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

Summary

Walk where pharaohs dreamed in Luxor’s temples & tombs

You’ll walk through Luxor’s most legendary sites with an Egyptologist guide who knows every story behind each stone — from quiet moments in the Valley of the Kings to sunlight on Hatshepsut’s terraces and lunch at a local restaurant. Expect honest history, unexpected details, and maybe even a laugh or two along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We started early, just as the city was shaking off its sleep — a minivan waiting outside our hotel on Luxor’s East Bank. There were a few others already inside, swapping sleepy hellos. Our guide, Ahmed, had this calm way of talking that made me feel like we’d actually get to understand something real today. I kept catching whiffs of dust and jasmine as we drove toward the West Bank; it’s weird how those smells stick in your memory.

The Valley of the Kings was first. It’s quieter than I expected — not silent, but there’s this hush, like everyone’s holding their breath underground. Ahmed pointed out details on the tomb walls that I would’ve missed: little scratches left by ancient workers, faded blue paint still clinging to stone after all these centuries. He told us stories about some pharaoh whose name I can’t pronounce (I tried — he laughed), and honestly, it made the place feel less like a museum and more like someone’s old neighborhood.

After that we walked up to Hatshepsut’s temple — those terraces stacked against the cliffs. The sun bounced off pale stone so bright I had to squint. There was a breeze coming down from the rocks that felt almost cool for a second. Someone in our group asked if people really worshipped here or if it was just for show; Ahmed shrugged and said sometimes it’s both. Lunch came next at a local spot (I still think about that bread — warm and chewy with this sesame dip), then back across the river toward Karnak Temple.

Karnak is huge in a way that photos never get right. Columns everywhere, shadows moving as clouds drifted overhead. Ahmed paused now and then so we could listen — not just look — because you can hear birds nesting up high and sometimes kids laughing outside the walls. By the time we reached Luxor Temple at dusk, my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with all these half-understood stories and colors and sounds. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing between those statues — or so curious about what else is buried under all this sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of Luxor sites

• Pick up from hotel with group
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Explore Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Tour Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long does this Luxor day tour last?

The tour lasts a full day, starting with morning pickup and ending with return to your hotel in Luxor.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included in your booking.

Are hotel pickups available for all hotels in Luxor?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels on Luxor's East Bank.

Do you visit both East Bank and West Bank attractions?

Yes, this tour covers major sites on both banks including Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, and Luxor Temple.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

A professional Egyptologist guide who speaks English will lead your group throughout the day.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed during the tour.

Are entry fees included in this Luxor tour?

The tour includes all taxes and service charges; check with your provider if entry fees are covered specifically.

How far is Valley of the Kings from central Luxor?

The Valley of the Kings is located on Luxor's West Bank, roughly 30-40 minutes by vehicle from most East Bank hotels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off on Luxor’s East Bank, guiding by a professional Egyptologist who keeps things lively (and patient with questions), entry to all main sites across both banks, plus lunch at a local restaurant before heading back in the evening.