Luxor Valley of the Kings Day Trip from Hurghada with Karnak & Lunch

Summary

Walk ancient halls in Luxor, taste local food, hear stories from guides

You’ll walk ancient halls at Karnak Temple and descend into tombs in the Valley of the Kings on this day trip from Hurghada to Luxor. Hear stories from your guide that make old stones feel alive, share lunch with your group, and touch real alabaster in a family workshop. It’s not just sightseeing—it lingers with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a bottle of cold water as I stepped off the bus in Luxor, and for some reason that’s what I remember first—the little relief after hours watching desert roll by outside the window. Our guide, Ahmed, was already waving us over by the entrance to Karnak Temple, talking about how the columns used to be painted bright blue and red. I kept running my hand along the stone just to feel how it’s been worn smooth by thousands of years (and probably a million hands before mine). He pointed out some faded hieroglyphs and joked that if we could read them, we’d get his job. We laughed—no one even tried.

The sun was already high when we crossed to the west bank of the Nile. The Colossi of Memnon looked taller than I expected—almost like they’re bored after all these centuries. At Valley of the Kings, there was this hush as we went down into one of the tombs; you could almost smell old dust and something like minerals or maybe just cool earth. Ahmed kept his voice low, explaining how they found Tutankhamun’s tomb nearby. I tried picturing what it must’ve felt like for Carter back then but mostly just felt small under all that history. We stopped for lunch somewhere with tiled floors and fans spinning lazily overhead—rice, grilled chicken, vegetables. Simple but honestly good after all that walking.

I didn’t expect to care much about Queen Hatshepsut’s temple but standing at those steps with wind tugging at my hat, it hit different—she ruled as a woman here when hardly anyone would let her. There were kids selling little alabaster figurines outside; one of them grinned when I tried saying “shukran” and probably knew I’d buy something (I did). Before heading back to Hurghada, we visited an alabaster workshop where men shaped vases by hand—chalky dust everywhere, someone humming quietly in Arabic. My shoes are still a bit white from it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor tour from Hurghada with key sights

• Bus pickup from hotel in Hurghada
• Travel to Luxor (approx. 4 hours)
• Meet tour guide at Karnak Temple
• Explore Karnak Temple with guide
• Visit Colossi of Memnon statues
• Tour tombs in Valley of the Kings
• Visit Queen Hatshepsut temple
• Free time in Luxor
• Return to Hurghada by bus

Top questions

How long is the drive from Hurghada to Luxor?

The drive takes around 4 hours each way by air-conditioned bus.

Is lunch included on this Luxor day trip?

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

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

Entry fees are included if you select that option during booking.

Will there be a guide during the tour?

Yes, an English-speaking tour guide accompanies you throughout Luxor.

Is hotel pickup provided from Hurghada?

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

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible across all areas and surfaces.

Do you visit both Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings?

Yes, both Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings are visited on this day trip.

What else is included besides main sites?

You also visit Colossi of Memnon and an alabaster factory in Luxor.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned hotel pickup from Hurghada, entry fees to Karnak Temple and other sites (if selected), an English-speaking guide who brings ancient Egypt to life with stories along every stop, plus a simple lunch at a local restaurant before returning in comfort that evening.