Luxor & Qena, Egypt - Dendera Temple

Ok, we wanted to be super brave and decided to take a hot air balloon ride! The ride over Luxor was truly a memorable experience and a great way to see the area from a different perspective. We took off just before sunrise and drifted quietly above the Nile, with views of the temples, farmland, and nearby villages below. As the sun rose over the Valley of the Kings, the scale of Luxor and its history really stood out. It’s an early morning, starting at 4am, but the calm atmosphere and panoramic views make it well worth it.

After a brief nap and lunch, we visited the Dendera Temple which is located just north of Luxor, and is home to the Temple of Hathor. It is remarkably well preserved, with towering columns, detailed wall carvings, and vibrant ceiling reliefs that still show traces of original color (something missing from other temples). The scale and symmetry of the temple are impressive, but what really stands out is the level of detail—astronomical scenes, hieroglyphs, and reliefs that feel both artistic and precise.Read more