Luxor to Cairo - Friday, February 24, 2012

All but two of the participants decided to go on the hot air balloon excursion this morning. We had to split up into two groups - one group of 22 at 5:00 am and one group of 30 at 5:30 am. To be fair, names were drawn because the earlier group had a chance to see the sunrise (if there were no clouds), while the later group would not have a chance to see it.

Hot Air Ballooning over Luxor

We were picked up by the Hod Hod Soliman company (the first hot air balloon company in Luxor - it has a perfect safety record and is considered the best company in Luxor) with small buses. The buses took us to ferry boats where we were served tea & coffee and transported to the West Bank of Luxor. From there, another group of small buses took us to the launch area where the balloons were being prepared for launch. About 8-10 different companies use this area for launches. We lifted off the ground without a sound (except for the occasional firing of the gas jets to make us go higher or lower).

Sunrise from our Hot Air Balloon

The experience was very special and the early group did get to see the sunrise. They also saw Hatshepsut's temple, flew over Howard Carter's house (the man who found the tomb of Tutankhamen), and saw the second group launch.

The pilot expertly landed the balloon with little more than a soft bump and the ground crew was there to help keep the basket on the ground while we got out. The ground crew then collected the balloon after it was deflated and put the basket on a truck for transport.

We were each given certificates for our flight and brought back to the hotel the way we came.

Both groups REALLY enjoyed their rides and very much appreciated Explorica treating us to this extra excursion.

The early group arrived back at the Sofitel Karnak by 8:15 am and the second group arrived before 9 am. Many chose to go right to breakfast; while others went back to their rooms to catch a quick nap.

Most participants REALLY wanted to stay at our beautiful hotel for a few more hours and skip the Nubian Village visit. The tour directors agreed and everyone enjoyed the extra rest and relaxation.

View of Nile from Sofitel

Plaque at our hotel in Luxor
 

We left the hotel at 12:30 and headed to Karnak Temple. Karnak is the largest ancient religious site in the world. Construction started in the Middle Kingdom and continued to Ptolemaic times. Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the buildings. The size and number of features of this complex are overwhelming! 

Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple
 

Avenue of Sphinx' at Karnak Temple


After two hours or so, we left and headed to the Luxor airport for our flight back to Cairo. We landed in Cairo and left the airport around 7 pm for our one hour drive to the Giza area and dinner at a restaurant in Giza.

Luxor Airport Warning

After dinner, we checked back into the Sheraton Dreamland Hotel and went to sleep for the night.