Luxor: Private Day Tour Valley of the Kings & Karnak Temples

Summary

Walk through pharaohs’ tombs and sunlit temples in Luxor

You’ll cross from Luxor’s quiet streets into royal tombs deep in the earth, wander sunlit temples with stories carved into every wall, share lunch at a local spot, and end your day where ancient columns glow in golden light. It’s not just history — it’s feeling time slow down around you.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand where pharaohs actually walked? I didn’t think much about it until we were rolling out of our hotel in Luxor just after sunrise, the city still quiet except for the odd rooster and a faint smell of bread baking somewhere nearby. Our guide, Mahmoud, greeted us with this easy smile — he’d done this a thousand times but somehow made it feel like he was just as curious as we were. The drive across the Nile was quick, but watching those early rays hit the river… that’s something I still think about.

The Valley of the Kings is hotter and quieter than I expected. You walk down these sloping tunnels (the air gets heavy fast), past walls painted with colors that haven’t faded after thousands of years. Mahmoud pointed out little details — a falcon here, a cartouche there — and even let us linger in Tutankhamun’s tomb longer than most groups. My shoes filled with dust and my shirt stuck to my back, but honestly, I barely noticed. There’s this hush underground that makes you whisper without meaning to.

We stopped at Hatshepsut’s Temple next — all sharp lines against the cliffs, sun glaring off pale stone. Lunch came after (koshari and grilled chicken at a place Mahmoud swears by), and then it was back over to the East Bank for Karnak Temple. That place is huge; columns everywhere, some so tall you have to squint up at them. A kid selling postcards tried to teach me how to say “thank you” in Arabic — Li laughed when I tried (I probably butchered it). By the time we reached Luxor Temple, late afternoon light made everything gold and soft. It felt less like ticking off sights and more like wandering through someone else’s memories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor East and West Banks

• Pickup from hotel or airport
• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Tour Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• See the Colossi of Memnon
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Return to hotel or airport

Top questions

How long does the Luxor private day tour last?

The tour covers a full day, including both East and West Banks of Luxor.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel or Nile cruise pickup and drop-off are included.

What sites do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant is included if you select that option; drinks aren’t included.

Are entrance fees covered?

Entry fees are included depending on your chosen booking option.

Can I be picked up from Luxor airport?

Yes, pickup from Luxor airport is possible by arrangement.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are infant seats available?

Specialized infant seats can be arranged if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or Nile cruise pickup by private air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed guide leading you through Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple. Entry fees are covered (depending on your booking choice), plus bottled water and an Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel or even ending at Luxor airport if that suits you better.