west bank of luxor and it was just easier than having to negotiate taxis etc.

We also had a short felucca trip on the nile which was lovely.

Hope you enjoy your trip

Posted 2 years ago.

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This trip was fantastic. An early start, but worth it to catch the sunrise. They were extremely safety conscious

Posted 2 years ago.

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Originally Posted by Rova
Dear All,

(a) I have only one day's visit scheduled in Luxor. What would be your most recommended tours / visits / experiences ?

(b) I booked the Cairo-Luxor sleeping train leaving Cairo at 20h20. Any idea at what time it reaches Luxor ? ( not mentioned on the ticket )

(c) Any positive tips / experience for wheelchair users on the sleeping train ?

(d) Upon reaching the Luxor station, I plan to directly catch a Luxor Hot Air Baloon tour. Is it feasible, or would I reach Luxor too late to catch the Ballon ( early morning ) schedule ?

(e) Again, any positive tips / experience for wheelchair users intending to do a hot air baloon tour ?

(f) I got the contacts of a certain Mr Kemery of "Alaska baloons". Any experience with this operator ?

Any other advice welcome.

Many thanks.

Posted 2 years ago.

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