Luxor Full Day Private Tour: West Bank & East Bank - Temples & Tombs

Luxor , Egypt

Luxor Full Day Private Tour: West Bank & East Bank - Temples & Tombs

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(12 reviews)

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

You will have a private tour to the old necropolis in the Theban Mountains on the West Bank of Luxor. We start at the spectacular Valley of the Kings where you will descend into 3 Royal Tombs. Next is a visit to the rock hewn mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir El Bahari where you are pointed out the most beautiful murals and have time to wander around yourself. We continue for a quick photo-stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two immense statues guarding the ongoing excavation of the palace of Amenophis III. After lunch at a good local restaurant we drive back to the East Bank to visit the Karnak Temple to show you where Pharaohs like Tutankhamun, Hatchepsut and Ramses II performed their sacred rituals. The Karnak Temple complex contains holy lakes, hypostyle halls, obelisks, pylons and shrines. The Luxor Temple, gracefully decorates the banks of the river Nile, dedicated, not to a deity or pharaoh but to the Rejuvenation of Kingship and center of the Opet Festival.

Available options

Luxor Full Day Private Tour: West Bank & East Bank - Temples & Tombs

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Private English-speaking Professional Egyptologist tour guide… if option is selected

Souvenirs shopping time

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

one Bottled water each person

Lunch meal only exclude beverages

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You will visit the old necropolis of ancient Thebes on the West Bank of Luxor. We will take you to the spectacular Valley of the Kings, where up to now, 63 tombs have been found varying from a one chamber crypt (KV54) to a tomb with 120 chambers (KV5). You will be able to visit 3 tombs with the entrance ticket. The tombs of Tutankhamen and Seti I require separate tickets (not included).

Stop 2

We visit the rock hewn mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. After the death of her husband, Thutmose II, Hatshepsut took the reign as either co-regent with or self-proclaimed Pharaoh instead of Thutmose III. Either way, she was a skillful warrior and strong ruler re-establishing trade routes with foreign countries. Prove of her successes and accomplishments are written on the walls of her memorial Temple at Deir El-Bahari.

Stop 3

We stop at the base of the magnificent Colossi of Memnon, two immense statues guarding the ongoing excavation of the palace of Amenophis III. The statues are actually likenesses of Pharaoh Amenophis III. Memnon was a hero of the Trojan wars, said to be the son of Eos, Goddess of Dawn. Because of an earthquake in 27BC, one of the statues was damaged and due to forces of nature, was said to "whistle" or "sing" at dawn.

Stop 4

You will visit the Karnak Temple, the second largest religious temple in the world after Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Construction of the first temple complex started about 3,500 years ago and stopped in the Ptolemaic era. The Karnak Temple is a collection of precincts for Amun Re, Mut and Monsu and contains holy lakes, hypostyle halls, obelisks, pylons and shrines. Within the walls is a separate open air museum that requires an additional entrance ticket, as does the Mut precinct. Your guide will lead you through the temple, sharing the historical highlights and giving you plenty of time to wander around between the ancient walls.

Stop 5

You will visit the Luxor Temple, dedicated, not to a deity or pharaoh but to the Rejuvenation of Kingship and center of the Opet Festival. In ancient times, the Karnak and Luxor Temples were connected by the sphinx alley which is still being excavated. Many pharaohs were crowned here, either in reality or theoretically (like Alexander the Great who claimed he was crowned in Thebes but probably never visited the ancient capital). You will be able to gaze at the religious significance of the place, as the Theban Triad has shrines, a Roman chapel exists within the walls which was later transformed into a church and on top of the temple rests the Abu Haggag mosque.

What's not included

Tips, Meals, Beverages, extra activities not mentioned, and personal spending

other Languages guides at extra supplement to be paid in cash

sightseeing tickets / admission fees

pick up from Luxor Airport against extra supplement to be paid in cash

Available languages

Guide guide

AR DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tombs at the Valley of the Kings are not wheelchair or stroller accessible

Important notes

Tickets will be with the tour guide at the starting point

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.