Destination

Luxor Tours

👑 Valley of the Kings · Karnak Temple · West Bank

Luxor Day Tours
Private guide-Led Day Tours

Luxor was ancient Thebes — Egypt's most powerful capital for 500 years and home to one third of the world's ancient monuments. All our Luxor day tours are fully private — your group only, with a licensed local guide, hotel pickup included.

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👑 Valley of the Kings — 63 tombs
🛕 Karnak & Luxor Temples
🎈 Hot air balloon at sunrise
🎓 Licensed Local guides
🚐 Private Day Tours — East & West Bank
💰 From $85 per person · No hidden fees
Egypt's Ancient Capital

Where the Pharaohs Ruled the World

Luxor was Thebes — at its height the largest city on earth with a population of 80,000, capital of the Egyptian empire during its most glorious 500 years. Today the modern city wraps around its ancient monuments: Karnak Temple on the north, Luxor Temple on the riverfront, and across the Nile, the Valley of the Kings cut into the West Bank cliffs where 63 pharaohs were buried for over 500 years.

Karnak Temple alone took 1,500 years and 30 pharaohs to build. The Great Hypostyle Hall — 134 sandstone columns, some 24 metres tall — covers an area larger than Notre-Dame. The Avenue of Sphinxes, 2.7 kilometres linking Karnak to Luxor Temple and lined with 1,057 sphinx statues, was fully restored and reopened in 2021.

At Egypt Tours by Locals, our Luxor day tours are led by licensed local guides based in Upper Egypt. Since 2012 we have guided private Luxor tours — all fully private, no shared coaches, no fixed group sizes. Our guides read the hieroglyphic inscriptions on-site, translating scenes that no guidebook can replicate.

"Luxor changes most people in a way they don't expect. They arrive thinking they'll see impressive ruins. They leave having spent a morning in a 3,300-year-old painted tomb, reading the Book of the Dead off the wall in real time. That's what a Luxor licensed local guide can give you."

Maro Saeed
Tour Consultant & Travel Advisor
Browse All Day Tours

Our Luxor Day Tours & Private Excursions

All Luxor day tours are fully private — your group only. East Bank, West Bank, or full-day combined tours. All include a licensed local guide and hotel pickup.

Girl on a Dahabiya sailboat enjoying the scenic Nile River cruise near Aswan, Egypt.

5 Nights Dahabiya From Luxor to Aswan

From$1,500
6 Days
Availability : Everyday
Experience a luxurious 5 Night Dahabiya from Luxor to Aswan, exploring Egypt's most iconic ancient sites along the way. Discover the grandeur of Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Luxor Temple, rich with history. Sail peacefully to hidden gems like Bisaw Island and El Hegz, where local life flourishes along the river. Enjoy visits to historic destinations such as Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo, and the Temple of Esna, each offering unique insight into ancient Egyptian culture. Conclude your journey in Aswan, exploring the Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, and the High Dam. Throughout, experience the tranquility of the Nile while immersing yourself in Egypt’s living history and traditions.
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Luxurious Dahabiya sailboat with striped sails on a scenic Nile River cruise near Aswan

4 Nights Dahabiya from Esna to Aswan

From$1,300
5 Days
Availability : Everyday
Start your remarkable 4 Night Dahabiya from Esna to Aswan, where the splendor of Egypt's past meets the luxury of today. Sail peacefully along the Nile, visiting extraordinary archaeological sites such as the ancient ruins of El Kab, the impressive Temple of Horus in Edfu, and the unique Kom Ombo Temple. In Aswan, explore the iconic Philae Temple and immerse yourself in the vibrant Nubian culture before concluding your journey. Savor stunning Nile views, gourmet meals onboard, and the relaxing ambiance of an intimate cruise that takes you through Egypt's timeless wonders.
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Woman traveler posing in front of the magnificent Kom Ombo Temple during her Egypt tour.

