East and West Bank of the Nile: Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple
Discover the full grandeur of ancient Thebes across both banks of the Nile in a single unforgettable day.
This Luxor full-day tour brings together the most significant monuments of ancient Egypt on both sides of the Nile, from the towering columns of Karnak to the rock-cut tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Guided by a knowledgeable representative from Sun Pyramids Tours, you will cover ground that took ancient pilgrims weeks to explore. The itinerary is rated easy, making it accessible for a broad range of travelers.
The West Bank of Luxor conceals the royal necropolis where pharaohs of the New Kingdom were entombed in elaborately decorated chambers. Among the tombs you may enter are those of Tutankhamun, Ramesses VI, and Amenhotep II, each offering a different perspective on the funerary beliefs and artistic traditions of ancient Egypt. A stop at the colossal seated statues known as the Colossi of Memnon marks the boundary of what was once the largest mortuary temple ever built.
Crossing back to the East Bank, the afternoon is devoted to the living city of ancient Thebes. Karnak Temple complex, dedicated to the god Amon, his consort Mut, and their son Khonsu, is the largest surviving religious structure from the ancient world. The day concludes at Luxor Temple, a monument begun under Amenhotep III and enlarged by Ramesses II, which still anchors the modern city center.
Tour Highlights
Explore the Valley of the Kings and descend into royal tombs spanning multiple dynasties of ancient Egypt.
Walk through the hypostyle hall of Karnak Temple, one of the most impressive feats of ancient construction anywhere in the world.
Visit Hatshepsut Temple, the mortuary monument of Egypt's most celebrated female pharaoh, set dramatically against limestone cliffs.
Pass by the Colossi of Memnon, twin seated statues that are the last remnants of Amenhotep III's vast mortuary temple.
Visit Luxor Temple on the East Bank, a remarkably preserved sanctuary built at the heart of the ancient city of Thebes.
Both banks of the Nile are covered in one day with hotel pickup and drop-off included, eliminating the need for independent planning.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the East Bank between your West Bank and East Bank visits.
Itinerary
Your guide meets you at your Luxor hotel and transfers you across to the West Bank of the Nile, where the ancient necropolis of Thebes begins. The drive sets the scene for the monuments ahead.
Explore the royal burial ground where pharaohs of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties were interred in rock-cut tombs. Notable tombs in the valley include those of Tutankhamun, Tuthmosis III, Ramesses VI, Merenptah, and Amenhotep II.
Visit the three-tiered mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh who ruled Egypt for approximately two decades during the 18th Dynasty (around 1490 to 1469 B.C.). On the way, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, the two massive stone statues that once flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III's mortuary temple.
Cross back to the East Bank and enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant in Luxor before continuing to the afternoon sites.
Spend time inside the vast precinct of Karnak, the principal religious center of ancient Thebes and the largest temple complex from the ancient world. The complex was dedicated to Amon, Mut, and Khonsu and expanded by successive pharaohs over more than a thousand years.
End the day at Luxor Temple, constructed by Amenhotep III during the 18th Dynasty and later extended by Ramesses II in the 19th Dynasty. After the visit, your guide transfers you back to your hotel in Luxor.
What Is Included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
- Entrance fee to Hatshepsut Temple
- Entrance fee to Karnak Temple
- Entrance fee to Luxor Temple
- Lunch at a local restaurant
Not Included
- Entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun (additional ticket)
- Entrance to the tomb of Seti I (additional ticket)
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Secure your spot on one of Luxor's most comprehensive day tours and explore the legendary monuments of ancient Thebes on both banks of the Nile.
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