Private Half-Day Tour of Karnak and Luxor Temple with Pickup

Luxor , Egypt

Private Half-Day Tour of Karnak and Luxor Temple with Pickup

Active

3h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Karnak and Luxor Temples in a single journey that reveals the full splendor of ancient Thebes. At Karnak, visitors explore one of the largest temple complexes ever built, walking through colossal halls and towering columns that once echoed with the rituals of powerful pharaohs. The sense of scale and grandeur is unmatched, offering a vivid glimpse into Egypt’s religious heart over thousands of years.

Then, the visit to Luxor Temple brings a more intimate and elegant atmosphere, beautifully illuminated at night and alive with history. Here, travelers witness the continuation of Theban worship, royal ceremonies, and the remarkable architectural harmony between the two temples once linked by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Combining these two extraordinary sites allows guests to trace the evolution of ancient Egyptian power, art, and faith—all within the same breathtaking setting along the Nile.

Available options

Private Half-Day Tour of Karnak and Luxor Temple with Pickup

Pickup included

What's included

Private tour

Pick up services from your hotel & return.

Transport by air-conditioned vehicle

Taxes and charges.

Round trip transfer by air-conditioned vehicles with qualified drivers.

Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites.

Qualified Egyptologist guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Karnak Temples, one of the world’s largest religious complexes, stand as a breathtaking testament to ancient Egyptian grandeur. Located on Luxor’s east bank, this vast site was dedicated primarily to the Theban triad—Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Over 2,000 years of continuous construction by pharaohs from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic era created a monumental blend of history and architecture. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 towering columns, is a masterpiece of engineering and artistry. Sacred lakes, colossal statues, obelisks, and intricate hieroglyphs reveal the devotion and power of the ancient Egyptians. Walking through Karnak feels like stepping into the heart of ancient Egypt’s spiritual life. The site’s alignment with the sun and its massive gateways create a sense of awe that endures through the centuries—making Karnak an unmissable highlight for anyone exploring Luxor’s timeless wonders.

Stop 2

The Luxor Temple, located in the heart of modern Luxor, is one of Egypt’s most magnificent ancient monuments. Built mainly by Pharaoh Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II, this grand temple was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and the Theban gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Unlike other temples, Luxor was not devoted to a single deity but served as a sacred setting for royal rituals and the annual Opet Festival, which celebrated the divine link between pharaoh and god. The impressive entrance, guarded by colossal statues of Ramses II and a towering obelisk, leads into majestic courtyards, halls, and chapels adorned with intricate hieroglyphs. By night, the temple glows beautifully under golden lights, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Standing as a symbol of ancient glory and spiritual devotion, the Luxor Temple remains a timeless masterpiece that connects past and present in Egypt’s living history.

What's not included

Tipping

Extra if the guide is Italian or Spanish

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Important information

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.