Luxor: Valley of Kings, Queens & Karnak Private Day Tour

Summary

Walk tombs of kings & queens then lunch before Karnak’s columns

You’ll walk through ancient tombs in Luxor’s Valley of Kings & Queens with a licensed Egyptologist guiding every step, see Hatshepsut’s temple rising from desert cliffs, share lunch at a local spot, then wander Karnak’s vast halls before ending at Luxor Temple—all with private transport and entry included.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush—like the air itself was holding its breath as we stepped into the Valley of the Kings. Our guide, Mahmoud, had this gentle way of explaining things, never rushed. He pointed out tiny details on the walls—colors still clinging after thousands of years—and I kept thinking how strange it felt to be somewhere I’d only seen in textbooks. The heat outside pressed down but inside the tombs it was cool and a little musty, like old stone and dust mixed with something sweet from incense ages ago. We tried to pronounce Tutankhamun right (Li laughed at my attempt), and Mahmoud just grinned.

We crossed to Hatshepsut’s temple next. It rises out of the rock almost like it grew there—hard to believe a woman ruled Egypt so long ago. A group of school kids waved at us; their teacher gave us a shy “welcome!” in English. The Colossi of Memnon were just standing there in the sun, massive and silent—I didn’t expect them to feel so lonely somehow. Then we wound through narrow roads to the Valley of the Queens. Nefertari’s tomb is closed off but even just being nearby gave me chills. There was this wind that picked up dust and carried voices from far off fields.

Lunch came at just the right moment—simple food but full of flavor, fresh bread that steamed when you tore it open. After that we headed for Karnak Temple. Those columns are bigger than you think; sunlight falls in stripes across carvings that go up forever. Mahmoud showed us where priests used to hide secret messages in hieroglyphs (I still wonder what they said). By late afternoon we reached Luxor Temple itself—the light was softer now and everything looked golden.

I keep replaying that day in my head: Mahmoud’s stories, the taste of cumin on my fingers after lunch, how quiet it felt underground with all those kings sleeping around us. If you’ve ever wondered what ancient Egypt really feels like—not just what it looks like—this day trip from Luxor is probably as close as you’ll get.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor's West and East Banks

• Pick up from hotel or airport
• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Tour Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• Photograph Colossi of Memnon
• Explore Valley of the Queens tombs
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Karnak Temples complex
• Tour Luxor Temple
• Return to hotel or airport

Top questions

How long does this Luxor day tour take?

The tour covers all main sites in one full day with pickup and drop-off included.

Is an Egyptologist guide included?

Yes, a fully licensed Egyptologist guide leads your private tour throughout.

Are entry fees for temples and tombs included?

All admission fees for Karnak Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of Kings & Queens, and Luxor Temple are included.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is part of the experience.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Your guide will pick you up from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise ship.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers; infant seats are also available if needed.

What sites will I visit on this day trip from Luxor?

You’ll visit Valley of Kings & Queens, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

The tour uses a private air-conditioned vehicle for comfort between sites.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor by private air-conditioned vehicle with a fully licensed Egyptologist guide throughout. All entry fees to Karnak Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of Kings & Queens, and Luxor Temple are covered along with bottled water and lunch at a local restaurant before returning you comfortably at day’s end.