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

Summary

Walk among Luxor’s temples & tombs with a local guide by your side

You’ll walk through Luxor’s ancient temples with an expert local guide, explore hidden tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and stand beneath towering statues on both sides of the Nile. With hotel pickup, entry fees covered, and cold water along the way, it’s an easygoing day full of stories you’ll remember long after you leave Egypt.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that scarab? Walk around it seven times for luck,” our guide said, half-grinning as we stood in the shade at Karnak Temple. I’d already lost count after three — the sun was sharp even in the morning, and the air smelled faintly of dust and something sweet, maybe incense from a nearby stall. The columns here are so massive you feel like you’re shrinking just looking up. Our guide, Ahmed, pointed out carvings I’d never have noticed on my own — tiny chisel marks, faces worn smooth by centuries of hands. He told stories about pharaohs and gods that made the place feel less like a museum and more like a memory someone was sharing.

After Karnak, we crossed to the West Bank in a van that felt blessedly cool (honestly, I didn’t realize how much I’d appreciate air conditioning until Egypt). The Valley of the Kings is quieter than I expected — not silent exactly, but there’s this hush when you step into the tombs. The walls glow with color even after all these years; it’s hard not to reach out and touch them (I didn’t, promise). Ahmed explained which kings were buried where, but what stuck with me was how he paused before King Tutankhamun’s tomb — “This one changed everything,” he said quietly. I still think about that moment.

We stopped for snacks and water (included — lifesaver), then visited Hatshepsut’s temple. There was a breeze coming off the cliffs that made my scarf flutter around my face. A group of school kids waved at us; one tried to practice his English (“Welcome to Egypt!”) and everyone laughed when I replied in my terrible Arabic. Last stop: Colossi of Memnon — two giant statues just standing guard over fields where men were working in the distance. It felt strange and peaceful at the same time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — East Bank: Karnak & Luxor Temples

• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple

Day 2 — West Bank: Tombs & Monuments

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

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Luxor East & West Bank tour?

Yes, hotel or Nile cruise pickup and return are included in your private tour.

How long does it take to visit both banks of Luxor?

You can choose between a one-day or two-day option to explore both East and West Banks.

Are entry fees for Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings included?

Yes, all entry fees for main attractions are included in your booking price.

Is there an Egyptologist guide on this tour?

Yes, your private tour includes a licensed Egyptology guide throughout.

Are snacks or water provided during the tour?

Bottled water and snacks are provided during your day exploring Luxor.

What sites will I visit on this Luxor day trip?

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

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, all transfers use private air-conditioned vehicles for comfort.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel or cruise pickup and drop-off in Luxor, all entry fees to temples and tombs on both banks of the Nile, bottled water and snacks along the way, plus guidance from a licensed Egyptologist before returning comfortably at your own pace.