Private Full day Tour To East and West Bank of Luxor with Lunch

Taking a guided tour through Luxor’s iconic sites offers a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s ancient past — and doing it in one comprehensive day makes it even better. This private full-day tour covers major highlights on both the East and West Banks of the Nile, offering an immersive experience with knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and carefully curated stops.

What truly sets this tour apart are three things we love: the affordable price of just $20 per person, the expert guidance from licensed Egyptologists, and the carefully planned itinerary that maximizes sightseeing without feeling rushed. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and entrance fees adds to the value, making it a convenient way to see Luxor’s top spots.

However, it’s worth noting that this experience is quite full — so if you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed pace, you might find the schedule a little tight. Still, for most travelers eager to tick off major sites in a day, this tour hits the sweet spot. Ideal for history buffs, first-timers, or those on a time crunch, it offers a fantastic way to get your fill of Egypt’s legendary monuments.

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Key Points

Value for Money: At $20, this tour offers a comprehensive experience with all entrance fees included.
Expert Guides: Fully licensed Egyptologists like Mohamed, Ramses, and Aladdin bring history to life with engaging storytelling.
Well-Planned Itinerary: Visits to the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Karnak, and Luxor Temple ensure a broad tour of Egypt’s iconic sites.
Authentic Experiences: Guides share insights that go beyond the basics, including stories about the sites’ mysteries and significance.
Efficient Transportation: Pickup and drop-off are included, often with a clean, comfortable vehicle, making logistics hassle-free.
Great for First-Time Visitors: The tour covers the must-see monuments, ideal for those new to Luxor or Egypt.

A Deep Dive into the Luxor Experience

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The Valley of the Kings: A Tomb-Raiding Adventure

Starting your day at the Valley of the Kings, you’ll step into the burial site of many ancient pharaohs, including the famous Tutankhamun. The tombs are carved deep into the rocky hills, and your guide will point out hieroglyphics, artifacts, and the mysterious symbolism behind these underground chambers.

Travelers rave about the experience, with one reviewer sharing, “This journey was fantastic because of the fresh facts and gorgeous history, as well as knowledge of some ancient mysteries that we wouldn’t learn without our guide.” Expect a two-hour visit where you can explore several tombs, though access to Tutankhamun’s tomb might sometimes be limited by conservation efforts.

The Hatshepsut Temple: A Clifftop Wonder

Next, the Temple of Hatshepsut, perched against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, offers stunning architecture and a story of Egypt’s most extraordinary female ruler. The monument’s terraced design and detailed reliefs make it a favorite among visitors.

One reviewer highlighted, “Mohamed was an amazing guide, very helpful and very knowledgeable about Egyptian history,” adding that guides often share lesser-known facts about Hatshepsut’s reign and the significance of her mortuary temple. You’ll spend around two hours here, enough time to soak in the scenery and hear about Hatshepsut’s unprecedented rise to power.

The Colossi of Memnon: Giant Guardians

A quick stop at the Colossi of Memnon provides a photo-worthy moment. These two massive statues, once part of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple, remain impressive remnants of Egypt’s grandeur. Many travelers find these statues awe-inspiring and appreciate their free access, with one reviewer noting, “We are very happy thanks again to Ramses; we had a nice tour.” Expect a 30-minute visit to marvel at their size and take memorable photos.

The Karnak Temple Complex: The Largest Religious Site in Egypt

The tour’s highlight is the Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex that showcases towering columns, detailed reliefs, and a sense of scale that’s hard to grasp without witnessing it firsthand. This site reflects the religious and political might of ancient Egypt.

Guides share insights into the symbolism behind the columns and the purpose of various structures, often going beyond the surface. “Mohamed helped us understand the context of the most impressive sites in Egypt,” a reviewer mentions, emphasizing how guides bring these ruins to life with stories and explanations. You’ll spend about two hours exploring Karnak and getting a real sense of ancient Egyptian grandeur.

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Luxor Temple: A Nighttime Jewel

Your final stop is Luxor Temple, especially beautiful when illuminated at night. The temple’s courtyards and halls reveal intricate carvings and statues, with guides explaining its role in festivals and processions celebrated in ancient times.

