Luxor: East & West Bank Temples Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Walk between Luxor’s colossal temples and silent tombs, guided by locals who know every story

You’ll walk through Luxor’s ancient temples with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story, descend into royal tombs at the Valley of the Kings, share lunch where locals eat, and end your day with golden light on centuries-old stones. Expect moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

"If you listen close, you can almost hear their prayers in these stones," our guide Mahmoud said as we stepped into Karnak Temple. I’d read about Luxor’s East and West Banks but being there—dust on my shoes, sun already warming my shoulders at 8am—felt different. Mahmoud greeted half the guards by name, which made me laugh, and pointed out little details I’d never have noticed: faded blue paint above a doorway, the way some hieroglyphs looked hurried. There were birds nesting high up in the columns. I tried to imagine what this place sounded like three thousand years ago.

The Valley of the Kings was quieter than I expected. It’s strange—there’s so much history packed into those hills but it didn’t feel heavy. Just silent and cool inside each tomb, colors still bright after centuries. We saw Tutankhamun’s resting place (smaller than I thought), and Mahmoud told us stories about pharaohs trying to outdo each other even in death. The air smelled faintly of limestone and something sweet—maybe incense from someone’s offering? At one point my water bottle slipped and echoed down the corridor; I felt weirdly embarrassed, like I’d interrupted someone important.

Lunch was at a small spot on the West Bank—a few plastic chairs under a vine trellis. The bread was warm and smoky from the oven, and I still think about that tangy tomato salad. Our driver Samir joked with the cook about football scores while we ate. Afterward we stopped at Hatshepsut’s Temple; her story stuck with me more than any king’s did (Mahmoud called her “the stubborn queen”). The Colossi of Memnon looked almost casual out there in the fields, just two giants watching over everything. By late afternoon the light turned gold on Luxor Temple—kids playing nearby, stray cats weaving through columns—and for a second it all felt strangely familiar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor East and West Banks

• Visit the Valley of the Kings
• See Queen Hatshepsut's Temple
• View the Colossi of Memnon
• Tour Luxor Temple
• Explore Karnak Temple

Top questions

How long does this Luxor East & West Bank day trip last?

The tour lasts a full day and covers both East Bank (Karnak & Luxor Temples) and West Bank sites (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple, Colossi of Memnon).

Is hotel pickup included for this Luxor day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Are entry fees covered in this tour?

Entry fees are included if you select that option when booking.

What kind of lunch is provided during the tour?

A traditional Egyptian lunch is served at a local restaurant on the West Bank if you choose that option.

Which temples are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir el-Bahari, plus see the Colossi of Memnon.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

This tour may not be recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are infant seats available for transportation?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

How far is it between Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings?

Karnak Temple is on Luxor's East Bank; Valley of the Kings is across the river on the West Bank—a drive of around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a private air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees to all main sites if selected when booking, bottled water to keep you cool under Egypt’s sun, a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant if you choose that option—and an experienced guide who brings every temple to life before returning you to your hotel in comfort.