3 Nights Dahabiya from Aswan to Esna

From$1,000
4 Days
Availability : Everyday
Begin your extraordinary 3 Night Dahabiya from Aswan to Esna, where luxury and history unite along the tranquil Nile. Explore iconic sites, from the breathtaking Philae Temple in Aswan to the fascinating Sobek Temple in Kom Ombo and the grand Temple of Horus in Edfu. While gliding through the river’s peaceful waters, relax onboard, enjoy delicious meals, and take in stunning Nile views. Your memorable adventure ends in Esna, leaving you with a deep appreciation for Egypt’s timeless beauty and heritage.
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Great shot of a hot air balloon from Luxor

Hot Air Balloon Tour in Luxor

From$90
1 hours
Availability : Everyday
Start your day with an unforgettable adventure as our representative picks you up from your hotel in Luxor and transfers you to the west bank of the Nile. Sip a refreshing soft drink as you prepare for an exhilarating 45-minute hot air balloon ride. Soar above Luxor's stunning landscape, taking in breathtaking views of ancient temples, the lush Nile Valley, and the vast desert. After your flight, return to your hotel with magical memories of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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a great picture of a man inside one of the tombs in the valley of the kings

Luxor Full Day Tour to Visit West & East Banks

From$90
8 Hours
Availability : Everyday
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of ancient Egypt! Start your day with a private transfer to the West Bank of Luxor, where you will explore the stunning Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of legendary pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Feel the magic as you stand before the majestic Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female pharaoh, and marvel at the colossal Colossi of Memnon. After a delicious lunch, immerse yourself in Egypt’s rich history at Karnak Temple, Luxor’s largest and most impressive temple complex. End your adventure with a visit to the iconic Luxor Temple, a timeless masterpiece of ancient architecture. Book now to experience the grandeur of Egypt for yourself!
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A great shot of a father with his daughter in front of the wonderful Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor

4 Nights Nile Cruise From Luxor To Aswan

From$700
5 Days
Availability : Everyday
4 Nights Nile Cruise From Luxor To Aswan is a classic Nile River journey that blends ancient history, scenic sailing, and modern comfort into one seamless experience. Travelling along Egypt’s most iconic stretch of the Nile, the cruise takes you from the timeless temples of Luxor to the tranquil beauty of Aswan, with guided visits to remarkable archaeological sites along the way.
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Great shot of a girl inspecting the columns of the Karnak Temple in Luxor

5 Day Cairo and Luxor Tour Package

From$1,050
5 Days
Availability : Everyday
Experience the perfect 5 day Cairo and Luxor tour, designed for travelers who want a focused, well-paced, and fully guided introduction to Egypt’s most iconic destinations. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the magnificent temples of Luxor, this private tour blends ancient history, cultural insight, and seamless logistics — all led by a licensed local guide.
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Top Sites & Experiences

The Best of Luxor Day Tours

Eight essential experiences for every Luxor visitor — with insider guidance on timing, context, and what your licensed local guide can show you that no itinerary can replace.

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Valley of the Kings

63 royal tombs carved into the West Bank cliffs — Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, Seti I. Wall paintings in full original colour after 3,000+ years in sealed rock. Your guide translates the hieroglyphic Book of the Dead scenes on-site. Best visited early morning before the heat and crowds.

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Karnak Temple Complex

The world's largest religious complex — 2.5 square kilometres built over 2,000 years. The Great Hypostyle Hall's 134 columns (the tallest 24m high) covers more ground than most medieval cathedrals. Best visited first thing in the morning when the light is soft and the crowds are thin.

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Temple of Hatshepsut

The mortuary temple of Egypt's most powerful female pharaoh — three-tiered colonnaded architecture set against the dramatic ochre cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. One of the most photographically beautiful sites in all of Egypt.

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Luxor Temple

Right in the heart of downtown Luxor on the East Bank — extraordinary at dusk when the columns are lit and the reliefs glow gold. Alexander the Great's hidden relief is in the rear sanctuary. Connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.

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Avenue of Sphinxes

The 2.7-kilometre processional way linking Karnak to Luxor Temple, lined with 1,057 sphinx statues — fully restored and reopened in 2021. Walking this ancient route with a guide who explains the annual Opet Festival procession is one of Luxor's most distinctive day tour experiences.

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Colossi of Memnon

Two 18-metre quartzite statues of Amenhotep III standing guard over the West Bank plain — the most photographed roadside monument in Egypt. Quick stop on every West Bank day tour itinerary.

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Hot Air Balloon

Sunrise over the Valley of the Kings from a hot air balloon is one of the most iconic Egypt day tour experiences. Rising with the dawn light over the Nile valley, the temples and desert cliffs below. Sells out weeks ahead in peak season — book early.

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Medinet Habu

The mortuary temple of Ramesses III — vivid battle reliefs in extraordinary condition, far less visited than the Valley of the Kings or Karnak. A genuine hidden gem of the West Bank for travellers who want depth without crowds.

Planning Your Visit

Practical Tips for Luxor Day Tours

Timing, logistics, and insider knowledge from our guides and local specialists — including how to reach Luxor from Cairo, Hurghada, and Aswan.

