Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut Day Tour

Summary

Valley tombs and temple columns on both Nile banks in one day

You’ll walk ancient tombs in the Valley of the Kings with a local guide, stand beneath Hatshepsut’s temple cliffs, eat lunch at a local spot, and finish among Karnak’s columns before returning to your hotel — all in one day that lingers long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide, Ahmed, right outside the hotel — he was holding up my name (I always worry I’ll miss it but he found us first). The drive through Luxor was already busy, dust in the air and that faint sweet smell you get near the river. First stop: Valley of the Kings. It’s hard to describe walking down into those tombs — cool air after the sun, walls covered in colors that somehow survived centuries. Ahmed pointed out little details I’d have missed, like how some symbols were scratched out by later kings. He told stories about Tutankhamun and Ramesses VI as if he’d known them personally. I tried to imagine what it must’ve sounded like when these were sealed up for good.

Next was Hatshepsut’s temple — honestly, I didn’t expect to be so struck by it. The cliffs behind almost swallow it up. There was this moment where a group of local schoolkids ran past us laughing; one girl waved and said “welcome!” in English, which made me smile. We stopped by the Colossi of Memnon (they’re just standing there, massive and silent), then crossed over to the east bank for lunch at a place full of locals — proper Egyptian food, nothing fancy but really tasty bread and grilled chicken. Drinks weren’t included but we grabbed cold sodas anyway.

Karnak Temple is huge — bigger than any photo can show. Walking between those columns felt surreal; you hear birds echoing somewhere high above and your footsteps on stone. By then I was getting tired but Ahmed kept sharing stories about gods and pharaohs that made me want to keep going just a bit more. Last stop was Luxor Temple itself as the light started to change — golden on stone, people drifting quietly between statues. We headed back to our hotel feeling dusty and kind of overwhelmed by how much history fits in one day trip from Luxor.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor East and West Banks

• Meet guide at 7:00 am
• Visit Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Visit Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• Pass Colossi of Memnon
• Lunch at local restaurant

Top questions

How long does the Luxor day tour take?

The tour covers both East and West Banks of Luxor in one full day with pickup and drop-off included.

Is lunch included on this Luxor day trip?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included if you select that option when booking.

What sites are visited during this tour?

The tour visits Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple.

Are entry fees included?

Entry fees are included if you choose that option during booking; otherwise they are paid separately.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided with all options.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour offers specialized infant seats and is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for certain health conditions.

Do I need to arrange my own transport between sites?

No, all transfers between sites are by private air-conditioned vehicle arranged by the operator.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor, all transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water along the way, entry fees if selected when booking, an expert local guide throughout each site visit, plus lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant before heading back in the afternoon.