Temple of Horus at Edfu
Built between 237 and 57 BC, and cleared of sand and silt from 1860.
5.0 on TripadvisorPrivate tour Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples Private Day Tour from Luxor
The Temple of Horus at Edfu and the double temple at Kom Ombo, visited by road from Luxor in one long private day with an Egyptologist and lunch.
- Duration
- Full day, with long drives each way
- Where
- Edfu and Kom Ombo, south of Luxor
- Pick-up
- Hotel or Nile ship in Luxor
- Language
- English (other languages on request)
From, per person$806 or more travellers
- Starts any day
- Free quote, no obligation
- Change anything you like
About this tour
Nile cruise ships stop at Edfu and Kom Ombo on the way between Luxor and Aswan. This tour does the same two temples by car in a single day from Luxor, for travellers who are not sailing, who have a free day, or who want a closer look than a cruise stop allows.
Both temples date to the Ptolemaic period and are built on a different plan from Karnak. Edfu is among the best-preserved temples in Egypt, because it stood buried under sand and silt for centuries. Kom Ombo is a double temple, with two parallel axes for two gods, and we visit it in the afternoon.
The day is long, and the return drive from Kom Ombo is the longest stretch. It does not suit anyone who dislikes long car journeys or anyone who wants to see tombs, which are not on this route. Travellers already sailing between Luxor and Aswan will visit both temples from the ship and do not need this tour.
Two granite falcons
Statues of Horus stand in front of the pylons at Edfu.
Kom Ombo's two axes
Parallel passages lead to sanctuaries of Sobek and Horus the Elder.
Surgical instruments relief
A Roman-period carving at Kom Ombo is thought to show scalpels, forceps and scissors.
A Nilometer
The temple site at Kom Ombo has one for measuring the river's level.
How the day runs
- 1
Early morningSouth from Luxor
We leave early and drive south to Edfu. The ministry lists Edfu as opening at 6:00 on Sundays and Wednesdays and 7:00 on other days. We confirm pick-up and return times for your date when you book.
- 2
MorningThe Temple of Horus at Edfu
Two massive pylons front the temple, covered with scenes of Ptolemy XII defeating enemies and honouring the gods. Two large granite statues of the falcon god Horus stand before them. The French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette began clearing the temple in 1860, after centuries under sand and silt, and houses had been built on top of it.
- 3
Late morningInside the temple
Beyond the pylon you cross a peristyle court with floral-capped columns, then two hypostyle halls and a transverse hall, and reach the sanctuary. Every wall is carved. Your guide reads the festival scenes with you, including the annual visit of Hathor from Dendera to Horus.
- 4
MiddayLunch
Lunch is at a local restaurant on the route.
- 5
AfternoonKom Ombo
The ministry describes Kom Ombo as dedicated to two gods, so it has two parallel passages through its columned halls. The southern axis belonged to the crocodile god Sobek and the northern to Horus the Elder. Look for the relief that is thought to show surgical instruments, and ask your guide to show you the Nilometer, used to measure the Nile's level.
- 6
Late afternoonBack to Luxor
The drive back is long, and we plan the day to return before dark, since government advice discourages driving outside cities at night. Kom Ombo is the farthest point of the day.
How much does this tour cost?
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $130 |
| 2 travellers | $100 |
| 3 to 5 travellers | $90 |
| 6 or more travellers | $80 |
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 Edfu and Kom Ombo
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Bottled water
Not included
- Drinks with lunch
- Tips
Booking policies
Important information
Road rules
The UK and Canadian government travel pages do not mention a convoy or escort requirement for the Nile Valley, but neither covers this route in detail. The UK says police check ID regularly, so keep your passport with you. Road and timing rules for tourist vehicles can change, and we confirm them for your date when you book.
Start early
This is a long day. The temples are a few hours' drive from Luxor, and Edfu opens at 6:00 on Sundays and Wednesdays and at 7:00 on other days, so an early departure gives you time at both.
Wear
Closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen and light clothing. The open courts at both temples offer little cover from the sun.
Cruise passengers
If your Nile cruise already calls at Edfu and Kom Ombo, you do not need this tour.
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.
Are the temples worth a day trip if I am on a Nile cruise?
Not if your ship stops at both, as Luxor to Aswan sailings usually do. This tour is for people who are not sailing between Luxor and Aswan.
Why Edfu and Kom Ombo together?
They lie on the same stretch of the Nile, so they pair naturally. Kom Ombo is also open late, with the ministry listing it until 21:00.
Is the road to Edfu and Kom Ombo safe for tourists?
Government advice for Egypt says road accidents are common and advises against driving outside main cities and resorts at night, so we plan to be back before dark. Canada advises hiring vehicles and drivers from reputable travel agencies. We confirm the current checkpoint and timing rules for your date when you book.
How long is Kom Ombo from Aswan?
Kom Ombo is about 50 km north of Aswan. This tour starts in Luxor and does not go on to Aswan.
What is the difference between the two temples?
Edfu is dedicated to Horus and is known for how complete it is. Kom Ombo has two axes, one for Sobek and one for Horus the Elder, so you walk two parallel halls.
Make it a trip
Packages that pass through the same places
Budget Egypt Tours 9 days / 8 nights Alexandria · Aswan · Cairo · Luxor
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Before you go
Guides for this trip
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