2 Days Private Luxor Tour from Hurghada: Temples & Valley

Summary

Luxor Temples and Valley of the Kings Private Tour

You’ll explore ancient temples, wander through royal tombs, and catch moments most travelers miss—like fresh bread smells or quiet tomb corridors—on this private two-day tour from Hurghada to Luxor.

What’s the experience like?

The drive out of Hurghada starts early—honestly, I barely finished my coffee before our rep showed up at the hotel lobby. The road to Luxor is long but you get these glimpses of desert sunrise that make you forget about sleep. Our Egyptologist guide, Mahmoud, met us right as we rolled into town. He knew every shortcut through the city’s morning traffic and pointed out a local bakery where you could smell fresh baladi bread from the car window.

Karnak Temple was our first stop. It’s not just one temple—it’s this massive sprawl of ancient columns and statues. Walking through the Hypostyle Hall, I felt tiny next to those pillars (they’re even bigger than they look in photos). Mahmoud explained how each pharaoh added their own touch over centuries. There’s something about hearing stories in the shade of those old stones that sticks with you.

After a quick lunch—falafel and rice at a place called Sofra—we headed to Luxor Temple. The place comes alive in late afternoon when locals start gathering nearby and kids play football outside the gates. You can still see traces of old festival decorations on some walls if you look close enough. We checked into our hotel after that (Jolie Ville Luxor), which had Nile views and surprisingly good Wi-Fi for uploading photos.

The next morning started with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon—two giant statues just standing there in open fields, birds perched on their heads like it’s nothing special. Then came the Valley of the Kings. It’s quiet down there; all you hear is your own footsteps echoing inside tombs painted with colors that haven’t faded much after thousands of years. We got to see three tombs—each one different, each one full of stories about pharaohs’ journeys to the afterlife.

Our last stop was Hatshepsut Temple at Deir el-Bahari. The way it rises out of the limestone cliffs is unreal—you almost expect it to be a movie set until you notice local women selling cold hibiscus juice by the entrance (it’s sweet and tart, perfect after walking in the sun). Lunch was simple but filling, then we had free time for a felucca ride or wandering Luxor’s market before heading back to Hurghada.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Karnak and Luxor Temples

• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple

Day 2 — West Bank and Return to Hurghada

• Visit Colossi of Memnon and Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes, families are welcome! The tour is stroller-friendly and infant seats are available if needed.

Can I join if I use a wheelchair?

Absolutely—all vehicles and sites are wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably.

Are meals included during the trip?

Lunch is included both days at good local restaurants in Luxor; breakfast is provided at your hotel.

Do we have free time in Luxor?

You’ll have some free time in Luxor for exploring on your own or joining optional activities like a felucca ride or visiting Banana Island.

What’s included

Your private tour covers all transfers by air-conditioned vehicle from your Hurghada hotel and back again. An expert Egyptologist guide will show you around Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings (with entry to three tombs), Hatshepsut Temple, plus stops at famous bazaars for shopping. Hotel accommodation in Luxor (5-star or similar), breakfast at your hotel, lunches both days, and assistance throughout are all included too.