Balloon over the sights of ancient Luxor

If you are planning on visiting Egypt this summer but want to do more than just sightseeing and beach lounging then there are plenty of holiday activities to try.

Egypt is a great active holiday destination, with the country's desert offering adventurous holidaymakers a chance to experience a camel safari and divers drawn to the clear waters of the Red Sea.

However, if you are looking to find an exciting way of experiencing the country's top attractions - such as ancient Luxor - then there is one experience well worth considering.

For holidaymakers who like heights, a balloon flight will give some of the most incredible views of the Egyptian desert as well as unique views of the courtyards, statues and grand buildings of the ancient sites.

Holiday activity specialist Do Something Different has an hour-long Luxor balloon flight at dawn that includes transfers and a desert picnic breakfast for £65 per adult (£55 per child).

Among the sights on the route are the Temple of Luxor, where holidaymakers can see the 24-metre tall First Pylon built by Ramesses II, as well as two large statues of the Egyptian king. Other large structures in the temple include a 25-metre tall pink granite obelisk.

The balloon flight also passes over the nearby Temple of Karnak, which is linked to the Temple of Luxor with a series of sphinxes.

The ancient place of worship is one of the biggest in the world at 1,500 metres by 800 metres in size, and three of its four main areas are closed to the public, making the balloon ride all the more special.

Moving further away from the city of Luxor, holidaymakers also pass over the Valley of Kings, one of the best-known archaeological areas in the world.

Among the distinctive pale red rocks of the valley the tombs of several pharaohs have been discovered, including Tutankhamun.

Another major sight in this area is the huge Colossi of Memnon - two gigantic statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

For more information on visiting Egypt see www.egypt.travel