Luxor: West & East Bank tour with guide + hotel pickup

Summary

Walk ancient paths in Luxor from Valley of the Kings to Karnak

You’ll walk ancient tombs in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, hear stories from an Egyptologist guide, see temples rising out of desert cliffs, and catch small moments — like laughter echoing between statues or sunlight on old stone — that you’ll remember long after you leave Egypt.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes to sunlight bouncing off the Nile, and before I’d even had coffee, our guide (Ahmed — he wore a faded blue scarf and grinned at my sleepy face) was already waiting in the lobby. The air smelled faintly dusty but fresh, like old stone after rain. We crossed the river early, windows down, and I remember the way the city slowly gave way to fields and then suddenly — cliffs. The Valley of the Kings felt quiet in a way that made me lower my voice without thinking. Ahmed handed us little flashlights for peering into tombs; inside, it was cool and painted colors still clung to the walls after thousands of years. He pointed out Ramses II’s cartouche with this gentle pride, like he was showing us his own family album.

We wandered through Hatshepsut’s temple next — those ramps are steeper than they look in photos, by the way — and Ahmed told stories about her reign while we caught our breath in patches of shade. There was this moment when a breeze came up from the desert and carried something sweet (maybe wild herbs?) through the columns. At Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues just sitting there as if waiting for someone to notice them, a group of local kids waved at us from their bikes. I tried to say “hello” in Arabic; they giggled and shouted it back twice as loud.

Lunch was quick falafel from a roadside stand (not officially part of the tour but honestly worth mentioning), then we headed back across to Luxor Temple where sunlight slanted through broken pillars. Ahmed explained how a mosque sits right inside the ruins — layers on layers of history stacked together. By late afternoon we reached Karnak Temple; it’s so big you almost stop trying to take it all in. I leaned against one sun-warmed column just listening to birds somewhere high above. There’s something about standing there that makes you feel both tiny and lucky at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — West and East Bank Highlights

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Explore Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon statues
• Tour Luxor Temple
• Discover Karnak Temple Complex

Top questions

What sites are included on this Luxor West & East Bank tour?

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

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or Nile cruise is included.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

An Egyptologist guide leads the entire tour.

How long does it take to visit all these sites?

This is a full-day tour covering both banks of Luxor.

Is lunch provided during this Luxor day trip?

No official lunch is included but there are opportunities to buy food along the way.

Are entry fees or transportation included?

The tour includes private vehicle transport; entry fees may not be included unless specified when booking.

Do I need good physical fitness for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking and steps at some sites.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or Nile cruise pickup by private air-conditioned vehicle, guidance from an Egyptologist throughout all main sites on both banks of Luxor, plus required tourism permissions and taxes covered for peace of mind during your journey.