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Full-Day Guided Tour
Full-Day Luxor Highlights Tour: East and West Banks
Discover the temples, tombs, and timeless monuments of ancient Egypt's greatest city in a single unforgettable day.
This Luxor highlights tour takes you across both banks of the Nile to explore the most significant archaeological sites in Upper Egypt, from royal burial chambers carved into limestone cliffs to colossal temple complexes that once formed the beating heart of an empire.
Luxor was the dynastic and religious capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdom periods, and the density of monuments preserved here is unmatched anywhere in the world. The city straddles the Nile, with the living city concentrated on the East Bank and the ancient necropolis spreading across the desert plateau of the West Bank.
A licensed Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout the full day, providing historical context that transforms stone carvings and painted walls into vivid stories of pharaohs, priests, and everyday ancient life. Transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, keeping the experience comfortable even in the Egyptian heat.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant on the East Bank, giving you a moment to rest between the two halves of the itinerary before continuing to the grand temple complexes that define Luxor's skyline.
Tour Highlights
Explore the Valley of the Kings, home to 63 registered royal tombs cut deep into the Theban hills.
Visit the terraced mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most architecturally distinctive structures in Egypt.
See the Colossi of Memnon, the two massive statues that once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III's mortuary temple.
Walk through the vast Karnak Temple Complex, the largest ancient religious site in Egypt, spanning over 100 hectares.
Discover Luxor Temple on the East Bank, a ceremonial complex dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship.
Travel with a licensed Egyptologist guide who brings each site to life with expert historical narration.
Enjoy a included lunch at Maro restaurant on the East Bank, with time to relax between site visits.
Itinerary
1
Hotel Pickup and West Bank Transfer
Your Egyptologist guide and driver collect you from your Luxor hotel in the morning in an air-conditioned vehicle. The group heads directly to the West Bank, historically known as the city of the dead and home to the funerary complexes of ancient Egypt.
2
Valley of the Kings
Nestled between two limestone ridges near Gurna, the Valley of the Kings served as the royal necropolis during the New Kingdom period. Of the 63 registered tombs here, you will enter a selection of decorated burial chambers adorned with intricate religious texts and painted scenes.
3
Temple of Hatshepsut
Built into the cliff face in a rare three-tiered terrace formation, the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut stands apart from every other monument in Egypt. Hatshepsut ruled as pharaoh during the 18th Dynasty, adopting the ceremonial beard and full regalia of a male ruler to legitimize her authority.
4
Colossi of Memnon
The two seated statues of Amenhotep III, each standing around 18 meters tall, are all that remain visible of what was once the largest mortuary temple on the West Bank. The guide explains the history of these monuments and the ancient legends that surrounded them.
5
Lunch and Nile Crossing to East Bank
The group crosses the Nile to the East Bank and stops for a sit-down lunch at Maro restaurant. Note that drinks are not included in the tour price. After the meal, the tour continues to the East Bank temple sites.
6
Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple
The final stretch of the day covers the Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling sacred precinct built and expanded over more than a thousand years, and Luxor Temple, a beautifully preserved ceremonial monument connected to Karnak by the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes. You are then returned to your hotel.
What Is Included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor
Air-conditioned transport throughout
Licensed Egyptologist guide for the full day
Entrance fees to Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple
Lunch at Maro restaurant (drinks not included)
Not Included
Drinks during lunch
Gratuities for guide and driver
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tomb of Tutankhamun (optional extra at site)
Important Information
This tour operates daily and is rated easy in terms of physical difficulty. Comfortable footwear, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle are strongly recommended for visiting open-air and desert sites.
Duration
Approximately 8 hours, beginning with hotel pickup in the morning.
Meeting Point
Your guide and vehicle will collect you directly from your hotel in Luxor. No need to travel to a central meeting point.
What to Bring
Wear light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple entry. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking platform for the applicable cancellation and refund policy prior to confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
Several sites involve walking on uneven ground and steps. The tour is rated easy overall but may present challenges for guests with limited mobility. Contact us in advance to discuss your specific needs.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Children are welcome and the itinerary is manageable for families traveling with younger guests.
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Spaces on this guided full-day tour are limited. Secure your spot today and explore the monuments of ancient Luxor with an expert Egyptologist by your side.
Which tombs will we enter in the Valley of the Kings?▼
The standard entrance ticket grants access to three tombs within the Valley of the Kings. The specific tombs open on any given day are determined by site authorities and may rotate. The tomb of Tutankhamun requires a separate additional ticket purchased at the site.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Luxor?▼
Yes. This itinerary is designed to cover the most significant monuments on both banks of the Nile in a single day, making it an ideal introduction to Luxor for travelers who have not visited before. The Egyptologist guide provides context that helps orient visitors at each site.
Are drinks included with lunch?▼
Lunch is included at Maro restaurant on the East Bank, but drinks are not covered and must be purchased separately by each traveler.
What is the best time of year to take this tour?▼
The tour operates year-round, but October through April offers the most comfortable daytime temperatures for visiting open-air sites. Summer months can be very hot, particularly at the outdoor monuments on the West Bank.
Will we have free time at any of the sites?▼
Yes. After the guided commentary at each site, travelers typically have some time to explore independently, take photographs, or browse the immediate surroundings before the group moves on.
Is photography permitted inside the tombs and temples?▼
Photography rules vary by site and are set by Egyptian antiquities authorities. Photography inside certain tombs may require an additional permit or may be restricted entirely to protect the painted surfaces. Your guide will advise you on the current rules at each location.
Luxor Day TourValley of the KingsKarnak TempleHatshepsut TempleWest Bank LuxorEast Bank LuxorAncient EgyptEgyptologist GuideNile ValleyPharaoh TombsUpper EgyptCultural Tour Egypt
This tour is based in Luxor, a city in Upper Egypt located along the east bank of the Nile River, approximately 670 kilometers south of Cairo. Luxor sits at the heart of the ancient Theban region, which served as the political and religious capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdom periods (circa 2055–1070 BCE). The West Bank of Luxor, across the Nile from the modern city, contains the Theban Necropolis, including the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and a series of mortuary temples. The East Bank is home to the Karnak and Luxor Temple complexes. Luxor is served by Luxor International Airport (LXR) and is accessible by train from Cairo and Aswan. The city is the primary gateway for archaeological tourism in southern Egypt and is recognized as one of the world's most significant open-air museum destinations.
Location: Luxor, Egypt | Region: Upper Egypt, Nile Valley | Sites Covered: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor Temple | Tour Type: Full-Day Cultural and Historical Tour | Difficulty: Easy | Suitable For: First-time visitors, families, history enthusiasts, archaeology travelers
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