Begin this once-in-a-lifetime experience with an early-morning pickup from your hotel in Luxor at around 4:00 AM. Transfer by boat across the Nile River to West Bank, where you will be greeted by members of the staff with coffee, tea, and snacks. On the boat, the pilot of your balloon will brief you on safety measures and answer any questions you may have. Once the pilot goes over the pre-flight checklist, he'll also brief the ground crew. After getting the balloon set up — while always paying close attention to safety details — he will begin the hot inflation process. Watch as the balloon begins to stand up and then begin to board with the assistance of the ground crew. The take-off is so gentle that most guests don't even realize they've left the ground. As you become one with the wind, you'll lose the sensation of motion and your perception of heights, finally feeling the tranquility of ballooning, disturbed only by the noise of balloon burners.