Private Day Tour to Luxor from Marsa Alam: Valley of the Kings

Four temples and royal tombs in a single day from the Red Sea coast

A private day tour from Marsa Alam to Luxor with an Egyptologist guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and lunch at a local restaurant. You visit the Valley of the Kings (three royal tombs), Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, and Karnak Temple: the largest ancient religious site in the world. Hotel pickup and return are included, and you set the pace at each stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Temple of Hatshepsut2h
2. Colossi of Memnon20m · entry included
3. Karnak Temple2h

Explore Luxor's main historical sites

• Travel from Marsa Alam to Luxor
• Visit Valley of the Kings and see three tombs
• Explore Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• See the Colossi of Memnon statues
• Have lunch at a local restaurant in Luxor
• Visit Karnak Temple complex
• Optional faluka boat tour on the Nile
• Return to Marsa Alam

The Experience

The day starts with hotel pickup in Marsa Alam and a drive to Luxor's west bank. Your Egyptologist guide speaks English and can adjust the itinerary to match your interests. The Valley of the Kings opens first: you'll enter three of the 64 royal tombs carved into the limestone cliffs opposite ancient Thebes. The guide explains the burial practices and hieroglyphics as you move through the chambers.

Next comes the Temple of Hatshepsut, the only female pharaoh's temple in Egypt, rising in terraces from the desert plain and merging into the Theban Mountain's limestone face. A short stop at the Colossi of Memnon follows: two massive 18-meter statues that once guarded the largest complex on the west bank, built by Amenhotep III. Around noon you'll have lunch at a quality restaurant in Luxor, then spend the afternoon at Karnak Temple, the largest ancient religious site known anywhere. An optional traditional felucca boat ride on the Nile in the late afternoon lets you watch rural life along the riverbank before the return drive to your hotel.

The tour runs 17 to 18 hours total. Bottled water is provided throughout, and the air-conditioned vehicle keeps you comfortable during the long drive. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and the tour suits all fitness levels. Families with infants can bring strollers or request specialized infant seats.

What’s included

• Egyptologist guide speaking English.
• private air-conditioned vehicle.
• hotel pickup and return.
• entry to the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, and Karnak Temple.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Days and timesDaily · 03:30 and 04:00

AgesAges 12+ · 5 to 11 years · 1 to 4 years — Free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Etro tours

Is this one for you?The 17- to 18-hour commitment means an early start and a late return, so book this tour only if you have a full day free and don't mind spending most of it in the vehicle and on your feet at each site. The private format lets you move at your own pace and skip attractions if you tire, but the sheer number of temples means you're covering significant ground.

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Top questions

Can children come?

5 to 11 years; 1 to 4 years, free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What exactly will I see inside the Valley of the Kings tombs?

The Valley of the Kings contains 64 royal tombs carved into the west bank cliffs. On this tour you'll enter three of them with your Egyptologist guide, who explains the burial practices, hieroglyphics, and the history of each pharaoh's reign as you move through the chambers.

How much walking and climbing is involved in this tour?

Walking varies by stop. The Valley of the Kings requires moderate walking and some climbing inside the tombs; the Temple of Hatshepsut involves walking up terraces; Colossi of Memnon is a brief stop with minimal walking; and Karnak Temple is large but you control your own pace and can rest as needed. The tour suits all fitness levels.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food will it be?

Yes, lunch at a quality local restaurant in Luxor is included around noon. The meal is part of the tour package, though the specific menu depends on the restaurant's offerings that day.

What's the drive time from Marsa Alam to Luxor, and when do I return to my hotel?

The full tour runs 17 to 18 hours including the drive both ways. Hotel pickup and return are included. Your guide will confirm the exact departure time based on your hotel location in Marsa Alam.

Can I skip any of the temples or change the order of stops?

Yes. Because this is a private tour, you set the pace and can alter the itinerary to suit your interests. Your Egyptologist guide will work with you to adjust which sites you visit and how much time you spend at each one.

Is the optional felucca boat ride included in the price?

The felucca ride on the Nile in the late afternoon is optional and not included in the base tour price. It's offered as an add-on if you want to relax on the water and watch traditional rural life along the riverbank before returning to your hotel.