Tour of Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temples

Luxor , Egypt

Tour of Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temples

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About this experience

Short on time but don’t want to miss Luxor’s greatest treasures?
This carefully designed half-day tour lets you explore the city’s most iconic ancient sites — the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple — in comfort and without the rush or heat of temperature,

Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional Egyptologist guide, enjoy in-depth visits to the must-see monuments, and pass by other famous landmarks for a quick photo stop. It’s the perfect experience for families, short-stay visitors, or anyone who prefers a focused and time-efficient adventure.

Why Travelers Love It:

Ideal for visitors with limited time in Luxor

Beat the heat with a short, focused itinerary

Family-friendly and hassle-free

See Luxor’s top highlights — no rushing, no exhaustion

Duration:

Approx. 5.5 hours

Tour Highlights:

*Valley of the Kings: Step into the heart of ancient Egypt and visit the royal tombs of the Pharaohs.

* Karnak Temple

* Photo Stop around Memnon Colossi & Luxor Temple

Available options

Tour of Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temples

Pickup included

What's included

Regular entry tickets, a bottle of water

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Valley of the Kings,on the west bank of Luxor, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. It served as the royal burial for the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom (1550–1070 BC). Hidden deep within the Theban hills, the valley was chosen to protect the tombs from grave robbers and to symbolize the journey of the soul to the afterlife.
Among its most celebrated discoveries is the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun (KV62), uncovered intact in 1922. The tomb contained thousands of precious artifacts, the famous golden mask, the mummy of the young king, which remains inside his tomb,
Another notable tomb belongs to Ramesses II, one of Egypt’s greatest and most powerful pharaohs. His tomb (KV7) , though it suffered damage over the centuries. Ramesses II is famous for his colossal statues and the magnificent temples he built, such as Abu Simbel.

Together, these royal burials make the Valley of the Kings a timeless symbol of ancient Egypt’s glory, beliefs, and artistic achievements.

Stop 2

Step into the heart of ancient Thebes at the Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious site ever built by man. Dedicated mainly to the god Amun-Ra, Karnak is a breathtaking maze of towering columns, massive statues, and sacred lakes that reveal over 2,000 years of Egyptian history. Walk through the iconic Hypostyle Hall, where 134 giant columns rise toward the sky, and feel the power and mystery of a civilization that shaped the world.

Stop 3

Standing proudly on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, the Colossi of Memnon are two gigantic stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who ruled during Egypt’s golden age. Each statue stands about 18 meters high and once guarded the entrance to his magnificent mortuary temple, now lost to time.

In ancient times, one of the statues was famous for producing a mysterious “singing” sound at dawn, believed by the Greeks to be the voice of the hero Memnon greeting his mother, the goddess of the morning. Today, the Colossi remain silent but awe-inspiring — timeless guardians of the Theban necropolis and powerful symbols of ancient Egypt’s grandeur.

Stop 4 Pass by

Located in the heart of modern Luxor, the Luxor Temple is one of ancient Egypt’s most majestic monuments. Built mainly by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, it was dedicated to the god Amun-Ra and symbolized the renewal of kingship. Unlike other temples, Luxor Temple wasn’t for worshiping a single god, but for celebrating the Opet Festival, when statues of the gods traveled from Karnak to Luxor in a grand procession along the Avenue of Sphinxes.

As night falls, the temple glows beautifully under golden lights, creating one of the most magical scenes in all of Egypt — a place where history truly comes alive.

What's not included

Extra tickets, meals , tipping

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

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

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Each traveler will get a ticket from the tour guide .

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.