One traveler describes Mohamed as “extremely passionate and a great expert,” highlighting how the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm enhance the experience. An hour and a half allows ample time to walk through the site, take photos, and appreciate its illuminated beauty.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour’s price of $20 is remarkably reasonable considering the full day of sightseeing and all entrance fees included. You benefit from licensed Egyptologist guides, which guarantees engaging, accurate storytelling. Pickup and drop-off are provided, usually in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles — a big plus in the hot Egyptian climate.

Included in the price are entrance fees to the Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak, and Luxor Temple, as well as the Colossi of Memnon — meaning no surprise expenses. The package also includes a bottle of water and lunch, which helps keep you energized for the busy day.

Keep in mind that tips are not included, so if you feel your guide has gone above and beyond, a small gratuity is appreciated and common.

Timing and Duration

With a total duration of 7 to 8 hours, this tour is quite packed, with most of the day spent exploring. It starts early to make the most of the cooler morning hours and ends around late afternoon, possibly with some optional time to revisit a site or relax at the hotel.

Suitability

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Luxor’s most famous sites in a single day. The schedule is tight but well thought out, making it ideal for those on a layover, cruise stop, or anyone eager to see the highlights without multiple days of sightseeing.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many travelers emphasize the value brought by the guides. One said, “Mohamed is extremely passionate and a great expert,” adding that his stories made the visit more meaningful. Others appreciated guides like Aladdin or Ramses for their thoughtful, personalized approach, and some mentioned the pleasantness of the driver and the cleanliness of the vehicle.

A recurring theme is how much guides enhance the experience — not just through facts but through their friendly and approachable manner. For example, one reviewer noted, “Aladdin was a wonderful and experienced guide. I had a fabulous time and would definitely recommend if you want to be well cared for.”

The sites themselves also garner praise. Many find the Valley of the Kings awe-inspiring, especially after hearing stories that add context to the tombs. The Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are described as breathtaking, especially when illuminated at night or viewed in the early morning light.

Practical Tips

Dress comfortably and wear sun protection, as sites are mostly outdoors.
Bring water even though it’s supplied, especially on hot days.
Be prepared for a busy schedule — if you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider fewer stops or private options.
Tip your guide if you’re happy with their service; it’s customary.
Arrive early to beat the crowds or to catch the sites when they’re less busy.

The Sum Up

This full-day Luxor tour offers an ideal mix of history, convenience, and value. For just $20 per person, you get a well-organized itinerary, expert guides, and all entry fees included. You’ll visit the most famous sites, from the tombs in the Valley of the Kings to the grandeur of Karnak, gaining a broader understanding of ancient Egypt’s splendor.

It’s best suited for those eager to see Luxor’s highlights without multiple days of touring or for travelers on a tight schedule. The knowledgeable guides and authentic storytelling make this an engaging experience, perfect for first-time visitors wanting a rundown.

While the schedule is full, most visitors find that the richness of the sites and the quality of the guides make every minute worthwhile. If you’re after a reliable, budget-friendly way to explore Luxor’s highlights with a touch of local expertise, this tour should be at the top of your list.

FAQs

Is this tour private? Yes, it’s a fully private experience, meaning only your group participates.
How long does the tour last? Approximately 7 to 8 hours, from pickup to drop-off.
Are entrance fees included? Yes, all entrance fees to the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak, Luxor Temple, and Colossi of Memnon are included.
What’s the price? The tour costs $20 per person, which is highly affordable for a full-day guided experience.
Is lunch included? Yes, a lunch is provided along with bottled water.
Who guides the tour? Fully licensed Egyptologists, such as Mohamed, Ramses, and Aladdin, are your guides.
Can I customize the experience? Since it’s a private tour, guides may offer insights tailored to your interests.
What should I wear? Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Is this suitable for children? Yes, most travelers of all ages can participate, but keep in mind the full schedule.
How do I book? You can reserve through providers like Viator or directly via Icon Tours Egypt.