Dendera & Abydos Temples Day Trip from Luxor with Lunch

Summary

Ancient Egypt’s colors and carvings on a private day trip from Luxor

You’ll travel from Luxor by private car with a local guide, exploring both Abydos and Dendera Temples—where ancient paint still glows under your fingertips—plus enjoy an Egyptian lunch before returning home with new stories buzzing in your head.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed our pickup because I’d left my hat in the hotel room—classic me. Our guide, Mahmoud, just grinned and said, “No rush, Egyptian time!” which made me relax a bit. The drive north from Luxor to Abydos is longer than I thought (a couple hours), but the landscape shifts so much—dusty palms, kids waving by the roadside, that low Nile haze. The car was cool inside but you could smell dry earth whenever we stopped for tea. I tried to pronounce “Abydos” right; Mahmoud corrected me gently (I still didn’t nail it).

Abydos Temple hit different than the big sites in Luxor. It’s quieter—almost echoey—and the paint on those walls is wild, like someone just finished it last week. Mahmoud pointed out Seti I’s cartouche and explained how Osiris was worshipped here. There’s this one room where sunlight cuts through and you see all these gods lined up in blue and gold—I got goosebumps. We wandered slow, no crowds pushing us along, just the sound of our shoes on stone and Mahmoud telling stories about pharaohs who believed this place was a gateway to eternity.

After lunch at a local spot (chicken grilled over charcoal, bread warm enough to burn your fingers), we headed to Dendera Temple. The columns there are massive—every inch carved or painted with Hathor’s face smiling down. I remember touching one column; the stone felt cool even in the afternoon heat. There were birds nesting way up near the ceiling beams. Someone nearby started singing softly in Arabic—it echoed around us until Mahmoud joined in for a line or two, laughing at himself.

The drive back to Luxor was quiet except for some old Egyptian pop on the radio and everyone dozing off now and then. Even now, I keep thinking about those colors at Abydos—the blues especially—and how strange it felt to be somewhere so old but so alive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Abydos and Dendera Temples

• Pickup from hotel or Nile cruise
• Drive north to Abydos city
• Explore Abydos Temple
• Drive to Dendera
• Visit Temple of Hathor at Dendera
• Return to hotel in Luxor

Top questions

How long does the Dendera & Abydos day trip from Luxor take?

The tour usually lasts from 7:00 am until around 5:00 pm, including transfers.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor is included.

Are entry fees covered in the booking?

Entry fees are included if you select that option during booking.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant is included if you choose that option.

How far are Abydos and Dendera from Luxor?

Abydos is about 135 km north of Luxor; Dendera is also north of Luxor but closer than Abydos.

What will I see at Abydos Temple?

You’ll see well-preserved wall paintings and carvings dedicated to Osiris inside Abydos Temple.

Is there a guide during the tour?

A licensed tour guide accompanies you if you select that option when booking.

Are transfers private or shared?

The tour includes private transfers by air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Luxor, all transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees (if chosen), guidance from a licensed tour guide (if selected), bottled water for the road, and a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant before heading back in the evening.