Luxor: Temples & Valley of the Kings day trip from Cairo

Summary

Step into Egypt’s ancient world on a whirlwind Luxor adventure

You’ll fly from Cairo to Luxor for a full day exploring Egypt’s most legendary sites with an expert guide — from Karnak Temple’s towering columns to the quiet tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Enjoy local lunch and stories along the way before heading back to Cairo with memories you’ll keep replaying long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already yawning when our driver picked us up in Cairo — it was barely sunrise, and I could still smell last night’s city dust on my jacket. The airport was its usual blur, but once we landed in Luxor, the air felt different. Warmer, somehow softer. Our guide, Ahmed, met us right outside arrivals with this easy smile and a story about his grandmother’s favorite spice mix (I wish I’d written it down). We piled into a van and set off toward Karnak Temple — I remember the way the sun hit those columns, making everything look almost gold. You can’t really prepare for how massive those stones feel up close. My shoes got dusty in seconds.

After that we zigzagged through Luxor with Ahmed pointing out things I’d never have noticed — like how locals wave at each other from scooters or how you can spot fresh bread by the way it steams in the morning air. At the Valley of the Kings, there was this hush that made everyone whisper without meaning to. The tomb paintings are so bright they almost look fake (they’re not), and Ahmed explained which pharaohs were buried where. I tried to imagine what it must’ve been like to carve all that by torchlight. It’s wild.

Lunch was somewhere local — grilled chicken, rice with something fragrant I couldn’t name, and these tiny sweet oranges for dessert. The Colossi of Memnon stood out against the sky like they were waiting for someone to talk back. By late afternoon at Hatshepsut’s temple, my legs were tired but my brain wouldn’t stop spinning with stories about queens and gods and old stones that have seen more sunrises than I ever will. The flight back felt quieter; maybe everyone else was thinking about those painted walls too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor Highlights by Plane

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Explore Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Tour Luxor Temple
• Discover Karnak Temple

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Cairo to Luxor?

The trip lasts a full day including early morning pickup in Cairo, round-trip flights, guided tours in Luxor, lunch, and return transfer.

What sites do you visit on this Luxor day trip?

You visit Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Valley of the Kings.

Is lunch included during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip experience in Luxor.

Are hotel transfers provided?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Cairo or Giza hotels.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas visited are wheelchair accessible.

Do you get a local guide in Luxor?

Yes, a qualified Egyptologist guide leads your tour throughout Luxor.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or specialized infant seats are available.

How do you travel between Cairo and Luxor?

You travel by domestic round-trip flight between Cairo and Luxor as part of this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, round-trip flights between Cairo and Luxor, all transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle with a local Egyptologist guide leading you through each site, plus lunch before your return flight home in the evening.