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
1
Hotel Pickup and Transfer to the West Bank
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.
2
Valley of the Kings
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.
3
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon
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.
4
Lunch on the East Bank
Cross back to the East Bank and enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant in Luxor before continuing to the afternoon sites.
5
Karnak Temple Complex
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.
6
Luxor Temple and Return to Hotel
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
Please read the following details carefully before booking to ensure the best possible experience on the day of the tour.
Duration
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including all site visits and a lunch break on the East Bank.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. Modest dress is advised when entering temples.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary. Please review the terms presented at checkout before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
The tour is rated easy, but some tomb interiors and temple areas involve uneven ground and steps. Guests with significant mobility limitations should inquire before booking.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times throughout the day.
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.
How many tombs can I visit in the Valley of the Kings?▼
The standard ticket for the Valley of the Kings grants access to three tombs. The tombs of Tutankhamun and Seti I require separate additional tickets purchased on site.
Is photography allowed inside the tombs and temples?▼
Photography is permitted in most outdoor areas of the temples. Inside individual tombs in the Valley of the Kings, photography is generally prohibited to protect the wall paintings. Rules may change, so confirm with your guide on the day.
What is the best time of year to take this tour?▼
The cooler months between October and April are the most comfortable for visiting Luxor, as summer temperatures can reach extreme levels. Early morning starts help avoid the peak midday heat regardless of season.
Is lunch included in the tour price?▼
Yes, lunch at a local restaurant on the East Bank of Luxor is included as part of the tour program between the West Bank and East Bank visits.
Can the tour accommodate guests staying on a Nile cruise ship?▼
Yes, pickup can typically be arranged from the Luxor cruise dock. Please provide your vessel name and docking location when making your reservation so the logistics can be confirmed in advance.
Who was Queen Hatshepsut and why is her temple significant?▼
Hatshepsut was the daughter of Thutmosis I and ruled Egypt as pharaoh for approximately 20 years during the 18th Dynasty, from around 1490 to 1469 B.C. She is recognized as one of the few women to have held the full title of pharaoh, and her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Luxor Day TourValley of the KingsKarnak TempleHatshepsut TempleLuxor TempleWest Bank LuxorEast Bank LuxorAncient EgyptNile HeritageNew Kingdom MonumentsEgypt History TourColossi of Memnon
This tour takes place entirely in and around the city of Luxor, located in Upper Egypt along the east and west banks of the Nile River, approximately 670 kilometers south of Cairo. Luxor sits on the site of ancient Thebes, the capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom period (circa 1550 to 1070 B.C.). The West Bank contains the Theban Necropolis, including the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the mortuary temples, while the East Bank preserves the great temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor. The region is part of Luxor Governorate and is recognized as one of the world's most concentrated areas of ancient monuments, with several sites listed under the UNESCO World Heritage designation for ancient Thebes. Travelers typically access Luxor by domestic flight from Cairo or Alexandria, or by Nile cruise ship arriving from Aswan or Cairo.
Location: Luxor, Upper Egypt | Region: Luxor Governorate, Nile Valley | Country: Egypt | Nearest Major City: Luxor City Center | Landmarks: Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor Temple, Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari), Colossi of Memnon | Historical Period: Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom (18th–20th Dynasties) | Tour Type: Full-Day Cultural and Archaeological Tour | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 8 Hours
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