Luxor Horse Carriage Tour: Temples, Sphinxes & Local Insights

Summary

Discover Luxor’s Ancient Secrets by Horse Carriage

You’ll get to know Luxor in a way most visitors miss—by horse carriage, with a local guide who knows all the stories and hidden details. From ancient temples and sphinx-lined avenues to lively city streets and quiet moments at the mosque, this tour gives you both the big sights and those small, real-life touches that make travel memorable.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the dry heat—Luxor’s sun doesn’t mess around. I met the group right outside the Luxor Museum, where our guide stood waving a little red flag. There was this faint smell of dust and jasmine from a nearby vendor. We all introduced ourselves—some folks from Germany, a couple from Cairo—and then climbed into the horse-drawn carriage. The driver grinned and clicked his tongue; his horse, a chestnut mare named Layla, seemed to know the route by heart.

Rolling through the city, you get a real sense of how old Luxor is. Our first stop was Karnak Temple. The scale of it is wild—columns everywhere, each one carved with stories from pharaohs long gone. Our guide, Ahmed, pointed out the Hypostyle Hall and explained how every ruler left their own mark here. He even showed us some recent excavation work; you could see fresh sand piled up near a newly uncovered wall. It’s strange to think that after thousands of years, people are still finding things here.

We rattled along to Luxor Temple next. The place feels alive, even with bits missing. I remember running my hand over a column and feeling the grooves left by ancient tools. Ahmed told us about the annual festival where the god Amun was “reborn”—hard to picture now with taxis honking in the distance. Still, when you stand in the Great Colonnade Hall, it’s easy to imagine the crowds that once filled this space.

The Avenue of Sphinxes was up next. It stretches between Karnak and Luxor Temple, lined with hundreds of sandstone sphinxes. Ahmed shared how they only finished uncovering it in 2021—he even remembered seeing the TV coverage of the reopening ceremony. There was a group of kids playing soccer nearby; they barely glanced at us as we passed by, but one waved and shouted “Welcome!”

Our last stop was the Mosque of Abu Haggag. It sits right on top of the ancient temple ruins—layers of history stacked together. The call to prayer echoed off the stone as we arrived. Ahmed explained how this mosque has been in use for centuries, making it one of the oldest continuously used religious sites in the world. We lingered for a bit, just soaking in the mix of old and new.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor East Bank

• Meet at Luxor Museum and horse carriage ride
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Tour Luxor Temple
• Walk Avenue of Sphinxes
• See Mosque of Abu Haggag

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Absolutely! The pace is relaxed and there’s plenty of shade at each stop. Just keep in mind it can get hot, so bring water and a hat.

Can I join if I have limited mobility?

The carriage ride is comfortable, but some temple areas have uneven ground. Let us know your needs—we’ll do our best to help.

What should I wear?

Light clothes, comfy shoes, and something to cover your shoulders for the mosque. Sunscreen is a must!

Are photos allowed inside the temples?

Yes, you can take photos at most sites. Our guide will let you know if there are any restrictions.

What’s included

Your spot includes a knowledgeable Egyptologist as your guide and all horse carriage transportation between sites. Service animals are welcome, and public transport is nearby if you need it. Just let us know about any health concerns before booking.