2 Day Trip from Hurghada to Luxor with Lunch Small Group

Exploring the 2-Day Trip from Hurghada to Luxor with Lunch: An Honest Review

Traveling from Hurghada to Luxor for a two-day adventure offers a compelling way to uncover Egypt’s marvels beyond the Red Sea resorts. This tour, operated by Love Egypt Tours, promises a comprehensive experience packed into just 48 hours—covering iconic temples, tombs, and relics with expert guidance in a small-group setting.

What we love about this experience? First, the knowledgeable guides—reviewers praise guides like Dr. Abdul for their infectious passion and deep understanding of Egyptology. Second, the well-organized itinerary ensures you see the highlights without feeling rushed, with a good balance of sightseeing and rest. Third, the comfort and convenience of private transportation and hotel stays make this a stress-free way to explore.

A possible consideration? The duration means you’ll be on the move a lot, and some might find the early start (6:00 am pickup) a bit demanding. Still, if you’re eager to maximize your time and see key sites in Luxor, this tour fits the bill.

Ideal for history enthusiasts, first-time visitors, or those wanting a structured yet immersive experience, this trip suits travelers who value expert guidance and authentic sightseeing over just ticking boxes.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: The tour features a private Egyptologist guide, such as Dr. Abdul, whose passion and knowledge greatly enhance the experience.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: From Karnak and Luxor Temples to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s Temple—almost every major site is included.
• Comfort & Convenience: Private, air-conditioned transport makes long drives comfortable, with hotel stays arranged in Luxor.
• Authentic Viewing: Reviews highlight the memorable experience of seeing Egypt’s monuments, with some guides reading hieroglyphs and explaining intricate details.
• Value for Money: The price of around $195.60 per person covers transportation, hotel, guides, and meals—offering a lot for the cost.
• Flexible Options: Upgrades like Nile felucca rides are available, allowing you to tailor your experience further.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Hurghada to Luxor, Exploring the East Bank

Your adventure begins with an early morning hotel pickup in Hurghada around 6:00 am. The drive to Luxor takes approximately four hours in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle—a smooth way to leave behind the Red Sea and head toward Egypt’s inland treasures.

Once in Luxor, you’ll check into a four-star hotel, giving you a chance to rest and refresh before diving into the sites. Most reviews mention how well-organized the transfer and hotel arrangements are, making the journey less stressful and more enjoyable.

For lunch, you’ll be taken to a local restaurant, where reviewers consistently praise the delicious, authentic Egyptian cuisine—an essential part of the experience that often surprises travelers with how tasty and affordable it is.

After lunch, your first stop is the Karnak Temple Complex. This sprawling site, often described as a city within itself, is full of towering pylons, massive statues, and intricate hieroglyphs. While the admission fee isn’t included, the guide will point out the most impressive features, making the visit more meaningful. Several reviewers mention the guide’s storytelling ability—highlighting how Dr. Abdul or other guides can bring these stones to life with fascinating anecdotes.

Next comes the Luxor Temple, built around 1400 BCE, which was a central religious site in ancient Thebes. Its proximity to the Nile and the grand avenue connecting it to Karnak makes it an impressive walk. Visitors note the grandeur of the architecture and how the guide explains the significance of specific carvings, making it more than just a walk among ruins.

Day 2: West Bank Wonders and Return

The next morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to the West Bank, crossing the Nile via private boat or shuttle—reviewers highlight how this seamless transfer adds to the smooth flow of the trip.

Your first major stop is the Valley of the Kings. Here, rock-cut tombs, including those of Pharaohs like Tutankhamun, give an insightful glimpse into burial practices and royal grandeur. The tour usually lasts around two hours. Reviewers appreciated the chance to learn about the tombs’ artwork and the stories carved inside, with some guides reading hieroglyphs to help decode the symbols.

Next, you’ll visit Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple at Deir el Bahari—a stunning example of mortarless construction and terraced design. Several guests describe this site as a “masterpiece of ancient architecture,” and the guide’s explanations add depth to the visit.

The Colossi of Memnon are often the final West Bank stop. These giant statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III offer iconic photo opportunities and are praised for their imposing presence. Many reviewers remark on how free this stop is, giving you time to marvel at the scale and take memorable photos.

