Best Of Aswan, Luxor Highlights in 2 Days with Nubian Village and Hot Air Balloon from Aswan

Day 1: Aswan Tour (Philae temple, High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk) & Nubian Village 

This morning, our Egyptology tour guide will pick you up from your Aswan hotel, airport or train station to visit the highlights of Aswan.

Start your day with the High Dam to see a modern achievement of the Egyptians which took them 10 year to be built, from 1960 to 1970, see the second largest artificial lake in the world, lake Naser and cross over the friendship emblem.

Then, to Aswan’s granite quarries to see the unfinished Obelisk, about 40 meters in length and 1000 tons, which is considered to be the longest and the heaviest obelisk ever cut in Egypt, most probably belongs to the famous queen Hatshepsut.

Continue, down to the Nile to take a motorboat, sailing slowly to enjoy the scenery and views to the Nubian Village on Soheil Island and have a welcome drink in one of the Nubian families’ house, talk to them, know about their customs, walk around the village with your guide.

Then, back to the dock by sunset and take the evening train back to Luxor.

Day 2: Hot Air Balloon and Luxor West&East Banks Tour

Following an early morning pick-up (around 4:30 am) from your hotel or Nile Cruise in Luxor, drive-by an air-conditioned car towards the River Nile to cross to the West Bank on a motorboat followed by another vehicle transfer to the hot air balloon launch site. After listening to the safety instructions, hop into the hot air balloon’s shared basket and get ready for lift off. Rise up into the sky and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Luxor at sunrise. See the city from an entirely different perspective.

Take 30 to 45 minutes Hot Air Balloon flight over the west bank of Luxor and enjoy an aerial view of the country’s landscape and famous landmarks such as; the Ramessum temple, the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut Temple and the view of the Colossi of Memnon rising from the nearby fields. Be sure to capture the best moments of the sunrise over the Theban Necropolis mountains.

Float back down to earth and you will receive a flight certificate and a small gift. Then, they will bring you back to your hotel in Luxor.

Have your breakfast and your Egyptology tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am. Drive in nature for about 35 to 40 minutes to the West Bank to start by visiting the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs from the New Kingdom 18th to 20th dynasty carved their tombs in the mountains aiming to hide their treasure and protect their mummies. With your expert guide, learn about the rulers who are entombed here such as the Great Pharaoh Ramses II and Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Your tour guide will explain everything from outside as no guiding inside the tombs, then explore the best 3 selected tombs from the open ones.

Continue, to Hatshepsut Temple, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved temples of Ancient Egypt. Listen to her interesting story from your Egyptology guide and know how she managed to rule the country for 22 years as a sole Pharaoh.

End your tour in the West Bank by a photo stop in front of the gigantic 17 meters statues of Memnon once depicted King Amenhotep III. Marvel at these fascinating sculptures and listen to incredible stories about the rulers and times through which they have lasted.

Drive back to the east bank to visit Karnak Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site built through 2000 years, covering an area of about 63 acres. Listen carefully to the stories and legends to be told by your tour guide. Marvel at the sheer size of the Great Hypo-style Hall, take photos between the huge columns and obelisks. Excavation of this temple only began in the 19th century and it is still ongoing.

In your way to Luxor Temple, stop to see the avenue of sphinxes, once linked the two temples together for the ancient Egyptians New Year Festival.

Proceed to Luxor Temple, which is among the most beautiful temples in Egypt, and was built by king Amonhotep III from the 18th. dynasty and completed by the great king Ramses II during the 19th dynasty, where ancient Egyptian, Christian and Islamic features are exhibited. Admire its obelisk and well preserved statues. Then, transfer back to your hotel in Luxor.