Luxor & Karnak Temples: Private 2-Day Tour with Egyptologist

Summary

Private Egyptologist-led tour of Luxor’s ancient wonders

You’ll walk ancient halls at Karnak and Luxor Temples, explore hidden tombs in the Valley of the Kings with a private Egyptologist guide, stand before Hatshepsut’s dramatic temple cliffs, and snap photos by the Colossi of Memnon. Expect hotel pickup and real stories along the way — it’s more than just sightseeing.

What’s the experience like?

Hands covered in a bit of dust from the temple wall, I glanced at our guide — Mahmoud — who was tracing faded hieroglyphs with his finger. He didn’t rush us. At Karnak Temple, the air felt heavy with old incense and sunlight bounced off those columns in a way that made everything look almost gold. I tried to repeat one of the gods’ names after him (Amon? Amun?), but honestly, my pronunciation was hopeless. Mahmoud just grinned and shrugged, like he’d heard worse.

We crossed over to Luxor Temple as evening crept in — the stones cooling under our hands, kids laughing somewhere nearby. The main keyword here is “private tour Luxor,” but what stuck with me was how personal it all felt. Mahmoud told stories about Ramses II and pointed out where ancient workers left little marks, almost like graffiti. It’s weirdly moving to see something so old feel so… human.

The next morning started early (I’m not a morning person), but the West Bank was worth it. The Valley of the Kings is quieter than I expected — just wind and our footsteps echoing inside those tombs. There’s this smell, kind of earthy and dry, that clings to your clothes for hours after. At Hatshepsut Temple, I tried to imagine being a queen here; honestly, it’s hard not to feel small standing in front of those cliffs.

We ended at the Colossi of Memnon. Mahmoud joked they were “the original doormen.” I took too many photos, none quite capturing their size or that strange feeling you get looking up at them against the sky. On the drive back into Luxor city, I kept thinking about how much history sits right under your feet here — and how lucky we were to have someone local showing us around.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Karnak and Luxor Temples

• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple

Day 2 — Visit West Bank Highlights

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

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this private Luxor tour?

Yes, pickup from your starting point in Luxor is included.

Which temples are visited on this 2-day tour?

Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon.

Does this day trip cover both East Bank and West Bank sites?

Yes, Day 1 covers East Bank (Karnak & Luxor Temples); Day 2 covers West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon).

Are entrance fees included in the price?

All entrance fees to sites are included in your booking.

Is there an Egyptologist guide throughout both days?

Yes, a private Egyptologist guide accompanies you for both days.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your experience includes private pickup from your hotel or chosen starting point in Luxor each day, all entry fees for every site on both banks of the Nile, transfers by air-conditioned vehicle throughout both days, plus a dedicated Egyptologist guide sharing stories and history as you go — then drop-off back where you started each afternoon.