Luxor & Valley of Kings Day Trip from Hurghada with Private Guide

Summary

From Hurghada to Luxor’s tombs and temples with lunch and Nile felucca

You’ll travel from Hurghada to Luxor with a local guide who brings ancient stories to life. Walk through pharaohs’ tombs in the Valley of Kings, share laughs over lunch, sail quietly on a felucca along the Nile, and end beneath Karnak’s towering columns — all in one full day.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen closely, you can still hear their stories in the stones,” our guide Ahmed said as we stepped out into the cool morning air at Karnak Temple. He grinned at my sleepy face — it was barely 9am but we’d already crossed half of Egypt, watching the desert slowly wake up through the van window. The drive from Hurghada was quiet, just a few camels in the distance and that dry, sun-baked smell everywhere. I didn’t expect to feel so awake by the time we reached Luxor, but maybe it was Ahmed’s energy or just seeing those palm trees suddenly appear after hours of sand.

The Valley of the Kings felt almost silent, even with other groups around. Inside one tomb (I’m still not sure which pharaoh — Ahmed told us three names and I forgot two), I ran my fingers along a wall where the paint was still bright after thousands of years. It smelled faintly dusty and sweet, like old paper. There’s something strange about being underground in that heat — cool stone against your arm, then stepping back outside into sunlight that makes you squint. Lunch came just when I needed it: grilled chicken, rice, and this smoky eggplant thing I could eat every day. Ahmed laughed when I tried to pronounce “baba ghanoush” — apparently I have an accent even in Egypt.

The Colossi of Memnon were massive — bigger than they look in photos — but what stuck with me was how locals waved as we passed by, kids running barefoot across the road like it was nothing. Later, drifting on a felucca down the Nile for twenty minutes felt unreal; there was this breeze off the water that made everything slow down for a bit. The city noises faded behind us and all you could hear was water slapping gently against wood. Karnak Temple at the end felt almost too much to take in after such a long day (my feet were ready to give up), but standing under those columns as late afternoon light hit them… well, I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private day trip from Hurghada to Luxor

• Pickup from hotel at 5 AM
• Drive 4 hours to Luxor
• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Explore Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon statues
• Enjoy traditional lunch
• Relax on 20-minute felucca ride
• Tour Karnak Temple complex
• Drive 4 hours back to Hurghada

Top questions

How long is the drive from Hurghada to Luxor?

The drive takes about 4 hours each way in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Is hotel pickup included for this Luxor day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included.

What sites are visited during this private tour?

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

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Do you get to ride a boat on the Nile?

A relaxing 20-minute felucca boat ride on the Nile is part of the itinerary.

Are entry tickets included for all attractions?

All entrance fees for mentioned sightseeing spots are covered.

Who leads the tour in Luxor?

An expert Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout Luxor.

Is this day trip suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Hurghada, private transportation with bottled water along the way, all entry tickets for Valley of Kings, Karnak Temple and other sites, a traditional lunch at a local spot (with plenty of Egyptian flavors), guidance from an expert Egyptologist throughout Luxor’s wonders, plus a peaceful felucca ride before heading back in comfort at sunset.