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East Bank vs West Bank Day Tours

East Bank day tour = Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Avenue of Sphinxes, Luxor Museum. West Bank day tour = Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Medinet Habu. Minimum 2 days recommended — one per bank. Our guides optimise the order based on time of day and site opening hours.

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Best Time at Each Site

Karnak: arrive at opening (7am) before afternoon heat and crowds. Valley of the Kings: start at 7am. Luxor Temple: visit at dusk — the sunset illumination is extraordinary. Hot air balloon: departs 5am for sunrise. Let your licensed local guide plan the timing — it makes a significant difference.

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Best Season for Luxor

October through April: 15–28°C, ideal for all outdoor sites. Summer (June–August) is very hot (35–42°C) but manageable with early morning starts and air-conditioned vehicle between sites. The West Bank tombs are cool inside year-round.

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How Long in Luxor

2 days minimum (Day 1 East Bank: Karnak + Luxor Temple. Day 2 West Bank: Valley of Kings + Hatshepsut + Colossi of Memnon). 3 days adds Medinet Habu, the Luxor Museum, Deir el-Medina, and the Nobles' Tombs. Add an early morning hot air balloon on any day.

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Luxor Day Tours From Hurghada, Cairo & Aswan

Luxor is a 1-hour flight from Cairo, a 2.5-hour drive from Hurghada (200km), and a 3-hour Nile cruise or 3-hour drive from Aswan. We design Luxor day tours departing from all three — including private vehicle, licensed local guide, and all site tickets. Depart at 6am, return by evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs — Luxor Day Tours

The unmissable Luxor experiences are: Valley of the Kings (63 royal tombs, best visited at 7am), Karnak Temple (world's largest religious complex, best at opening), Temple of Hatshepsut (most dramatic architecture in Egypt), Luxor Temple at dusk, the Avenue of Sphinxes, and — for an extraordinary additional experience — a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the West Bank. A licensed local guide transforms every site.
2 days minimum: Day 1 covers the East Bank (Karnak and Luxor Temple). Day 2 covers the West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon). 3 days allows you to add Medinet Habu, the Luxor Museum, and Deir el-Medina, plus a hot air balloon if desired. Most Nile cruise itineraries include 1–2 days in Luxor as part of the sailing route.
The Valley of the Kings is a royal necropolis carved into the limestone cliffs of the West Bank, opposite modern Luxor. It contains 63 tombs belonging to pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom (1539–1075 BCE), including Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, and Seti I. The tombs are decorated with extraordinarily well-preserved painted scenes from the Book of the Dead. Your licensed local guide translates the hieroglyphic inscriptions on-site.
Yes — Luxor is a 1-hour flight from Cairo. We regularly design single-day private tours from Cairo to Luxor covering either the East Bank (Karnak and Luxor Temple) or the West Bank (Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple). For a more comprehensive Luxor experience, 2 nights in Luxor or a Nile cruise segment that includes Luxor is recommended.
The Avenue of Sphinxes is a 2.7-kilometre processional road lined with 1,057 sphinx statues connecting Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple. Built during the reign of Nectanebo I (380–362 BCE) and used during the annual Opet Festival procession, it was fully restored and ceremonially reopened in November 2021. Walking sections of the avenue with your licensed local guide — understanding the religious processions that once filled this road — is one of Luxor's most distinctive experiences.
Private Luxor day tours with Egypt Tours by Locals start from $85 per person for a half-day East Bank or West Bank tour, and from $140 per person for a full-day combined East and West Bank tour. All tours are fully private — the price covers your licensed local guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and all entrance tickets. Pricing varies by group size and tour combination. Request a custom quote within 24 hours.
Yes — Luxor is approximately 200km from Hurghada, a 2.5-hour drive each way through the Eastern Desert. We regularly design Luxor day tours from Hurghada covering the Valley of the Kings and either Karnak Temple or the Temple of Hatshepsut, with a maximum of 6–7 hours on-site. Depart your Hurghada hotel at 6am and return by evening. A private vehicle with a licensed guide is included.
All Egypt Tours by Locals Luxor day tours include: licensed local guide for the full duration, private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers, entrance tickets to all included sites, and hotel or Nile cruise ship pickup and drop-off in Luxor. Flights from Cairo are not included but can be arranged on request. Lunch and personal spending money are not included.

Plan Your Luxor Day Tour

Tell us your dates and how many days you have — we'll design your private Luxor day tour itinerary with a licensed local guide within 24 hours.

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