Luxor temples & Valley of the Kings: Day trip from Hurghada

Summary

From Hurghada to Ancient Luxor: A Day of Pharaohs & Surprises

Start your day in Hurghada and travel across shifting desert landscapes to Luxor with a local guide. Walk through Karnak Temple’s ancient halls, share lunch at a local spot, cross the Nile by boat, and explore royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings—a day full of surprises and moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll just say it — I almost missed the minivan because I couldn’t find my sunglasses. Our guide, Ahmed, just grinned and said, “No worries, you’ll need your eyes wide open for Luxor anyway.” The drive out of Hurghada was quieter than I expected. Sand everywhere, but not empty — you catch glimpses of little roadside tea stands and kids waving at the van. It’s a long ride (about four hours), but there’s something about watching the desert shift colors that makes time feel weirdly elastic.

Karnak Temple was our first stop. I’d seen photos before but walking through those columns — honestly, it’s like being swallowed by history. Ahmed pointed out carvings that looked almost new despite being thousands of years old. There’s this faint smell of dust and incense in the air, and when you run your hand over the stone it’s cool even in the heat. Lunch came after (I still dream about that smoky baba ganoush), with everyone at our table trying to pronounce “shukran” right. Ahmed laughed at my attempt — apparently my accent is more French than Egyptian.

Crossing the Nile felt surreal; it’s wider than I imagined and there were these flashes of green along the banks that made me forget we were in the desert for a second. The Valley of the Kings is quiet in a way that makes you lower your voice without thinking about it. We saw Tutankhamun’s tomb (extra fee if you want to go inside), and I remember how the painted walls seemed to glow even in low light. Hatshepsut’s temple was next — all sharp lines against cliffs — and then finally those massive Colossi of Memnon just standing out there like they’re waiting for someone who never comes back.

The sun was already sliding down by the time we headed back to Hurghada. Everyone was tired but kind of wired too — swapping photos and half-remembered facts from Ahmed (“Eighteen years she ruled!”). My shoes were full of sand and my head full of stories. I didn’t expect to feel so small or so curious at once, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor Full Day Tour from Hurghada

• Transfer from Hurghada to Luxor
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Hatshepsut Temple
• Visit Colossi of Memnon
• Drive back to Hurghada hotel

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Hurghada to Luxor on this tour?

The drive takes about four hours each way by air-conditioned minivan.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Hurghada to Luxor?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included during the tour.

What sites do we visit on this Luxor day trip?

You’ll visit Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Hurghada?

Yes, pickup and return from your hotel in Hurghada are included.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, a private English-speaking Egyptologist guide leads the tour.

Are drinks provided during lunch?

You get mineral water plus tea or coffee with lunch.

Is this day trip suitable for families with children?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available and all fitness levels are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and return in Hurghada by private air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees to major sites like Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings with an English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout, plus a local restaurant lunch with mineral water and tea or coffee before heading back in the evening.