Hurghada to Luxor: Karnak, Valley of the Kings & Nile Lunch

Summary

Luxor’s ancient tombs, Karnak’s columns & a slow Nile lunch

You’ll start before sunrise from Hurghada, watch Egypt wake up from your seat, then explore Karnak Temple with a local guide who knows every story carved into its stones. Cross the Nile by boat for lunch overlooking slow-moving water before heading into royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Expect moments of silence, laughter over lunch, and that feeling you get when you touch something truly old.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how quiet Hurghada felt at 4am — just the low hum of our bus waiting outside. The seats were softer than I expected (and yes, there was air conditioning, thank god). We dozed off and on as the desert light crept in. Somewhere around sunrise, we stopped at a roadside café for tea — strong and sweet — and I tried to order in Arabic. The guy behind the counter grinned and handed me what tasted like pure sugar with a hint of tea. It worked though; I was awake by the time we reached Luxor.

Karnak Temple is… big. That’s not very poetic but honestly, it’s hard to describe standing under those columns. Our guide, Mahmoud, met us right at the entrance — he waved like he’d known us forever. He pointed out carvings I would’ve missed (one looked like a pharaoh playing chess but apparently it was some ritual). The air smelled faintly dusty and old stone radiated heat even in the morning. After wandering through shadows and sunlight for what felt like hours (in a good way), we crossed over to the west bank by boat. There was this moment on the water where everything went quiet except for the splash of oars and someone’s ringtone in the distance.

Lunch was at this place right on the Nile — nothing fancy but real food: grilled chicken, rice, some kind of smoky eggplant dish that I still think about when I’m hungry late at night. Drinks weren’t included but honestly after all that walking I just wanted cold water anyway. Then came the Valley of the Kings. You get to pick three tombs with your ticket; Mahmoud had suggestions but let us choose (I picked one because it had “Ramesses” in the name — no regrets). Inside it was cooler, almost silent except for footsteps echoing off painted walls. The colors are still bright after thousands of years — wild.

We made quick stops at Hatshepsut’s temple (the cliffs behind her temple look unreal) and then those two giant statues — Colossi of Memnon — just standing there like they’re waiting for something. By then everyone was tired and a little sunburned but nobody really wanted to leave yet. On the drive back to Hurghada I kept thinking about how many layers Luxor has — not just history but people living their lives right next door to these ancient places. It’s strange and kind of comforting.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor private tour from Hurghada

• Pickup from hotel at 4:15am
• Drive to Luxor
• Stop for bathroom and breakfast
• Visit Karnak Temple Complex
• Cross Nile by boat to west bank
• Lunch at Nile restaurant
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Rest stop for bathroom or dinner
• Return to hotel in Hurghada

Top questions

How long is the drive from Hurghada to Luxor?

The drive from Hurghada to Luxor takes approximately 4 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included in your private tour.

What sites are visited during this tour?

You’ll visit Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings (with entry to 3 tombs), Temple of Hatshepsut, Ramesseum, and Colossi of Memnon.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant by the Nile; drinks are extra.

Do I need to bring my passport?

A copy of your passport is required; you’ll need to send it by email or WhatsApp before departure.

Are drinks included with lunch?

No, drinks are not included with lunch; you can purchase them separately at the restaurant.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults; moderate fitness is recommended due to walking involved.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, all transfers by comfortable air-conditioned bus with a friendly Egyptologist guide throughout Luxor’s main sites—Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings (with entry to three tombs), Hatshepsut’s temple—and a traditional lunch beside the Nile before heading back in the evening.