Full Day Tour to East and West Banks of Luxor

Luxor , Egypt

Full Day Tour to East and West Banks of Luxor

Active

(13 reviews)

7h - 10h

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Luxor was one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world, and has 30% of the world monuments. This tour focuses on the must-see highlights of Luxor. First of all The Valley of The Kings where the great pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried starting from 1500 B.C. Their tombs are still well decorated with amazing vivid colors; we visit 3 tombs or even more upon request. Then a short drive to Hatshepsut’s Temple; that extraordinary and architecturally unique temple which was designed by her architect and lover Senmut. Then we will stop at the 2 giant Colossi of Memnon.

A short lunch break (with our recommendation for a good local restaurant) then we head to Karnak Temples which is the largest monumental complex in the world; breathtaking gigantic gates, columns, statues and obelisks. Then we will drive by the famous 2 mile long Sphinx Avenue which was recently excavated; it links Karnak and Luxor temples. And finally visit Luxor temple and see the statues of King Rameses II

Available options

Full Day Tour to East and West Banks of Luxor

Pickup included

What's included

Clean bathroom during all excursions.

Bottled water during all excursions

Chips and cookies

Lunch at an open buffet restaurant by the River Nile.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The most beautiful site where a visitor can see the vivid colors of the tombs of the New Kingdom kings that survived for 3500 years. It covers a burial period of roughly 500 years where some of the very famous kings of the Egyptian history chose to be buried and hide their mummies in the heart of the remote mountains. Tourists enjoy seeing 3 tombs (or more) , take pictures and learn about the history of that amazing place that the kings tried to keep as a secret in preparation for their afterlife.

Stop 2

The temple of Hatshepsut counts as one of the best architectural examples of ancient Egypt; it lies in the heart of the mountains of the west bank of Luxor just a few minutes far from the Valley of the kings. Despite attempts of wiping her out from the Egyptian history, Hatshepsut proved to remain of the greatest pharaohs of ancient Egypt. We will learn about her story and how she managed to ascend the throne of Egypt despite all the difficulties that she had to face, and we will see scenes on the walls that show her famous commercial expedition to Somalia through the Red Sea.

Stop 3

The giant Colossi of Memnon that exceed 60 ft high (18m) were once flanking the entrance of one of the most legendary temples of Egypt which was built by king Amonhotep III. They're located right at the foot of the hills of the west bank of Luxor and still standing at their original site despite the earthquakes and flooding that destroyed the temple. You will learn about them and how we adopted the name Memnon, and take photographs of both statues together with the amazing mountain scenery in the background.

Stop 4

The huge complex of Karnak Temples count as the largest and most important monument on earth; it covers a history of 2000 years which was built by many pharaohs and dedicated to many gods including Amun who was the main god of Egypt during the New Kindgom period that started around 1500 BC. You will see the most amazing examples of ancient Egyptian architecture in one place; including giant gates, obelisks, the largest hypostyle hall in the world with its 134 columns that are still in a good state of preservation, the sacred lake and many more. Karnak is a must visit site if you are ever in Luxor.

Stop 5

Luxor temple was built during the New Kingdom Period by King Amonhotep III who was one of the wealthiest pharaohs of ancient Egypt. It has one of the best collection of granite statues of Ramesses the Great (Ramesses II), who added a large addition to the original temple. You will enjoy walking through the famous 2 mile-long sphinx avenue that links Karnak and Luxor temples together, which was recently recovered by the Egyptian department of antiquities as a part of the future plan to turn Luxor into a large open air museum.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Important notes

The tour guide will give each traveler his ticket(s) for each site.

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.