Luxor: West & East Bank Private Day Tour with Entry Fees

Summary

Walk between pharaohs’ tombs and temples on both banks of Luxor

You’ll walk where pharaohs walked in Luxor—through silent tombs in the Valley of the Kings, past towering statues and sunlit terraces at Hatshepsut’s Temple, and beneath Karnak’s endless columns. With private transport and entry fees covered, you can just listen to your guide’s stories—and maybe catch a breeze off the Nile.

What’s the experience like?

I remember how quiet it felt when we first stepped out by the Colossi of Memnon. Just us, a few birds picking at the dust, and those two giant statues staring off toward the Nile. Our guide, Ahmed, grinned and told us locals believe the statues “talk” at sunrise sometimes. I didn’t hear anything except my own shoes crunching gravel, but maybe you’ll have better luck. The air was already warm, even though it wasn’t yet noon.

The Valley of the Kings was next—honestly, I’d seen so many photos that I thought I knew what to expect. But standing inside one of those tombs (I think it was Ramses IV?), seeing colors still bright after thousands of years… it got under my skin in a way I didn’t expect. Ahmed pointed out some graffiti left by Greek visitors centuries ago—so even back then people wanted to leave their mark. The smell down there is kind of old stone mixed with something sweetish from the candles.

After that we drove past fields where kids waved at our van (one yelled “Welcome!” which made me laugh), then up to Hatshepsut’s Temple. That place is all sharp lines and pale stone against blue sky—it almost looks modern if you squint. There was a breeze coming down from the cliffs that actually felt cool for a second. Ahmed told us about Senenmut, her architect, who might’ve been more than just an advisor… he winked like he had some secret.

Karnak Temple was last—by then my feet were tired but I didn’t care. Walking through those huge columns as the light shifted gold across the carvings… I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy at home. We ended by wandering along part of the Avenue of Sphinxes; honestly, I lost count after twenty sphinxes or so. The whole day felt both huge and strangely personal at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor West and East Bank

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• See Temple of Hatshepsut
• View Colossi of Memnon statues
• Tour Karnak Temple complex

Top questions

How long does this Luxor day trip take?

This is a full-day private tour covering both West & East Banks of Luxor.

Are entry fees included in this tour?

Yes, entry fees are included if you select that option when booking.

Is hotel pickup provided?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included.

Which sites are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap; infant seats are available.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included for guests on this day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in a private air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water along the way; entry fees to Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and Colossi of Memnon are covered if you choose that option; plus you’ll have a local guide sharing stories at every stop before returning to your hotel in Luxor.