Luxor: West & East Bank tour with guide + lunch

Summary

Explore Luxor’s ancient wonders on both banks with a local guide

You’ll walk through ancient tombs in the Valley of the Kings, stand beneath Karnak’s towering columns, and share stories with your Egyptologist guide over lunch. From quiet moments at the Colossi of Memnon to golden light at Luxor Temple, this full-day tour lets you experience both sides of Luxor in ways you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Colossi of Memnon to be so quiet in the early morning — just two massive stone figures, their faces worn but somehow still watching everything. Our guide, Ahmed, told us stories about Amenhotep III while a stray cat circled my feet (I’m not sure who was more interested in my shoelaces). The air smelled faintly of dust and something sweet I couldn’t place. We’d barely started our day trip from Luxor and already I felt like I’d stepped sideways in time.

The Valley of the Kings was next, and honestly, it’s hard to describe what it feels like to walk down those painted corridors — cool stone under your hands, colors still bright after thousands of years. Ahmed pointed out tiny details in the hieroglyphs that I would’ve missed (he laughed when I tried to pronounce one of the pharaohs’ names — fair enough). You only get to see three tombs on this tour, but that was enough for me; it’s almost overwhelming. The silence inside is different than outside — heavier somehow.

Lunch at a local spot was simple but good — grilled chicken, rice, bread warm from the oven. I’m still thinking about that bread actually. Afterward we crossed to the East Bank for Karnak Temple. The columns there are so huge you feel small in a good way. There were school kids running around and an old man selling postcards who winked at me when he caught me staring up at the carvings too long. By the time we reached Luxor Temple, late afternoon light made everything glow gold and pink. My phone photos don’t do it justice — but maybe that’s okay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore West and East Banks of Luxor

• Visit Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
• Visit Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
• Visit Colossi of Memnon
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Karnak Temple complex
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Transfer back to hotel in Luxor

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Luxor day trip?

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

How many tombs do we visit in Valley of the Kings?

You’ll visit three tombs during this tour.

Is lunch provided on this Luxor West & East Bank tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Are guides Egyptologists?

Yes, your guide is an English-speaking Egyptologist.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

All transfers are by air-conditioned vehicle.

Are these sites wheelchair accessible?

The tour and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join? Are seats available?

Infants can join; specialized infant seats are available.

How far apart are Karnak and Luxor Temples?

Karnak Temple is about three kilometers north of Luxor Temple.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or Nile cruise pickup and drop-off in Luxor, all transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, entry to all main sites on both banks with an English-speaking Egyptologist as your guide, plus a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before heading back in the evening.