Finally, after a full day of archaeological exploration, you’ll enjoy a lunch in Luxor before heading back to Hurghada in the late afternoon, with the drive taking about four hours. Reviewers consistently mention how well-organized and punctual this transfer is—important when returning to a resort after a long day.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

This tour offers a robust itinerary for around $195.60 per person, which includes hotel accommodation, all transfers, a private guide, and meals. Considering the sites visited and the personalized attention, many travelers feel they’re getting excellent value—especially when compared to the cost of independent travel or larger group tours.

The inclusion of a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide makes this tour stand out. Reviewers repeatedly mention how guides like Dr. Abdul or Darwish significantly enrich the experience, offering insights not available in guidebooks. Their ability to explain hieroglyphs and the significance of each monument turns a sightseeing trip into an educational journey.

Transport is another highlight—modern, air-conditioned vehicles ensure comfort during the long drives, which are essential given the vast distances between sites. Many reviews note the punctuality and professionalism of the drivers, which adds to the overall smoothness.

The hotel stay in Luxor is also a plus, giving travelers a restful night after the day’s exploration. Some reviewers even upgrade with optional Nile felucca rides, which could be a romantic or relaxing addition if you opt for it.

Authentic Experiences and Expert Guidance

The reviews reveal that what elevates this tour is the passion and expertise of the guides. Many travelers emphasize how guides like Dr. Abdul not only share facts but also bring stories and hieroglyph translations to life, making ancient Egypt feel real and accessible.

The delicious local lunches are another plus, providing a taste of Egyptian cuisine and a chance to relax and regroup between sites.

Flexibility and Personalization

While the standard itinerary covers all major highlights, reviewers mention the possibility of optional upgrades, such as Nile felucca rides. The tour is designed to be comprehensive but also accommodating, with some guests noting the staff’s willingness to adapt schedules, especially when traveling with children or elderly family members.

Practical Aspects to Consider

The early start time (6:00 am pickup) might be tiring for some, but it’s necessary to maximize sightseeing time. The tour’s duration—approximately two days—means you’ll be on the move quite a bit, which might not suit travelers seeking a more relaxed pace.

Entry fees to sites are not included, so budgeting accordingly is wise. Also, while tips are not included, multiple reviews mention how guides and drivers appreciate small gratuities for their service.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This trip is best suited for history lovers and first-timers eager to see Egypt’s most famous sites without the hassle of organizing logistics themselves. It’s also ideal for those who value expert guidance, authentic local cuisine, and comfortable transportation.

Travelers with limited time but a desire to grasp the essence of ancient Egypt will find this tour both fulfilling and efficient. However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or wish to explore at your own speed, you might want to consider a different option or extend your stay.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this 2-day Luxor tour from Hurghada offers a well-rounded, value-packed snapshot of Egypt’s incredible archaeological treasures. The combination of expert guides, comfortable transport, and authentic experiences makes it an enticing choice for those looking to tick off the major sites while enjoying a smooth, organized trip.

The glowing reviews highlight how guides like Dr. Abdul and Darwish elevate the experience, turning ancient ruins into captivating stories. The included hotel stay and meals mean you won’t need to worry about logistics—just bring your curiosity and camera.

If you’re after a hassle-free, educational, and memorable journey into Egypt’s past, this tour is hard to beat. It’s a great option for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience that balances sightseeing, comfort, and authentic local flavor.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The cost covers hotel accommodation in Luxor, all transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles, a private Egyptologist guide, and meals (breakfast and lunch).

Are entrance fees to the sites included?
No, the entrance fees to all listed sites are not included, so you should budget extra for those.

What is the pickup time?
The tour starts at 6:00 am with hotel pickups in Hurghada.

How long is the drive from Hurghada to Luxor?
The drive takes around four hours in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.

Can I upgrade or customize the experience?
Yes, optional upgrades such as Nile felucca rides are available, and staff are willing to accommodate reasonable requests.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Many reviews mention traveling with children or elderly relatives, and guides are flexible, but the early start and full schedule may be tiring for some.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended. Entry to sites is not included, so carry some cash for entrance fees if desired.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing a full refund.

This tour is a fantastic way to see Egypt’s iconic monuments without the stress of planning it yourself. With expert guides, comfortable transport, and a thoughtfully curated itinerary, it offers a rich taste of Luxor’s ancient grandeur—perfect for those who want to make the most of a short trip.