Private Full-Day Luxor Tour to East and West Banks
Active
6h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Tour the most famous sites on Luxor's West and East Banks in the company of an expert private guide. You'll step back into Egypt's ancient history at the Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon and Hatshepsut Temple. Karnak and Luxor Temples.
Available options
Private Full-Day Luxor Tour to East and West Banks
Pickup included
What's included
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle.
Parking fees, Fuel surcharge and Driver.
Qualified Egyptologist guide.
Hotel pickup and drop off.
All service charges and taxes.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Valley of the Kings, burial place of the kings of Thebes (ancient Luxor), you will have a brief stop at the visitors center. Guides are not permitted inside the tombs, but your guide will tell you what to look for inside the elaborately decorated rooms. If you wish to visit the tomb of King Tutankhamun, an additional cost is payable direct.
2
Stop 2
Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most striking monuments in Egypt. Your guide will introduce you to the history of the temple and the story of Queen Hatshepsut, the famous female ruler of Egypt who posed as a male to gain the throne. There is free time to explore at your leisure as you wander the large courtyards and admire the intricate hieroglyphic decorations.
3
Stop 3
Colossi of Memnon, which mark the site of the funerary temple of Amenhotep III. These two giant statues standing tall and proud on the West Bank are all that remain of the ancient complex.
4
Stop 4
Temples of Karnak. Walk along the Avenue of Sphinx to enter the complex as your guide explains how the massive facade was constructed. On entering the Temples of Karnak you will see each legacy left by the various pharaohs as the complex grew even larger. The deeper you go into the complex, the further back in time you will travel, with the oldest ruins dating back over 3,000 years.
Walking through the Great Court into the Great Hypostyle Hall, it's hard not to be overwhelmed by the 134 columns towering above you like an ancient forest. At the rear of the complex you will find the sacred lake where centuries ago pharaohs and their offerings to the gods were purified. After a tour of the complex, you will have additional free time to explore at leisure.
5
Stop 5
Luxor Temple which was once joined to the Temples of Karnak by a two-kilometer long Avenue of Sphinx, a portion of which marks the entrance to the temple. Dominated by statues of the great warrior pharaoh Ramses II, Luxor Temple has survived Nile floods, foreign invasion and thousands of years exposed to the elements.
A pure Egyptian temple, the inner walls and columns are decorated with intricate hieroglyphics which your guide will help you decipher. Find out how Alexander the Great wrote himself into Luxor Temple's history, and see one of the original pair of obelisk, the second of which now stands on the Place de la Concorde in Paris.
What's not included
Food and drinks, unless specified.
Entrance fees to all sites.
Gratuities (recommended).
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
2.0
1 reviews
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Tripadvisor
4.9
46 reviews
5★
43
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Luxor
Luxor, once the ancient city of Thebes, is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian history and architecture. Known for its magnificent temples, tombs, and monuments, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the past. The city is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, with landmarks like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple attracting visitors from around the globe.
Top Attractions
Karnak Temple Complex
The Karnak Temple Complex is a massive temple complex dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. It is one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed and a must-visit for its grandeur and historical significance.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
Egyptian Pounds 160
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is a burial site for pharaohs and nobles from the New Kingdom period. It contains over 60 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.
Historical/Architecture
3-4 hours
Egyptian Pounds 240 (includes entry to 3 tombs)
Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple is a large ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile. It was constructed around 1400 BCE and dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
Egyptian Pounds 160
Hatshepsut Temple
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a stunning temple dedicated to the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. It is uniquely designed and set against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
Egyptian Pounds 120
Luxor Museum
The Luxor Museum is a small but impressive museum showcasing artifacts from the Theban Necropolis and the surrounding area. It provides a great overview of Luxor's rich history.
Museum
1 hour
Egyptian Pounds 100
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kushari
A popular Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, pasta, and fried onions, topped with tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.
Main Dish
Vegetarian
Ful Medames
A traditional Egyptian breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, often served with eggs, falafel, and tahini.
Breakfast
Vegan
Grilled Kebab
Marinated and grilled skewers of lamb or chicken, often served with rice and salad.
Main Dish
Contains meat
Baklava
A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey syrup.
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains nuts
Popular Activities
Hot air balloon ride
Felucca sailing
Horseback riding
Nile River cruise
Spa treatments
Café hopping
Temple visits
Museum tours
Best Time to Visit
October to April
This period offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and exploring the ancient sites. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Luxor is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist sites.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
- • Use reputable tour companies and guides
- • Negotiate prices in advance for taxis and services
Getting there
By air
- Luxor International Airport • 6 km from city center
By train
Luxor Train Station
By bus
Luxor Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses are a cheap and common way to get around Luxor. They can be crowded and may not be the most comfortable option for tourists.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
East Bank
West Bank
Day trips
Valley of the Queens
3 km from Luxor • Half day
The Valley of the Queens is a burial site for the wives and children of pharaohs. It contains over 70 tombs, including the famous tomb of Nefertari.
Dendera Temple Complex
60 km from Luxor • Full day
The Dendera Temple Complex is a well-preserved temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor. It is known for its beautiful reliefs and the famous Dendera zodiac.
Abydos Temple
140 km from Luxor • Full day
The Abydos Temple is a significant archaeological site dedicated to the god Osiris. It is known for its well-preserved reliefs and the famous Abydos King List.
Festivals
Luxor African Film Festival • Late March to early April
Luxor International Folk Festival • Late October to early November
Eid al-Fitr • Varies (end of Ramadan)
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
- Hire a knowledgeable local guide to fully appreciate the history and significance of the ancient sites.
- Stay hydrated and wear sun protection, as the sun can be intense, especially during the summer months.
- Bargain politely in markets and with street vendors, as prices are often inflated for tourists.
- Try local dishes like Kushari and Ful Medames for an authentic culinary experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
