One day. Both banks. Thousands of years of ancient Egyptian history.
This Luxor East and West Bank tour brings together the most celebrated monuments of ancient Egypt into a single well-paced day, covering the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Luxor sits at the heart of what was once the ancient city of Thebes, the religious and political capital of the New Kingdom pharaohs. The east bank was the domain of the living, where grand temples rose in honor of the gods, while the west bank served as the realm of the dead, housing royal tombs cut deep into limestone cliffs.
A licensed guide accompanies you throughout the day, providing context and narrative that connects the monuments to the rulers who commissioned them. The itinerary is designed to balance time at each site without rushing the experience.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant on the east bank, giving you a natural pause between the west bank monuments and the afternoon temple visits.
Tour Highlights
Explore the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of Egypt's most powerful New Kingdom pharaohs including Tutankhamun and Ramesses VI.
Walk through Karnak Temple complex, the largest ancient religious site in the world and dedicated to the god Amon and his divine family.
Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt's most architecturally distinctive monuments, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
Pass by the Colossi of Memnon, the two massive stone statues that once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III's mortuary temple.
Discover Luxor Temple on the east bank, built during the 18th Dynasty and expanded by Ramesses II, with stunning colonnades and statuary.
Benefit from hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor, allowing you to focus entirely on the monuments without arranging separate transport.
Enjoy a included lunch at a local restaurant on the east bank, seated between the two halves of your day.
Itinerary
1
Hotel Pickup and Transfer to the West Bank
Your Sun Pyramids Tours representative collects you from your Luxor hotel and transfers you across to the west bank of the Nile, where the royal necropolis awaits.
2
Valley of the Kings
You visit the Valley of the Kings, exploring tombs of rulers including Tutmosis I, Tutmosis III, Tutankhamun, Ramesses VI, Merenptah, and Amenhotep II. Your guide explains the burial customs and the significance of the elaborate painted chambers.
3
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon
You proceed to the terraced mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, built during the 18th Dynasty by Egypt's most prominent female pharaoh. On the way, you pass the Colossi of Memnon, the two giant seated statues that remain from Amenhotep III's temple complex.
4
Lunch on the East Bank
You cross back to the east bank and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, providing a comfortable break before the afternoon's temple visits.
5
Karnak Temple Complex
You visit Karnak, the vast temple precinct dedicated to Amon, Mut, and Khonsu, featuring the Great Hypostyle Hall with its forest of towering carved columns. This is the largest place of worship ever constructed and represents centuries of royal building projects.
6
Luxor Temple and Return to Hotel
The day concludes at Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III and completed by Ramesses II, standing at the heart of the modern city. After your visit, your driver returns you to your hotel in Luxor.
What Is Included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Licensed Egyptologist guide throughout
Entrance fees to all listed sites
Lunch at a local restaurant
Bottled water during the tour
Not Included
Gratuities for guide and driver
Personal purchases and souvenirs
Optional tomb entry fees inside the Valley of the Kings
Travel insurance
Important Information
Please read the following details carefully before booking to ensure a smooth experience on the day of your tour.
Duration
Approximately 8 hours in total, covering both banks of the Nile with travel time between sites included.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat or headscarf, sunglasses, and a light layer for temple interiors. Carry a valid photo ID.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary. Please review the terms at the time of booking and contact the operator for any amendments.
Accessibility
This tour is rated Easy and involves moderate walking on uneven terrain. Some tomb and temple areas have steps and narrow passages.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children are welcome and will benefit from the guided narrative at each site.
Ready to Explore Luxor?
Secure your place on this full-day journey across both banks of the Nile and discover the temples and tombs that defined one of history's greatest civilizations.
How many tombs can be visited in the Valley of the Kings?▼
The standard entry ticket includes access to three tombs. Additional tickets can be purchased on-site for specific tombs such as Tutankhamun's at an extra cost.
Is photography allowed inside the tombs and temples?▼
Photography is permitted at most open-air areas and in some tombs, though certain chambers restrict or prohibit cameras. Your guide will advise on the rules at each site.
What type of vehicle is used for transport?▼
Transport between sites is provided in a private air-conditioned vehicle, keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
Is the tour suitable for visitors with limited mobility?▼
The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and navigating steps at several sites. Visitors with limited mobility should assess their comfort level with these conditions before booking.
Does the tour operate year-round?▼
The tour operates throughout the year. Summer months in Luxor are very hot, so early morning starts and adequate sun protection are strongly advised during that period.
Who was Queen Hatshepsut and why is her temple significant?▼
Hatshepsut was the daughter of Thutmosis I and ruled ancient Egypt for approximately 20 years during the 18th Dynasty, around 1490 to 1469 B.C. She is considered the most prominent female pharaoh of ancient Egypt, and her terraced mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari is regarded as one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Luxor Day TourValley of the KingsKarnak TempleLuxor TempleHatshepsut TempleEast Bank LuxorWest Bank LuxorAncient EgyptEgyptologist GuideNile River TourNew Kingdom PharaohsEgypt Historical Tour
This tour takes place entirely in Luxor, Egypt, a city located in the Nile Valley in Upper Egypt approximately 670 kilometers south of Cairo. Luxor is recognized as one of the world's most significant open-air archaeological destinations, built over the ancient city of Thebes. The tour covers monuments on both sides of the Nile: the East Bank, home to Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple, and the West Bank, which includes the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. The region is part of the historic Theban Necropolis and the ancient Theban temples, both recognized by UNESCO. Visitors typically arrive via Luxor International Airport or by Nile cruise, making this tour a natural centerpiece of any Egypt itinerary.
Location: Luxor, Upper Egypt | Region: Nile Valley | Sites Covered: Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon | Tour Type: Full-Day Cultural and Historical | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 8 Hours
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