A few royal tombs
A ticket in the Valley of the Kings covers a small number of tombs, chosen by your guide on the day.
5.0 on TripadvisorPrivate tour Luxor East & West Bank Private Full-Day Tour
All of Luxor's main sites in one private day: the tombs and Hatshepsut's temple on the West Bank, then Karnak and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- Duration
- Full day
- Where
- West Bank and East Bank of Luxor
- Pick-up
- Hotel or Nile ship in Luxor
- Language
- English (other languages on request)
From, per person$1006 or more travellers
- Starts any day
- Free quote, no obligation
- Change anything you like
About this tour
Ancient Thebes sat on both sides of the Nile. The East Bank had the temples and the living city, and the West Bank had the tombs. This tour covers both in one long day, tomb side first, because the West Bank sites open at 6:00 and have the least shade.
It is built for travellers with a single day in Luxor, such as people flying in for a night or joining a cruise that does not include the main sites. Each stop is shorter than it would be on a dedicated tour, and your guide trims the list to match your energy and interests.
It is a poor choice in midsummer for anyone who wilts in the heat, or for anyone who wants to linger. If you have two days, our separate East Bank and West Bank tours give each site more time.
Hatshepsut's temple
Her terraces face Karnak across the river.
Colossi of Memnon
A short stop on the way back to the river.
Karnak
The Great Hypostyle Hall, with 134 columns, and the Amun precinct.
Luxor Temple
The last visit of the day, at a temple the ministry lists as open until 20:00.
How the day runs
- 1
Early morningValley of the Kings
We start with the Valley, because it opens at 6:00 and gets hot fast. Your guide gives the background outside, as lecturing inside the tombs is not allowed, and then you walk into a few tombs, one after another. Which ones depends on what is open that day and on what you want to see.
- 2
MorningHatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahari
Hatshepsut built her temple against the cliffs on the West Bank, facing Karnak on the opposite shore. You walk up the terraces and look at the Punt reliefs on the middle level. The temple faces Karnak across the river, which is where the afternoon takes you.
- 3
Late morningColossi of Memnon
A short stop at the two seated statues of Amenhotep III, which stand about 18 m high with their bases. Your guide tells the old story of the northern statue that was said to sing at dawn. Then the car takes you back across the river.
- 4
LunchLocal restaurant in Luxor
Lunch is a sit-down meal at a local restaurant, included in the tour. This is the break in the day, and your guide will suggest taking it away from the busiest hours.
- 5
Early afternoonKarnak
Karnak opens at 6:00, and the ministry's ticket site sets a last entry earlier than closing time, so we plan to be inside well before it. The Great Hypostyle Hall has 134 columns, and Hatshepsut's obelisk stands almost 30 m high. Your guide picks a route that fits the time you have left.
- 6
Late afternoonLuxor Temple
The day ends where the ancient Opet procession ended, at Luxor Temple. Amenhotep III's colonnade, Ramesses II's courtyard and the mosque inside the walls make a compact visit. We drop you at your hotel or ship afterwards.
How much does this tour cost?
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $160 |
| 2 travellers | $125 |
| 3 to 5 travellers | $110 |
| 6 or more travellers | $100 |
In US dollars, per person, for a private trip. The price in your written quote, made for your dates and group, is the one that counts. International flights are not included.
What’s included
Included
- Pick-up and return by private air-conditioned vehicle in Luxor
- Private Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees to the sites listed, with the standard tomb ticket in the Valley of the Kings
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Bottled water
Not included
- Tutankhamun's tomb and any other tomb sold on a separate ticket
- Drinks with lunch
- Tips
Booking policies
Important information
This is a long day
Expect to be on your feet for much of it, with a lot of sun and several short drives. Tell us at booking if anyone has a heart, knee or breathing problem, and we will shorten the plan.
Wear
A hat, sunscreen, flat closed shoes and light layers. Keep shoulders and knees covered for Luxor Temple, where a mosque is in use.
Tutankhamun's tomb
It carries a separate ticket at the Valley of the Kings, paid on the day. The chamber is small and most of the finds are on display in the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. Your guide will advise.
Summer
In the hottest months we can start the day earlier, and pause for lunch in air conditioning. Ask us about it when you book.
Payment and deposit
- Prices are in US dollars and the price in your written quote is the one that counts.
- The deposit is 30 percent of the total price (50 percent for trips that start from 18 December to 5 January).
- The balance is due 15 days before arrival. If you book later than that, the full amount confirms the booking.
- Payment instructions come with your written quote.
Cancellation and refund
Send every cancellation by email so that we can confirm it in writing. The charge is a percentage of the tour price, and anything you paid above it is refunded.
| Days before arrival | Normal dates | 18 Dec to 5 Jan |
|---|---|---|
| Until 61 days | 20% | 35% |
| 60 to 31 days | 35% | 50% |
| 30 to 15 days | 50% | 75% |
| 14 to 1 days, or no-show | 100% | 100% |
A bank and payment fee of 6 percent is deducted from every refund. Full rules: terms and policies.
Children
- Children under 3 travel free.
- Children from 3 to 11.99 years pay 50 percent of the tour price.
- From 12 years, travellers pay the adult price.
Please give the age of every child at the time of travel when you ask for a quote.
Travel tips
Know before you go
Start early
Pickup around 8:00 gets you to the pyramids before the heat and the coach groups.
Wear
Closed shoes, a hat and sunscreen, expect sand, steps and uneven ground.
Extra tickets
Entry inside the Great Pyramid is an optional ticket bought on the day.
Photos
Photos are free outdoors; some tombs charge for cameras. Drones are not allowed.
Traveller reviews
What our travellers say
A Fantastic Tour of Egypt
“The entire trip was seamlessly executed.”
Best tour guide!!
“He made our trip to the pyramids and Alexandria fun and memorable.”
Amazing 2 week trip
“My friends and I spent two weeks in Egypt and he was with us every step of the way.”
FAQ
Questions about this tour
Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp and a real person from our team will answer.
Can we really do both banks in one day?
Yes, if you accept shorter visits than a dedicated tour gives. The two banks are linked by a short drive, and most of the day is spent on foot at the sites.
Which site do you shorten?
Usually the Colossi, which is a photo stop, and the number of tombs in the Valley. Karnak keeps the most time because it is the largest.
What if I only want one bank?
Book the Karnak and Luxor Temples tour for the East Bank or the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut and Colossi tour for the West Bank.
Do I have to pay for lunch separately?
Lunch is included. Drinks with it are not.
Can you start later than 6:00?
Yes, but the Valley and the terraces will be hotter and busier. Tell us your flight or ship timings and we will plan around them.
Make it a trip
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Before you go
Guides for this trip
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