Luxor: Karnak & Luxor Temples Private Half Day Tour Pickup

Summary

Walk ancient paths in Luxor’s temples with a private guide and local stories

You’ll walk through Karnak’s giant halls with a local Egyptologist who brings the carvings to life, then explore Luxor Temple as golden light hits its ancient stones. Includes private transport, entry fees if selected, and hotel pickup—so you can just focus on what you’re feeling in these timeless places.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed when we stepped out of the car in Luxor was the dry, chalky scent in the air—like sun-baked stone and something old I couldn’t quite place. Our guide, Hossam, waved us over with a grin that made me feel like we were about to see his favorite secret. We started at Karnak Temple, which honestly looks too big to be real at first. The columns are massive—my neck actually got tired from looking up so much—and everywhere you turn there’s another carving or faded bit of paint. Hossam told us stories about Amon and Mut, but also pointed out little things, like how some hieroglyphs were scratched out by later kings. He let us wander a bit on our own too, which I liked.

I tried tracing one of the carvings with my finger (gently, promise), and it was rough and cool even though the sun was already strong. There were a few other groups around but somehow it didn’t feel crowded—maybe because the place is just so huge. At one point, an older man selling postcards called out to me in French (I guess my accent gave me away) and laughed when I tried to answer back in Arabic. I still think about that moment—just this tiny connection in such an ancient place.

After almost three hours at Karnak, we drove over to Luxor Temple. It’s closer to the Nile and feels different—quieter somehow, maybe more personal? Hossam explained how Amenhotep III started it but Ramses II finished it centuries later. The light was shifting by then; everything glowed kind of gold against the stone lions lining the entrance. I didn’t expect to feel so calm there—I thought it would be more overwhelming—but standing under those columns just made me want to breathe slower.

The tour ended back at our hotel (pickup and drop-off included—super easy), but honestly my head was still full of images from those temples for hours after. If you’re thinking about a half day East Bank tour in Luxor, just go for it. There’s something grounding about walking where so many others have walked before you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Karnak and Luxor Temples

• Pickup from hotel or Nile cruise
• Drive to East Bank
• Visit Karnak Temple for 3 hours
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Drive back to hotel or airport

Top questions

How long does the half day East Bank tour last?

The tour lasts around 4 hours total, including time at both Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple plus transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this Luxor temples tour?

Yes, hotel or Nile cruise pickup and drop-off in Luxor are included in your private tour.

Are entrance tickets included in the price?

Entrance tickets are included if you select that option during booking; otherwise they may be extra.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation and all areas visited are wheelchair accessible.

Will we have a private guide for our group?

Yes, your group will have a licensed Egyptologist guide just for you during the tour.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available if needed.

What should I bring for this half day trip?

Bottled water is provided; bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and maybe a hat for shade.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel or Nile cruise pickup and drop-off in Luxor, guided tours of both Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple with an expert Egyptologist (just your group), bottled water along the way, entrance tickets if you choose that option during booking, plus all transport by air-conditioned vehicle so you don’t have to worry about logistics at all.