Looking for a travel itinerary for Luxor? From a hot air balloon ride to exploring ancient sites, check out our 4-day jam-packed adventure!

Back in March of 2023, I met up with my friend Jeff to explore the city of Luxor, Egypt together. We spent a couple of days visiting some incredible historic sites along the Nile River like temples and tombs. We saw original paint artworks and extremely detailed hieroglyphics. What’s more, we saw original carvings and statues that had stood the test of time. And the cherry on top: we went on a hot balloon air ride!

Travel itinerary for Luxor: 4 days in Egypt

How can you spend 4 awesome days in Luxor, Egypt?

The first time I was in Luxor, I found it overwhelming and incredibly lush and green. You see, I was coming from the sandy desert of Cairo. While I was waiting for my friend, Jeff, to arrive, I got to spend a few days on my own, exploring the city of Luxor, walking along the Nile, and eating delicious food.

Day 1 in Luxor: Egyptian food and Nile cruise

We got falafel, baba ganoush, and green salad for breakfast at a local restaurant along the banks of the Nile where we could eat outside. We spent some time relaxing in the beautiful hotel garden and then had Egypt’s national dish of koshary (Egypt’s national dish) from a street vendor. In the evening we took a ferry across the Nile and explored Luxor Temple at sunset. We walked around the local market and got delicious crepes for dinner.

Day 2: Visiting Ancient Temples in Luxor

We hired a local Egyptologist who showed us around and explained the historical significance of famous Egyptian sites. On this day, we explored Valley of the Kings, Medinet Habu, The Tombs of the Nobles, The Tombs of the Workers, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, and Valley of the Queens. After that, we had lunch at a nearby local restaurant. And in the evening, we rented bicycles and rode along the bank of the Nile at sunset. Highly recommend! It was such an amazing experience. And we ended the day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant.

Day 3: Hot air balloon ride over the Valley of Kings

We woke up extra early for a sunrise balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, which was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Then we did a day trip to Dendera where we visited more incredible historical sites. In the evening, we took a felucca (a traditional wooden sailing boat) on the Nile at sunset, where we enjoyed local cake, snacks, juice, and tea.

Day 4: Karnak Temple and Luxor Museum

On the last day of our travel itinerary for Luxor, we went to see Karnak Temple and the Luxor Museum. We actually ended up revisiting Luxor Temple, but this time by day and with an Egyptologist.

It was a jam-packed itinerary and a great adventure. I especially enjoyed that Jeff planned almost everything!

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