Luxor: Valley of Kings & Karnak Temple Private Tour with Lunch

What you actually see in eight hours across Luxor's two banks

You visit five major sites across Luxor's West and East Banks in a single day with a private guide, air-conditioned transport, and lunch included. The guide is an Egyptologist who explains the burial rituals, architectural details, and the role of each temple. Hotel or airport pickup means you don't arrange transport yourself, and the fixed eight-hour schedule fits both banks into one afternoon.

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 Banks

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

The experience

"So we're doing both sides in one day?" That's the question most people ask when they land in Luxor with limited time. The answer is yes, and it works because the route is planned to move you through the West Bank first (Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon), then across the river to Karnak and Luxor Temple on the East Bank. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel or airport, and an Egyptologist guide walks you through the burial rituals of the pharaohs, the architectural choices behind the Hypostyle Hall at Karnak (one of the world's great achievements, honestly), and why Hatshepsut was the only female pharaoh to actually rule. The pace is steady but not rushed, and you stop for lunch at a local restaurant partway through.

The West Bank hits first. Valley of the Kings holds 66 tombs across different dynasties, and the guide explains what you're looking at: the layout, the inscriptions, the logic of how they were hidden. Then you move to Hatshepsut's temple, which sits differently than the others, built into the cliff face rather than standing alone. The Colossi of Memnon are two massive sitting statues facing the Nile, and the stop is brief but the scale stays with you. After lunch, you cross to the East Bank, where Karnak Temple sprawls across nearly two miles with more than twenty temples inside it. The Hypostyle Hall alone, a forest of giant papyrus-shaped columns, takes time to walk through and understand. Luxor Temple closes out the day, built from Nubian sandstone and lit differently than the morning sites.

Bring sunglasses, a hat, and water: the Egyptian sun doesn't soften. The guide speaks your language (you choose when you book), and entry fees are included, though the Egyptian government only accepts Egyptian Pounds at the gates, so have cash. The whole day is eight hours, and you're back at your hotel or Nile cruise ship by evening.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel, airport, or train station pickup in a private air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees to all five sites (Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple), a professional Egyptologist guide in your chosen language, lunch at a local restaurant, bottled water, all taxes and parking fees, and return transport to your accommodation or cruise ship.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 11:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 to 97 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Egypt Best Holidays

Is this one for you?Right for travelers with one day in Luxor who want both banks covered without arranging transport or entry logistics themselves. The eight-hour schedule is full but paced for walking and learning, not rushing. Expect to be on your feet for stretches, especially at Karnak Temple's vast complex.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What's included in the tour?

Pickup from your Luxor hotel, airport, or train station; all entry fees; lunch at a local restaurant; bottled water; a professional Egyptologist guide in your chosen language; and return transport. Taxes, fuel surcharge, parking, and landing fees are covered.

How long is the tour?

Eight hours total, including all five sites, lunch, and transport time between locations.

Do I need to bring cash for entry fees?

Yes. The Egyptian government only accepts Egyptian Pounds for entry fees at the sites, so bring cash in the local currency.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with accessible transportation and surfaces at all areas. Infants can sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What should I bring?

Sunglasses, a hat or head scarf, your camera, and comfortable walking shoes. A student card can get you discounts at some locations.

What if I'm arriving at the airport? Can I be picked up there?

Yes, pickup is available from Luxor airport, your hotel, Nile cruise ship, or train station.

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

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included. The specific menu depends on the restaurant, but it's a traditional local meal.