Luxor temples & tombs: private day trip from Hurghada

Summary

Waking up in Hurghada, ending up face-to-face with pharaohs

Start your day before sunrise in Hurghada and find yourself wandering Luxor’s ancient temples with a local Egyptologist guide. Cross the Nile by boat, explore royal tombs in silence, and share lunch overlooking the river. Between stories from your guide and small moments—like incense drifting or laughter with locals—you’ll collect memories that linger long after you’re back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the quiet shuffle of our driver’s sandals on the hotel tiles — it was still dark out in Hurghada, and I was honestly half-asleep climbing into the van. But by the time we reached Luxor, the sun had burned off that Red Sea haze and everything felt sharper: palm trees, dust, even my own curiosity. Our guide, Mahmoud (he told us to call him Mido), met us with this wide grin and a stack of permits. “Welcome to Thebes,” he said — I’d forgotten Luxor used to be called that.

Karnak Temple hit me first. It’s so much bigger than photos make it seem — columns like stone forests, hieroglyphs everywhere you look. Mido pointed out where Ramses II left his mark (literally carved his name over others). I tried to trace the lines with my finger but the stone was warm and rough from centuries of sun. There was this moment when a breeze carried incense from somewhere nearby; not strong, just enough to remind me people still come here to pray sometimes. We crossed the Nile on a little boat — not fancy, but the water was calm and you could see kids waving from the banks.

The Valley of the Kings felt quieter than I expected. Inside one of the tombs (I think it was Ramses IV?), the air changed — cooler, almost damp, and painted walls glowed under our flashlights. Mido told us stories about curses and archaeologists; I probably asked too many questions about Tutankhamun’s tomb but he didn’t seem to mind. Lunch came after that at a place right by the river — grilled chicken, rice, some kind of smoky eggplant dip I’m still craving weeks later. There were cats weaving around our feet under the table.

We finished at Hatshepsut’s temple — those terraces stacked against sheer cliffs looked unreal in late afternoon light. A group of local kids tried selling postcards; one girl practiced her English on me (“Where you from?”) then giggled when I answered. By then my head was full and my feet were tired but I didn’t really want to leave yet. Something about standing there where so many lives have passed through… it sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor Temples and Tombs

• Visit Luxor Temple
• Explore Karnak Temple
• Tour Valley of the Kings
• See Temple of Hatshepsut
• Visit Medinet Habu Temple
• Explore Valley of the Queens
• Pass by Valley of the Nobles

Top questions

How long is the drive from Hurghada to Luxor?

The drive takes approximately 4 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions.

Is lunch included during the Luxor day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Nile is included.

Are entrance fees for temples and tombs covered?

Entry fees are included as part of your private tour package.

Can I choose which sites to visit in Luxor?

You can choose between Karnak or Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings or Queens, plus Hatshepsut's or Ramsses III's temple.

Is there a private guide for this tour?

Yes, an Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout your private day trip.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel in Hurghada?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included in your booking.

Is there a boat ride on the Nile during this trip?

Yes, a private boat trip across the Nile is part of your itinerary.

What should I wear for visiting temples in Luxor?

A smart casual dress code is recommended for comfort and respect at religious sites.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees for selected temples and tombs in Luxor (with options like Karnak Temple or Valley of the Kings), a private Egyptologist guide throughout, a private boat ride across the Nile River, plus buffet lunch at a riverside restaurant before heading back in the evening.