Luxor Private Day Trip from Safaga Port: Valley of the Kings Tour

Summary

Safaga to Luxor: Private Guided Tour with Ancient Tombs & Temples

If your ship stops at Safaga Port, don’t skip this private Luxor day trip. You’ll walk through ancient tombs, temples rising from desert cliffs, and see Egypt’s history up close—all with an expert guide who brings every detail to life.

What’s the experience like?

The air was already warming up when we left Safaga Port, our guide greeting us with a grin and cold bottles of water. The drive to Luxor took a couple hours—enough time to watch the desert shift colors and catch snippets of local radio in the van. When we finally pulled up at the Valley of the Kings, it felt surreal. The limestone cliffs looked almost gold in the morning sun. Inside the tombs, you could still see bright colors on the walls—scenes of gods and pharaohs that haven’t faded much after thousands of years. Our guide, Ahmed, pointed out tiny details I’d have missed: a faint falcon here, a chipped cartouche there. It’s cooler underground, but you can smell dust and old stone.

Next stop was Hatshepsut’s Temple. Honestly, photos don’t do it justice—the way it rises up against the cliffs is something else. There were a few vendors selling mint tea near the entrance; I grabbed a cup and just watched people milling around for a minute. The temple itself is built on three levels with long ramps; walking up, you get this wide view over the valley and palm groves in the distance.

Karnak Temple came after lunch (which was simple but good—grilled chicken and rice at a spot called El Hussein). Karnak is huge; columns everywhere, some as thick as tree trunks. You’ll hear birds nesting high above in cracks between stones. Ahmed explained how each pharaoh added their own touches over centuries—it’s like history layered right in front of you.

On our way back, we stopped at the Colossi of Memnon—two giant statues just sitting by the roadside, looking out over fields where farmers still work by hand. There’s always someone nearby selling postcards or dates if you want a snack for the ride home. By late afternoon we were heading back to Safaga Port, tired but honestly glad we didn’t miss this chance while docked here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor Highlights Tour

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Hatshepsut Temple
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Lunch and visit Colossi of Memnon

Top questions

How long does the tour take?

The full tour usually takes about 12 hours including transfers between Safaga Port and Luxor.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is part of your tour package.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees to attractions are included in your booking price.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes! It’s great for families and all fitness levels—just note infants need to sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

You’ll have a private English-speaking guide with you throughout your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfers from Safaga Port in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance tickets to sites mentioned, bottled water during your journey, lunch at a local restaurant, plus your own private English-speaking guide for the whole experience.