Private Day Tour: West & East Banks of Luxor Temples

Four temples, two banks of the Nile, one day with a guide who knows them

A private day tour of Luxor visits the Temple of the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple across both banks of the river. An Egyptology guide leads the route, lunch and car transfers between sites are included, and you return to your hotel by evening. Entry tickets are purchased separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit West and East Banks of Luxor

• Travel to West Bank of Luxor
• Visit Temple of the Valley of the Kings
• See three tombs inside the temple
• Visit Hatshepsut Temple
• Stop at Colossi of Memnon statues
• Have lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Karnak Temple on East Bank
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Return to hotel

The Experience

The morning starts on the West Bank, where you'll explore the Valley of the Kings with your guide. You'll enter three tombs inside the temple complex and see what remains of the burial chambers. From there, the route moves to Hatshepsut Temple, the terraced structure built by one of ancient Egypt's most powerful rulers. Between the two sites stand the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that have watched the Nile valley for over three thousand years.

Lunch happens at a local restaurant before the afternoon shift across the river to the East Bank. Karnak Temple is the largest of the four stops—a sprawling complex where your guide will walk you through the courts, pylons and hypostyle hall, pointing out the details that photographs alone won't explain. The scale of it makes the morning's tombs feel intimate by comparison. Luxor Temple, your final stop, sits closer to the modern city and closes out the day before you head back to your hotel.

The eight-hour span includes all the driving between sites, so you're not arranging taxis or figuring out which bank is which. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or one of 26 other languages, and the lunch break gives you a real meal instead of a rushed snack. Strollers work for infants and small children if you're traveling with them.

What’s included

• Egyptology guide in your chosen language.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• all car transfers between the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
• hotel pickup and return.
• taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Get Your Holidays

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you're traveling as a couple, a small family or a group of friends and want to move at your own pace without joining strangers. The guide stays with your group all day, so you can linger at a temple that grips you or move through one faster, and the fixed itinerary means the four major sites fit into a single morning and afternoon without backtracking.

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Top questions

What exactly is inside the Valley of the Kings tombs?

The Valley of the Kings holds royal burial chambers carved into the rock. On this tour, you'll enter three of the tombs and see the decorated walls and chambers where pharaohs were laid to rest, though most of the treasures were removed centuries ago.

How much walking is involved across the four temples?

Each temple requires moderate walking to move through the courtyards, halls and passages. Hatshepsut Temple involves climbing its terraces, and Karnak's complex spans a large area, but the pace is set by the guide and there's no single stretch that demands extreme fitness.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour price. The guide will take you to an established spot where you'll eat Egyptian cuisine; dietary preferences can usually be arranged if you mention them when booking.

Do I need to buy entry tickets separately?

Yes, entry tickets to each temple are not included in the tour price and must be purchased on the day. Your guide will help you through the process at each site.

What's the difference between Karnak and Luxor temples?

Karnak Temple is a vast complex on the East Bank dedicated to the god Amun, with multiple courts and a forest of columns; it's the largest religious structure in ancient Egypt. Luxor Temple is smaller, also on the East Bank, and was built as a place of worship during festival seasons. Both are essential, but Karnak's scale is what makes it unforgettable.

Can I choose which language my guide speaks?

Yes. The tour is available with guides in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and 26 additional languages. You'll select your preferred language when you book.