Private Luxor Day Tour from Hurghada: Karnak, Valley of Kings

Summary

Luxor Private Excursion: Ancient Temples & Tombs from Hurghada

You’ll travel from Hurghada to Luxor with your own guide, exploring Karnak Temple, hidden royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s dramatic temple, and those towering Colossi of Memnon—all without crowds or hassle. If you want ancient Egypt up close (and lunch sorted), this is your day.

What’s the experience like?

Sunrise hit the road early—Hurghada’s air still cool, a bit salty from the Red Sea. The drive to Luxor is long but smooth, and there’s something about watching the desert shift colors as you go. Our guide, Ahmed, kept us awake with stories about pharaohs and pointed out little villages along the way. By mid-morning, we reached Karnak Temple. It’s massive—columns everywhere, some taller than palm trees. You can actually smell old stone when you walk through the hypostyle hall. Ahmed showed us carvings that most people just walk past; I’d never noticed how deep some of those hieroglyphs are cut.

Crossing the Nile felt surreal—locals selling mint tea by the dock, boats bobbing in the sun. The Valley of the Kings is tucked away behind dusty hills; it’s quiet except for the crunch of gravel underfoot and the odd crow cawing overhead. Inside the tombs, it’s cooler and you can see colors on the walls that look like they were painted yesterday. We visited three tombs (Ramses III’s was my favorite—so detailed). If you want to see Tutankhamun’s tomb, bring some extra cash; it’s not included but worth it if you’re curious.

The Temple of Hatshepsut rises right out of the rock face—honestly, it almost blends into the cliffs behind it. There’s a faint smell of limestone dust in the air and sometimes a breeze off the river. The ramps are wide and easy to walk, even for my aunt who uses a stroller for her toddler. Last stop: Colossi of Memnon. They’re just standing there in a field—huge and silent, with birds nesting on their shoulders. It’s wild to think these statues have watched over this land for thousands of years.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxor Highlights Tour

• Visit Karnak Temple
• Explore Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
• Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon

Top questions

Is lunch included in this Luxor tour?

Yes, lunch is provided during your day in Luxor—it’s included in your tour price.

Can I visit King Tutankhamun's tomb?

You can visit Tutankhamun's tomb for an extra fee (200 EGP), paid on site if you wish.

Is this tour suitable for families or people with mobility needs?

Absolutely—the tour is wheelchair accessible and strollers are welcome. It suits all ages and fitness levels.

How long does it take to drive from Hurghada to Luxor?

The drive usually takes around 4 hours each way, depending on traffic and stops along the route.

What’s included

Your day covers private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water to keep you cool, guided visits to Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings (with entry to three tombs), Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, lunch at a local spot, plus time to browse famous bazaars if you fancy picking up something special.