Luxor & Karnak Temples: Private Day Tour with Egyptologist

Summary

Walk ancient halls in Luxor with stories from your guide

You’ll wander Karnak’s vast hypostyle hall with an Egyptologist guide who brings ancient stories alive, then stand beneath colossal statues at Luxor Temple while learning details you’d miss alone. Includes hotel pickup, entry fees, bottled water—and moments that might stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing under those columns at Karnak Temple. They’re just… massive, and the carvings go up forever. Our guide, Ahmed, met us right in the hotel lobby (he had this friendly smile — you could tell he really loved his job), and we drove out through morning traffic, which is noisier than I thought for Luxor. You get these little whiffs of dust and sweet tea from the street stalls as you pass by.

Karnak is huge — like, you could get lost if you wandered off. Ahmed kept us moving but never rushed; he’d stop and point out a detail in the hieroglyphics or tell a quick story about a pharaoh who tried to erase another’s name (apparently that happened a lot). The sacred lake was still and kind of mysterious. There was this moment where the sun hit the obelisks just right and everyone went quiet for a second. I think that’s when it really hit me how old everything is here.

After that we headed to Luxor Temple, which sits closer to the Nile — there were kids laughing nearby and vendors calling out in Arabic (I tried saying thank you once, pretty sure I got it wrong). The statues of Ramses II are enormous up close. Ahmed showed us some carvings I would’ve missed completely on my own. He even offered to take photos for us — I’m usually awkward about that but honestly, he made it easy. By midday it was hot but not unbearable; bottled water definitely helped.

I keep thinking about how the stones felt cool even as the air warmed up around us, or how our guide laughed when I mixed up two gods’ names. It’s not just facts — it’s people sharing bits of their home with you. If you want a day trip from Luxor that goes deeper than just looking at ruins, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Karnak and Luxor Temples

• Meet Egyptologist at hotel lobby
• Drive to Karnak Temple
• Explore Karnak Temple complex
• Photograph Karnak Temple highlights
• Drive to Luxor Temple
• Explore Luxor Temple complex
• Photograph Luxor Temple statues and pillars

Top questions

How long does the Luxor & Karnak Temples tour take?

The tour covers both temples in one day, starting from your hotel in Luxor.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Luxor is included.

Are entry fees to Karnak and Luxor Temples covered?

All entry fees are included in the tour price.

Will we have an English-speaking guide?

Your guide will be an English-speaking Egyptologist.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included throughout your visit.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

How big are the groups on this private tour?

This is a private tour—just your group and your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle in Luxor, all entry fees for both temples, bottled water to keep you going under the Egyptian sun, and guiding throughout by an English-speaking Egyptologist before returning back to your hotel later on.