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

Valley of the Kings secrets, Karnak’s columns and Hatshepsut’s legacy

You’ll walk ancient corridors in the Valley of the Kings, hear stories at Hatshepsut Temple, stand beneath Karnak’s towering columns, and watch Luxor Temple light up at dusk: all with a local Egyptologist guide by your side. Expect real history, quiet moments between crowds, and small surprises along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Valley of the Kings2h
2. Temple of Hatshepsut1h
3. Colossi of Memnon30m
4. Karnak Temple2h
5. Luxor Temple1h · entry included
6. Medinet Habu1h · entry included

Explore Luxor West and East Banks

• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Tour Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon statues
• Explore Karnak Temple complex
• Admire Luxor Temple at night

The experience

You notice it first in the hush: our little group stepping out of the van at the Valley of the Kings. The air felt dry but not harsh, and there was this faint mineral smell: like old stone warmed by sun. Our Egyptologist guide, Mahmoud, handed us bottled water (thankfully), then grinned and said something about “meeting royalty underground.” I laughed but honestly felt a bit nervous. Descending into those tombs is different than you expect. It’s cooler down there, colors on the walls still sharp after thousands of years. Mahmoud pointed at a falcon painted above one doorway and told us how it meant protection for the pharaoh’s soul. I tried to imagine painting that in total darkness. He said they used oil lamps. My phone camera didn’t do it justice.

We climbed back into the car (AC blasting) and headed to Hatshepsut Temple. That place is just… odd in a good way? It rises up from the rock like it grew there by accident. There were school kids on a field trip laughing as their teacher explained something I couldn’t catch. Mahmoud told us how Hatshepsut ruled as king, not queen. He even showed us her fake beard in one carving. I butchered her name trying to say it right. He smiled politely but I caught him smirking when he thought I wasn’t looking. The Colossi of Memnon came next: two battered giants standing guard over nothing now but wind and traffic noise. We didn’t stay long but you could feel their age somehow.

Karnak Temple was so much bigger than I’d pictured: columns everywhere, sunlight slicing through gaps overhead. It smelled faintly of dust and incense from some offering nearby (someone had left flowers at a statue’s feet). Mahmoud led us through side passages most people skipped. He seemed to know every shortcut or quiet corner where you could actually hear your own footsteps echoing. By late afternoon we reached Luxor Temple, which glowed gold as dusk crept in. The lights flicked on slowly, not all at once, and for a minute everyone just stood quietly watching shadows stretch across carved stone.

I still think about that last hour: standing in Luxor Temple as night fell, feeling small but sort of connected to everything around me, even if my feet hurt and my shirt stuck to my back by then. So yeah, this full day tour isn’t just a checklist of places. It’s these odd little moments strung together with stories and laughter (and lunch, I forgot about lunch! Simple food but tasted great after all that walking). If you’re curious about Luxor’s past or just want to see what old stones feel like under your hands, this is worth it.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in Luxor with all transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees for each site (from Valley of the Kings to Karnak and Luxor Temples) a dedicated Egyptologist guide just for your group who shares stories along the way, bottled water throughout the journey, plus lunch before heading back in the evening.

Options for this experience

7 options

Transfer from the airport onlyGuide in 5 languages · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:30Airport pickup transfer only: an add-on to the standard tour that includes a one-way private transfer from the airport. Pickup is included

Add-on: guide who speaks a foreign languageGuide in 5 languages · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:30Foreign language guide only (Spanish, French, German or Italian). Does not include tour, transportation or tickets. Add-on only, pickup is included

Transfer OnlyGuide in 5 languages · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:30Transfer to sites, includes pickup

See 4 more options

Car, guide and lunchGuide in 5 languages · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:30Car, guide and lunch, pickup is included

Car + GuideGuide in 5 languages · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:30Car and guide, pickup is included

Car, guide and ticketsGuide in 5 languages · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:30Includes pickup

Car, guide, tickets and lunchGuide in 5 languages · 5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:30Car, guide, tickets and lunch, includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Opulence of Egypt

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

How long does this Luxor full day tour last?

The tour covers a full day with morning pickup and evening drop-off after visiting all main sites.

Is lunch included during the Luxor day trip?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your tour experience.

Are entry fees covered for Valley of the Kings and temples?

The tour includes entry to all listed attractions: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and Colossi of Memnon.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Luxor?

Yes, it includes pickup from your hotel or preferred location in Luxor.

How far apart are Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple?

Karnak Temple is only about 3 km from Luxor Temple: a short drive between them.

What should I wear for visiting these temples?

Light clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended due to heat and walking distances.