Private Day Tour of Luxor East & West Bank Temples and Tombs

Luxor , Egypt

Private Day Tour of Luxor East & West Bank Temples and Tombs

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the ancient wonders of Luxor on this private full-day tour covering both the East and West Banks. Accompanied by a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide, explore iconic temples, majestic tombs, and captivating ruins that span millennia of history. Visit the legendary Valley of the Kings, marvel at the grandeur of Karnak Temple, and uncover the secrets of Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple. This personalized tour ensures a deep and immersive experience without the crowds of group travel. Benefit from comfortable, air-conditioned private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off included. Ideal for history lovers, families, and anyone eager to walk in the footsteps of pharaohs while enjoying insightful storytelling and flexibility in pace and schedule. Book now to enjoy a seamless journey through the heart of ancient Egypt.

Available options

Private Car & Tour guide

Private Car & Tour guide<br/>Pickup included

Only private car with driver

Pickup included
<br/>Pickup included

Car, Guide, Temples Entry fees

Pickup included<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Egyptologist guide

private tours

Guided tour of Karnak and Luxor Temples

Visit to three tombs in Valley of the Kings

Private air-conditioned vehicle

Photo stop at Colossi of Memnon

All taxes and service charges

Hotel/Nile Cruise pickup and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Begin your day exploring the legendary Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of many pharaohs from the New Kingdom. This desert necropolis is famous for its rock-cut tombs, vibrant wall paintings, and historical significance. With your expert guide, you'll visit three open tombs, each showcasing exquisite artwork and detailing ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. Among the tombs lies that of the famed boy king, Tutankhamun, which may be visited for an additional ticket.

Stop 2

A visit to King Tutankhamun’s tomb offers a rare glimpse into one of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological discoveries. Inside, visitors can view the young pharaoh’s mummified remains in a climate-controlled glass case. The burial chamber’s vibrant murals, depicting scenes from the Book of the Amduat, reveal deep insights into ancient funerary rituals. Although smaller in size, the tomb’s historical importance is unmatched.

Discover the grandeur of the Tomb of Seti I, considered one of the most artistically impressive tombs in the valley. Built for a powerful 19th Dynasty pharaoh, this tomb features well-preserved inscriptions, elaborate passages, and exceptional ceiling decorations, reflecting the height of New Kingdom craftsmanship.

Stop 4

Conclude your West Bank exploration at the majestic Temple of Hatshepsut, dramatically built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. This unique mortuary temple honors one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs. Its detailed reliefs depict Hatshepsut’s divine birth and her celebrated expedition to the Land of Punt, showcasing her power and legacy. The temple’s symmetrical design remains a marvel of ancient architecture.

Stop 5

Pause at the towering Colossi of Memnon—two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood watch over the Theban necropolis for over 3,400 years. These iconic monuments provide a striking introduction to the grandeur of the West Bank.

Stop 6

Explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex, one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Spanning over 80 hectares, Karnak evolved over more than a millennium and was once the spiritual heart of ancient Thebes. Walk through the Hypostyle Hall, marvel at towering columns, and discover sanctuaries dedicated to Amun-Re and other deities. This temple complex reflects the scale and significance of ancient Egyptian religion.

Stop 7

This temple was located in the heart of ancient Thebes and, like Karnak, was dedicated to the main/chief god Amun Re.This temple was built by one of the kings of the 12th dynasty and completed by the well know king Ramses II

What's not included

Tipping

Entrance fees to listed sites

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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.