The Treasures of Luxor's West Bank Day Trip

Luxor , Egypt

The Treasures of Luxor's West Bank Day Trip

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About this experience

Travel back to the past and discover the eternal capital of ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom, approximately 1550 - 1050 B.C.. Known as the home of the god Amun, associated with Egyptian royalty, it was the draw for many pharaohs to choose this site for their eternal resting place. Thus, the Valley Of The Kings was borne. In this adventure, you will see the remarkable sites on the West Bank of the Nile River including the Valley of the Kings, the female pharaoh Hatshepsut's Funerary Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.

Available options

The Treasures of Luxor's West Bank Day Trip

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Our guide will pick you up from your Luxor hotel wherein you will travel, like royalty before you to the West Bank of the Nile.

Walk where the kings and queens before you did, in the Valley of the Kings. This area, besides being home to their god Amum, was mostly inaccessible by tomb robbers and far easier to protect and so was the choice spot for royalty to be entombed. The royal necropolis has 62 royal tombs cut into the limestone following a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber, and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. It has many richly decorated tombs showing the afterlife scenes.

Stop 2

Your adventure continues as we move to discover the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh, with its unique design in three terraces merging with the sheer limestone cliffs of the mountain as if nature herself had built it. It's walls are richly decorated with scenes depicting the commercial expedition to Punt, the Queen's divine birth and transportation of her two obelisks from the Aswan granite quarry to the Karnak Temple.

Stop 3

After your time with the Queen, we will move to experience the Colossi of Memnon; a massive pair of statues of Amenhotep III which alone have survived from his funerary temple that disappeared due to flooding. All traces of it sadly have washed away because it sat on the floodplain of the Nile so the annual inundation water eroded it away over the centuries. The Colossi of Memmon are all that are left to tantalize our imagination of the splendor and magnitude his funerary temple must have been.

From here, we will safely take you back to your area hotel where you can reflect on your trip through time with the royals.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Important information

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.