Luxor Day Tour from Hurghada: Local Guide, Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Travel from Hurghada to Luxor for ancient temples and lunch

You’ll travel from Hurghada to Luxor with hotel pickup included, exploring Karnak Temple’s ancient pillars and descending into royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Enjoy a local lunch and stories from your guide before seeing Hatshepsut’s temple and the Colossi of Memnon — moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost skipped this day trip to Luxor from Hurghada because the idea of a long drive before sunrise sounded rough. But then our driver showed up right on time (even cracked a joke about my sleepy face), and suddenly it felt like an adventure. The road was quiet, just the hum of the van and that first hint of desert light outside. I remember thinking: is this really happening?

Our local guide, Ahmed, met us in Luxor with this huge grin — he seemed genuinely excited to show us around. First stop was Karnak Temple. It’s massive, but what got me were the little details: faded paint on the columns, sunlight catching dust in the air, Ahmed tracing hieroglyphs with his finger while telling stories about old gods. There were school kids on a field trip giggling nearby; their teacher kept shushing them but honestly, I wanted to laugh too.

Lunch came at just the right moment (I was starving by then). The restaurant was simple but busy — lots of locals eating together. I tried something called ful medames; not sure I’d order it again but hey, when in Egypt. After that we headed into the Valley of the Kings. It’s dry and quiet there, almost heavy with history. Walking down into one of those tombs — cool air after all that sun — gave me goosebumps. Ahmed pointed out King Tut’s tomb but also made sure we didn’t miss some lesser-known ones.

The last stops were Hatshepsut’s temple (those columns are wild) and then the Colossi of Memnon just as late afternoon light hit them. A couple selling tea waved at us; I bought a cup even though it was way too sweet. On the drive back to Hurghada I watched sand drift across the road and tried to process everything we’d seen. Still can’t quite believe how much fits into one day trip from Hurghada to Luxor.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor Highlights and Lunch

• Visit Colossi of Memnon
• Explore Valley of the Kings
• Tour Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• Visit Temple of Karnak
• Enjoy lunch at local restaurant

Top questions

How long is the drive from Hurghada to Luxor?

The transfer time is approximate and depends on traffic, but expect several hours each way by minivan.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included in your tour.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

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

What sites do we visit in Luxor?

You’ll visit Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon.

Is hotel pickup provided in Hurghada?

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

Is this tour suitable for children?

The child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults; check suitability based on your child’s needs.

Do I need to bring my passport?

A valid passport is required on the day of travel for this tour.

What should I wear for this tour?

It’s recommended to wear sportswear and comfortable walking shoes due to walking at sites.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, all transport by air-conditioned minivan, entry fees if selected during booking, a guided sightseeing tour with a local expert through Luxor’s temples and tombs, plus lunch at a local restaurant before heading back in the evening.