Sharm to Luxor by Plane — Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple & More
A full-day journey across Egypt's ancient heartland, guided by an expert Egyptologist.
This Luxor day tour from Sharm El Sheikh by plane offers a rare opportunity to experience the grandeur of ancient Thebes within a single day, combining a return flight with an immersive guided itinerary across both banks of the Nile.
On the West Bank, travellers descend into the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, stand before the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and take in the scale of the Colossi of Memnon. An Egyptologist guide accompanies the group throughout, providing context that transforms carved stone into living history.
The East Bank portion of the day centres on the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious structures ever built. The visit concludes with a stop at a traditional perfume house before the group is transferred back to Luxor Airport for the return flight to Sharm El Sheikh.
The tour is rated easy in terms of physical difficulty, though participants should expect a full day on their feet exploring open-air and underground archaeological sites in a warm climate.
Tour Highlights
Return flights between Sharm El Sheikh and Luxor included in the programme, with hotel pickup and drop-off on both ends.
Four royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, including the colourful tomb of Ramesses IX and the complex of Ramesses III.
Karnak Temple Complex on the East Bank, featuring the Hypostyle Hall, Sacred Lake, and Avenue of Sphinxes.
The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, built for the only woman to reign as Pharaoh over ancient Egypt.
The Colossi of Memnon, the two largest surviving ancient statues in Egypt, dating to the reign of Amenhotep III.
A visit to a traditional alabaster factory and a perfume house, offering insight into Egypt's artisan heritage.
An Egyptologist guide provides expert commentary throughout, covering royal dynasties, funerary traditions, and temple architecture.
Itinerary
A private driver collects you from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh two hours before departure. You board the flight to Luxor, where your Egyptologist guide meets you on arrival.
Your first stop is the ancient necropolis of Thebes. You enter four decorated royal tombs, including those of Ramesses II, Ramesses IX, and Merenptah, exploring painted corridors and sarcophagi chambers carved deep into the limestone hills.
The tour continues to the terraced mortuary temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, followed by a stop at the towering Colossi of Memnon on the Theban plain. Your guide explains the historical significance of both sites within the New Kingdom period.
After crossing back to the East Bank, you visit a traditional alabaster workshop before sitting down for lunch. This midday break provides time to rest before the afternoon programme.
The afternoon is devoted to Karnak, where you walk the Avenue of Sphinxes, pass through the vast Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns, and view the obelisks and Sacred Lake. The complex represents centuries of construction across multiple dynasties.
A final stop at a traditional perfume house closes the cultural programme. Your guide then transfers you to Luxor Airport for the return flight, with a private driver waiting at Sharm El Sheikh Airport to return you to your hotel.
What Is Included
Included
- Return flights between Sharm El Sheikh and Luxor
- Private hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh
- Egyptologist guide throughout the day
- Entrance fees to the Valley of the Kings (four tombs)
- Entrance to Temple of Hatshepsut and Karnak Temple Complex
- Visit to the Colossi of Memnon
- Lunch on the East Bank
- Visits to alabaster factory and perfume house
- All transfers in Luxor between sites
Not Included
- Tomb of Tutankhamun entrance (optional, at own cost)
- Personal purchases at alabaster factory or perfume house
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Beverages not included in lunch
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot on This Luxor Day Trip
Places on this shared group tour are limited. Confirm your booking in advance to secure your seat on the flight and avoid disappointment.
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