Luxor Day Trip from Cairo: King Tut Tomb & Karnak Flight

Summary

Valley of the Kings and Karnak in one day with flight from Cairo

You’ll fly from Cairo for a fast-paced day exploring Luxor’s ancient wonders: walk beneath Karnak’s towering columns, step inside King Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings, and pause at Hatshepsut’s cliffside temple. With an Egyptologist guide sharing stories along every stop—and hotel pickup included—you’ll come home with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so awake at 5am, but there’s something about knowing you’re flying south to Luxor that shakes off any sleepiness. Our driver in Cairo was already waiting downstairs, grinning like he knew what kind of day we were about to have. The flight itself was quick—just long enough for me to wonder if I’d packed sunscreen (I hadn’t). Landing in Luxor, the air felt different—warmer, dry, with this faint smell of dust and stone that stuck to my skin all morning.

Our guide, Samir, met us right outside arrivals. He started talking about Karnak Temple before we’d even left the parking lot. And when we finally walked through those massive gates, I just stood there for a second. The columns are so huge it almost feels like you’re shrinking. There were birds nesting up in the shadows and a group of schoolkids giggling as they tried to pronounce “obelisk.” Samir told us stories about Queen Hatshepsut that made her sound more real than any textbook ever did—he even pointed out where ancient workers had scratched little notes into the stone. I liked that detail.

The Valley of the Kings is quieter than I expected—noisy with cicadas but not crowded at all. We got lucky: our ticket included entry into King Tut’s tomb (the main reason I booked this day trip from Cairo to Luxor by flight). It’s smaller than you think, painted walls close enough to touch if you dared (don’t). Samir whispered facts about Howard Carter and 1922, but honestly I was mostly watching dust motes floating in the flashlight beam and thinking how strange it is that this boy-king still draws people thousands of years later. That stuck with me more than any artifact.

We stopped by the Colossi of Memnon on the way back—two giant statues just sitting there facing the Nile like they’ve seen everything already. There was a vendor selling dates nearby; I bought some out of habit and they tasted sweet and gritty at once. Last stop was Hatshepsut’s temple rising out of the cliffs—there’s something almost defiant about it. By then my legs were tired but my head was spinning with stories. The sun started dipping as we headed back toward Luxor airport, sand sticking to my shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor highlights by flight from Cairo

• Travel from hotel to airport
• Fly from Cairo to Luxor
• Visit Karnak Temple complex
• Walk Avenue of Sphinxes
• See Hypostyle Hall and obelisks
• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Enter King Tut’s tomb
• Visit Hatshepsut’s Temple
• Stop at Colossi of Memnon statues
• Transfer to Luxor Airport
• Fly back to Cairo
• Transfer to hotel

Top questions

How long is the flight from Cairo to Luxor?

The domestic flight takes about one hour each way between Cairo and Luxor.

Is King Tut's tomb included on this tour?

Yes, entry to King Tutankhamun's tomb is included if you select that option when booking.

Are hotel pickups available for this Luxor day trip?

Yes, door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza are included.

What sites are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings (including three tombs), King Tut's tomb, Colossi of Memnon, and Hatshepsut's Temple.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No mention of lunch being included; check with your provider or bring snacks just in case.

Are guides fluent in languages other than English?

Tours are mainly in English; other languages may be available upon request for an extra fee or via audio guide support.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

How many tombs do you visit in Valley of the Kings?

You can enter three tombs; which ones depends on government rotation schedules throughout the year.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip flights between Cairo and Luxor, all entrance fees for temples and tombs (including King Tutankhamun if selected), door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off, plus a knowledgeable Egyptologist guiding you through every site before your return flight home in the evening.