Luxor: East & West Bank Private Day Tour with Egyptologist

Summary

Walk among Luxor’s temples and tombs with stories at every stop

You’ll cross Luxor with a local Egyptologist guide, step inside tombs at the Valley of the Kings, wander among ancient pillars at Karnak Temple, and feel desert wind at Hatshepsut’s temple. Expect moments of quiet awe—and maybe a laugh or two along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding through Luxor’s streets when our guide, Hani, pointed out a bakery where he gets his morning bread—he waved to the baker like an old friend. I hadn’t even had coffee yet, but somehow the city felt awake in a different way. We crossed the Nile early, sunlight bouncing off the water so bright I had to squint. The Colossi of Memnon just stood there in the haze—bigger than I’d pictured, silent except for some birds nesting in their cracks. Hani told us about Amenhotep III, but honestly, I was still thinking about that bread smell.

The Valley of the Kings was quiet except for our footsteps crunching on gravel. Inside one tomb (I think it was Ramses IV?), the colors on the walls almost glowed under the torchlight—blues and reds that looked painted yesterday. Hani explained some hieroglyphics; I tried repeating one word back and he laughed gently at my pronunciation. It’s strange how cool it felt underground compared to outside—like stepping into another time. We saw maybe four tombs before moving on, and I kept touching the rough stone walls without really meaning to.

By midday we reached Hatshepsut’s temple. There was this dry wind coming down from the cliffs—sand stinging my ankles—and it made me pull my scarf tighter around my neck. The columns are so straight and white against all that desert; it almost didn’t look real from a distance. Lunch was simple falafel wraps near Karnak (I dropped half mine in my lap), then we wandered through Karnak’s forest of pillars, sunlight striping everything gold and shadowy. I lost track of time there, honestly—I still think about that view through the hypostyle hall when no one else was around.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor East and West Banks

• Meet tour guide at hotel or cruise
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon

Top questions

How long does this full day Luxor tour last?

The tour covers both East and West Banks in one day with your guide; expect a full day experience.

Is hotel pickup included for this Luxor private tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or cruise is included in your day trip.

Are entrance fees covered in this Luxor tour?

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

What sites will I visit on this East & West Bank tour?

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

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, all transfers use an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort.

Can infants join this Luxor day trip?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap; infant seats are available if needed.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or cruise pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with a qualified Egyptologist as your guide; entry fees are covered if you select that option when booking.