Luxor: East & West Bank tour with guide + hotel pickup

Summary

Walk ancient paths in Luxor with a local guide—temples, tombs, legends

You’ll follow a local Egyptologist through Luxor’s East and West Banks—from the silent tombs of the Valley of the Kings to Karnak’s towering columns and the sunlit terraces of Hatshepsut’s temple. With private transport, hotel pickup, and time for lunch included, you’ll see ancient Egypt up close—and probably feel something you weren’t expecting.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing under the Colossi of Memnon. Our guide, Mahmoud, just grinned and let us take it in—he said even locals still get goosebumps here sometimes. The air was already warm by mid-morning, dust swirling around our shoes while Mahmoud told us how these giant statues once guarded a whole temple complex. I tried to imagine what that sounded like at sunrise when the northern statue used to “sing.” He laughed and said his grandmother claimed she heard it as a child.

The Valley of the Kings was quieter than I thought it’d be. We ducked into one tomb after another—paintings everywhere, colors still bright after thousands of years. It smelled faintly of stone and something sweet I couldn’t place (incense maybe?). Mahmoud pointed out the cartouches for Tutankhamun and Ramesses II; he made sure we didn’t miss the tiny details in the hieroglyphics. Honestly, my legs got shaky from all the climbing but nobody rushed us. Lunch was simple but good—flatbread, grilled chicken, tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes.

Karnak Temple felt like walking through a forest made of stone columns. Sunlight filtered down in stripes. There were other groups but somehow it never felt crowded; maybe because Mahmoud always found a quiet corner to explain things or answer our random questions (I asked about some graffiti left by French soldiers—he just shrugged and said “everyone wants to leave their mark”). By late afternoon at Luxor Temple, my brain was full but in that good way—you know? The light on the sandstone glowed gold as we wandered back to our van. I still think about that last hour sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor's East and West Banks

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Tour Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Explore Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Luxor day tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor are included with your booking.

Which sites are visited on this East & West Bank tour?

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

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

How long does this full-day Luxor tour last?

This is a full-day experience covering both banks; expect several hours at each main site.

Will there be an Egyptologist guide during the tour?

Yes, a qualified Egyptologist guide leads your group throughout the day.

Are entry fees included for all attractions?

Entry fees for Colossi of Memnon are included; check with your provider about other sites.

Is lunch provided during this Luxor day trip?

A lunch stop is included as part of your private guided experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor by private air-conditioned vehicle, entry admission to Colossi of Memnon, guidance from a qualified Egyptologist throughout all major sites on both banks, plus time set aside for lunch before returning comfortably to your hotel.