Private Luxor Valley of the Kings Tour: Five Temples in One Day

A full day through Luxor's temples and tombs, guided by someone who reads the hieroglyphics

You visit five major temples and the Valley of the Kings across both banks of Luxor with a private Egyptologist guide who explains the hieroglyphics and the dynasties as you move through each site. Hotel or cruise ship pickup is included, as is all transport, entry fees, and bottled water. The day runs from morning through late afternoon, covering nearly a mile of the Karnak complex and three royal tombs in the valley.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Valley of the Kings1h 30m
2. Temple of Hatshepsut1h 30m
3. Colossi of Memnon30m
4. Karnak Temple2h
5. Luxor Temple1h 30m

Explore Luxor East and West Bank

• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Tour Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• Stop at Colossi of Memnon statues
• Explore Karnak Temple complex
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Transfer back to hotel or cruise

The experience

You've just landed in Luxor or stepped off your Nile cruise, and the heat hits you the moment you walk outside. The guide meets you at the hotel or ship, and within an hour you're crossing the West Bank toward the Valley of the Kings. The valley holds 66 tombs carved into the rock: pharaohs from different dynasties, each one a chamber of painted walls and stone passages that go deeper than you'd expect. You move through three of them with the guide pointing out the cartouches, the boat scenes, the spells painted on the ceilings. It's quiet inside, and the air is cool in a way the surface isn't.

After the tombs, you stop at the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the only female pharaoh Egypt had, and her temple is built into the cliff itself: three terraces rising up with columns that look almost Greek, though they're older. The guide explains how she ruled for twenty-two years and how later kings tried to erase her from history by chiseling out her name. On the drive back, you pass the Colossi of Memnon, two massive sitting statues facing the Nile, their faces worn smooth by wind and time. They're just sitting there on the plain, no temple around them anymore, which somehow makes them stranger and more real.

The afternoon takes you to the East Bank and the Karnak Temple complex, which is less a single temple and more a city of temples built over centuries. The Hypostyle Hall alone, a forest of giant papyrus-shaped columns, is one of the greatest pieces of architecture the ancient world left behind. You walk between them, and the scale of it sinks in slowly. Around thirty different kings added to Karnak over time, each one leaving their mark, so the whole place is a conversation across dynasties. The guide knows which wall is which period, which cartouches belong to which ruler, and the story starts to hold together.

You finish at Luxor Temple on the East Bank, smaller than Karnak but still grand, with its own pylons and statues. By the time you're back at your hotel or ship, you've seen five major temples, walked through royal tombs, and heard the history from someone trained to read it. The whole day is handled (transport, entry fees, water, the guide), so you're not arranging anything or negotiating with drivers. Just show up, and the ancient Egypt part of your trip is done.

What’s included

• Your day includes private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel or Nile cruise pickup and drop-off, entry to the Valley of the Kings (three tombs), the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple complex, and Luxor Temple.
• A professional Egyptologist guide in your chosen language is with you the entire time, and bottled water is provided.
• All parking fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges are covered.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 10:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Italian and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessible

Operated by Egypt Best Holidays

Is this one for you?Right for travelers with limited time in Luxor who want to see both banks' major temples and tombs without arranging transport or entry separately. The full-day pace means you cover a lot of ground, five sites across two banks, which is what makes fitting the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, and Karnak into one trip possible.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Italian and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs the full day, starting with West Bank sites in the morning and moving to the East Bank temples in the afternoon. Exact duration depends on your hotel location and how long you spend at each site, but plan for 8–10 hours total including transport.

Is the Valley of the Kings included?

Yes. You visit three pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings as part of the West Bank portion of the tour.

What's the difference between the West Bank and East Bank?

The West Bank holds the Valley of the Kings (royal tombs) and the Temple of Hatshepsut. The East Bank has the Karnak and Luxor temples. This tour covers both in one day.

Is the guide an Egyptologist?

Yes, the tour includes a professional Egyptologist guide. You can choose your preferred language when booking.

What's included in the price?

Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees, the Egyptologist guide, hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off, bottled water, parking, and all taxes and surcharges.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes, bring your camera. You're also advised to bring sunglasses, a hat or head scarf, and a student card if you have one: many sites offer student discounts.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, though some temple sites involve uneven ground and stairs. Discuss your needs when booking so the guide can plan accordingly.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, but you'll be walking through temples and tombs in heat, so comfortable shoes and plenty of water are essential.