Full-day East and West Bank tour with lunch from Luxor

Explore Luxor’s Ancient Wonders in a Full-Day Tour

This full-day East and West Bank tour in Luxor combines a fascinating journey through Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites with convenient logistics and an affordable price of just $12.86 per person. Departing from Luxor, the tour provides a comprehensive look at the city’s monumental history, guided by expert Egyptologists. It lasts around 6 to 8 hours, making it ideal for travelers seeking an in-depth yet manageable experience. The tour includes hotel pickup, lunch, and group discounts, making it accessible and cost-effective.

Designed for those interested in Egypt’s history without the hassle of organizing transport or entry tickets, this tour offers a well-rounded day exploring the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, the Karnak Temple, and the Luxor Temple. While admission tickets are not included, the overall experience benefits from professional guides and smooth logistics, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors or those short on time.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $12.86 per person, including lunch and transportation
• Comprehensive itinerary covering both the East and West Banks of Luxor
• Expert Egyptologist guides provide insightful commentary
• Pickup services from hotels, stations, or cruise ships in Luxor
• Flexible visiting options for temples on both banks
• Group discounts available, maximum group size 50 travelers

Convenient Hotel Pickup and Transportation in Luxor

This tour starts with a complimentary pickup from any hotel, hostel, or cruise dock in Luxor, ensuring a seamless beginning to your day. The transportation included is reliable and designed to keep travel times minimal, so you can focus on exploring. The tour covers the East and West Banks, allowing travelers to see Luxor’s most essential sites without worrying about logistics or transport arrangements.

The group size caps at 50 travelers, which helps maintain a comfortable and engaging atmosphere. The mobile ticket option makes it easy to manage your booking and stay organized throughout your trip. The transportation and pickup services are praised as punctual and convenient, especially helpful for visitors unfamiliar with Luxor’s transportation options.

Visiting the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple

The Valley of the Kings opens at 8:00 AM, and the tour includes a 1 hour 30 minutes visit to this legendary necropolis. Here, you’ll see the royal tombs of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, with the guide explaining their significance and history. While admission tickets are not included, the guided commentary enriches the visit, helping you understand the importance of these underground chambers.

Following this, the tour moves to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari. This 2-hour stop highlights the architecture of the first female pharaoh, with the guide pointing out its unique features and historical context. The temple’s impressive terraces and carvings make it a highlight of the tour.

Marvel at the Colossi of Memnon and Enjoy a Local Lunch

After exploring Hatshepsut’s temple, the group makes a quick 15-minute stop at the Colossi of Memnon—two massive stone statues that once guarded a mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These are free to view, and their towering presence offers great photo opportunities.

Midday, the tour includes a lunch break at a local restaurant, with options like Falafel or Koshari. Here, travelers can enjoy authentic Egyptian dishes in a relaxed setting, making the experience more than just a sightseeing trip. The lunch lasts about an hour, providing a welcome breather before continuing the exploration of Luxor’s temples.

Discovering the Magnificence of Karnak and Luxor Temples

Post-lunch, the group heads to the Karnak Temple, which takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to explore. As one of Egypt’s most significant worship sites, Karnak boasts massive hypostyle halls, detailed hieroglyphs, and a sprawling complex that shows the grandeur of ancient Egyptian religion. The guide provides insights into the temple’s history and architecture, making each corner come alive.

The final stop is the Luxor Temple, where construction by different pharaohs over centuries creates a fascinating mix of styles. This 1-hour visit offers impressive columns, statues, and obelisks, culminating the day’s journey through Egypt’s spiritual heartland.

Practical Details and Tour Inclusions

The full-day tour includes transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, 2 bottled waters, lunch, and an English-speaking Egyptologist guide. While admission tickets are not included, the tour’s value lies in its expertly guided visits, logistical convenience, and affordable price. Additional costs may include entry fees and optional guides in other languages, such as Spanish or French.

For travelers concerned about weather, the tour offers full flexibility, with the possibility of rescheduling or receiving a full refund if canceled due to inclement conditions. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with good accessibility implied, and most participants can enjoy the experience.

Highly Praised Guides and Service

This tour receives high marks for its friendly and knowledgeable guides, particularly for their patience and ability to tailor the experience. The guides are praised for their respectful manner and their efforts to make visitors comfortable. One guide, Hany, is highlighted as especially excellent for his patience, knowledge, and kindness, enhancing the overall experience.

Many reviews note the punctual pickup service and the ability of guides to suggest the best viewing points, especially in the Valley of the Kings. These qualities make the tour stand out among similar offerings in Luxor.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value for Budget Travelers

For just $12.86, this tour provides a comprehensive view of Luxor’s most important sites, guided by professionals who bring the history to life. The inclusion of lunch and transportation simplifies planning and reduces additional expenses. Its flexible schedule and group discounts make it accessible for various budgets and group sizes.

While admission tickets are not included, the guided explanations make the visits more meaningful, especially for first-time visitors. The timing of stops allows enough time to explore without feeling rushed, which enhances the overall experience.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This full-day Luxor tour is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a comprehensive tour with expert guidance. It suits those who value convenience—thanks to hotel pickup and transport—and are interested in Egypt’s royal tombs, temples, and statues. It’s perfect for first-timers or those with limited time but still eager to see the city’s highlights.

Travelers who prefer a guided experience over independent exploring** will find this tour especially rewarding, thanks to the knowledgeable Egyptologist guides. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to enjoy Egypt’s history without overspending.

Luxor’s Monuments and the Cultural Significance of Each Site

The Valley of the Kings is famed for its royal tombs, where pharaohs such as Tutankhamun were laid to rest. The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut demonstrates the architectural innovation of Egypt’s first female ruler, with its terraces and detailed carvings. The Colossi of Memnon serve as iconic symbols of Egypt’s grandeur, while the Karnak Temple illustrates the religious devotion and architectural skill of ancient Egypt.

The Luxor Temple ties together this history, serving as a place of worship and ceremonial activities for centuries. Each site offers a different perspective on Egypt’s spiritual and political life, enriching the overall understanding of Luxor’s significance.

Flexibility and Additional Options

The tour provides flexible options to customize your visit on both the East and West Banks, allowing you to choose which temples to prioritize. You also have the option to add guided tours in Spanish or French for an extra fee, enhancing the cultural experience.

The full refund policy up to 24 hours before the tour ensures peace of mind, especially for travelers with unpredictable schedules or weather concerns.

Final Thoughts on the Luxor Full-Day Tour

This full-day tour in Luxor offers an affordable, well-organized way to explore Egypt’s most famous monuments. With expert guides, hotel pickup, and lunch included, it caters to those seeking a hassle-free experience that balances depth with convenience. The flexibility of visiting options and emphasis on delivering a meaningful narrative makes it a reliable choice for visitors eager to learn and see Luxor’s highlights.

While admission tickets are an extra cost, the guided commentary and smooth logistics compensate for this. The positive reviews underline the tour’s high-quality guiding staff and punctual service, making it a trusted option for exploring Luxor’s archaeological treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are admission tickets to the sites included?
No, the tour does not include admission tickets, so travelers will need to purchase these separately.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full-day experience lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, complimentary pickup from hotels, stations, or cruise ships in Luxor is included.

Can I choose which temples to visit?
Yes, the tour offers flexible options for visiting temples on both the East and West Banks.

Is lunch included in the tour price?
Yes, a lunch with local dishes such as Falafel or Koshari is included.

How do I book the tour?
Booking can be done with Egypt Holiday Makers Travel, with options for mobile tickets and group discounts.