Luxor Day Trip from Cairo by Plane: Valley of the Kings & Karnak

Summary

Luxor’s tombs and temples in one whirlwind day from Cairo

You’ll fly from Cairo to Luxor for a full day exploring ancient wonders with a private guide—walk through Valley of the Kings’ painted tombs, stand among Karnak’s massive columns, eat a simple local lunch, and catch glimpses of daily life along the Nile before flying back home again.

What’s the experience like?

Hands dusted off my falafel sandwich, I stared at the painted walls in the Valley of the Kings, colors still bright after all these centuries. Our guide, Mahmoud, had this way of pausing in front of each tomb—almost like he was letting us catch our breath before another story. The air inside felt cool and dry, smelled faintly of old stone and something sweeter I couldn’t place. I tried to imagine what it must have been like for those who carved these tunnels by hand. You don’t really get how deep the tombs go until you’re walking down those sloping corridors yourself. My knees complained a little, but honestly? Worth it.

The flight from Cairo was early—too early for my brain—but seeing Luxor appear through the window as we landed made up for it. Mahmoud met us right outside arrivals with a sign (my name slightly misspelled, which made me laugh), and we were off in his air-conditioned car before I’d even finished my coffee. Karnak Temple was next; sunlight bounced off the columns and there was this low hum of voices echoing around the Hypostyle Hall. He pointed out some faded lotus carvings that I would’ve missed on my own. There’s something about touching stone that old—it makes your own worries feel smaller.

Lunch was quick—a falafel sandwich and cold soda eaten while watching tuk-tuks zip past near Hatshepsut’s Temple. That temple is wild: terraces stacked against sheer cliffs, heat radiating off limestone so bright you have to squint. Mahmoud told us stories about Queen Hatshepsut’s beard (apparently fake?) and her stubbornness; he grinned when he said she “ruled like a pharaoh should.” We stopped at the Colossi of Memnon on the way back—just two giant statues facing the Nile, quiet except for birds flapping overhead.

I didn’t expect to feel so tired by mid-afternoon or to care so much about which pharaoh built what. But walking through Luxor Temple at sunset, with shadows stretching across ancient stones and kids playing soccer nearby, I realized how much history here just blends into daily life. It’s strange—I keep thinking about that moment even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Luxor tour from Cairo

• Pick up from Cairo or Giza hotel
• Travel to Cairo airport
• Fly from Cairo to Luxor
• Visit Valley of the Kings and three tombs
• Have falafel sandwich lunch with drinks
• Visit Hatshepsut’s Temple at El Deir El Bahary
• Stop at Colossi of Memnon statues
• Tour Karnak Temple and Avenue of Sphinxes
• Visit Luxor Temple and see Ramses II obelisk
• Transfer to Luxor airport
• Fly back to Cairo
• Return to hotel in Cairo or Giza

Top questions

How long does the Luxor day trip from Cairo take?

The tour lasts a full day including flights—morning pickup in Cairo and return in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Luxor tour?

Yes, lunch is included—a falafel sandwich or koshary plus water and a soft drink.

Are entry fees covered in this day trip?

Entry fees are included based on your selected tour option when booking.

Which temples do you visit on this Luxor private tour?

You visit Karnak Temple, Hatshepsut’s Temple, Valley of the Kings (three tombs), Colossi of Memnon, and Luxor Temple.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes—pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Cairo or Giza are included.

Do you get a private guide during the tour?

A qualified Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout your time in Luxor.

Can you visit King Tut’s tomb on this trip?

You can visit King Tutankhamun’s tomb for an extra ticket fee—not included as standard.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, round-trip domestic flights to Luxor, entry fees (depending on your chosen option), all transport by private air-conditioned vehicle, guiding by an Egyptologist throughout Luxor’s temples and tombs, plus a simple local lunch with drinks before heading back to Cairo in the evening.