Cairo: Luxor East and West Banks Guided Tour& Overnight Sitting Train Round Trip

Experience Luxor from Cairo in Style and Comfort

Traveling between Cairo and Luxor can sometimes feel like a logistical headache, but this guided multi-day tour offers a refreshingly hassle-free way to see some of Egypt’s most breathtaking ancient sites. For just $333 per person, you get a carefully curated experience packed with highlights on both the east and west banks of Luxor, plus the comfort of a first-class overnight train.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the seamless hotel pickups, the chance to explore Luxor with knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to travel overnight in style. A potential consideration is the entrance fees not being included, so budget accordingly if you want to visit all the sites. This experience appeals most to travelers eager for an enriching, guided adventure without the fuss of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Hassle-Free Transfers: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in both Cairo and Luxor.
• Comfortable Travel: First-class seated overnight train makes the journey relaxing.
• Comprehensive Sightseeing: Visits to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor Temple, and more.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local guides enhance understanding of each site.
• Value for Money: All transfers, tours, and train tickets included, with flexible train options.
• Small Group Experience: Typically limited to 15 travelers for a more personalized trip.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice for Travelers

If you’re eager to see Egypt’s highlights without the stress of arranging transport and guides yourself, this tour offers a compelling package. It combines the practicality of door-to-door transfers, the comfort of first-class train travel, and a well-paced itinerary that hits all the major sites in Luxor. The inclusion of a knowledgeable guide transforms what could be a whirlwind into an educational and memorable journey.

One of the biggest draws here is the overnight first-class seated train—a step above the usual bus or economy class, providing a more relaxed travel experience. Reviewers often mention how the comfort and timing of the train add to the overall value, allowing you to rest before and after the sightseeing days.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: The Journey Begins in Cairo

Your adventure starts with a pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza, which takes the hassle out of navigating Egypt’s busy streets. From there, you’ll head to the train station to board your first-class seated overnight train. This is a real plus—many travelers appreciate the comfort and convenience, especially since this class offers more space and a quieter environment.

The 9-hour journey overnight means you wake up in Luxor, ready to get straight into exploring rather than wasting time in transit. While the train ticket is included, keep in mind that this is a seated rather than sleeper class, so those who prefer more privacy may want to consider the upgrade to a sleeper train for an additional fee.

Day 2: Discovering Luxor’s East and West Banks

Arriving early in Luxor, you’ll meet your licensed guide and hop into a private air-conditioned vehicle for the day. This personal guide is a key feature, often praised for their knowledge and friendly manner.

Your first stop is the Valley of the Kings, the burial site of Pharaohs including Tutankhamun, Ramses VI, and others. Reviewers like Carmen praise guides who are “very historical savvy,” making the ruins come alive with stories and context. Entrance fees are not included, so you’ll pay for these separately in Egyptian pounds, which many find manageable with a little planning.

Next, you’ll visit Deir el Bahari, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This site is visually striking, with its terraced design carved into the cliffs—a reminder of Egypt’s unique architectural ingenuity. Reviewers appreciated the detailed explanations from guides, which helped them understand the significance of Hatshepsut’s unusual reign.

A quick stop at the Colossi of Memnon offers a breather and perfect photo opportunity, as these giant statues are iconic symbols of Luxor’s West Bank.

Then, it’s over to the Karnak Temple complex on the East Bank—arguably Egypt’s most impressive religious site. With its enormous Hypostyle Hall and towering columns, it’s easy to see why Karnak is considered one of the world’s great architectural achievements. Some reviews mention spending about 2 hours here, enough to soak in the grandeur but not so long that it becomes overwhelming.

Finally, the day wraps up with a visit to Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at night and steeped in history. The guide’s insights turn this visit into a vivid story, helping you appreciate the temple’s role in ancient Egyptian rituals.

After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll head back to the train station for the overnight seated return trip to Cairo.

Day 3: Return to Cairo

Early morning, you arrive back in Cairo around 5 AM, where your tour provider offers hotel drop-off if requested. While there’s no included pickup on your return, it’s easy to arrange or walk to nearby accommodations.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers like Carmen and LaVon highlight the expertise of guides, particularly mentioning guide Hany Yassen, who was described as “very historical savvy” and made the experience “amazing.” Many also appreciate the personalized attention and the opportunity to visit several key sites, often with local insights that make the history feel more alive.

Another standout is the value for money—all the key logistics like train tickets, transfers, and tours are included, making it a straightforward, stress-free booking. Some mention the flexibility to upgrade the train to a sleeper or switch to a VIP bus, offering options depending on comfort preferences.

Practical Tips

• Entrance fees are paid separately in Egyptian pounds; bringing some cash or a card is advisable.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 15 for a more intimate experience.
• Pack your camera and comfortable walking shoes, as sites like Karnak and the Valley of the Kings involve plenty of exploring.
• Consider upgrading to a sleeper train if you prefer more privacy and a more restful overnight journey.

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of comfort, education, and exploration. The convenience of hotel pickups, the comfort of first-class train travel, and the chance to see Luxor’s most iconic sites make it a solid choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a guided overview without the hassle of planning every detail.

The experience is especially strong if you value expert guides who bring ancient Egypt to life and appreciate the beautiful mix of temples, tombs, and statues that Luxor has to offer. While the entrance fees are not included, the overall package provides excellent value considering the level of comfort and convenience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history lovers eager to learn from knowledgeable guides, travelers who prefer organized, all-in-one packages, and those looking for a comfortable, hassle-free way to visit Luxor. The overnight train and small group size mean you won’t feel like just another tourist, but rather part of an intimate journey through Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites.

If you’re flexible with options like upgrading train class or adjusting payment for entrance fees, this tour can be tailored further to your comfort level. It’s a smart pick for anyone wanting to maximize their time in Luxor without the stress of logistics.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza and drop-off at the train station in Luxor, making the start and end of your journey smooth.

What type of train do I travel on?
You’ll be on a first-class seated overnight train, which offers more comfort than standard options. There’s also an option to upgrade to a sleeper train for an extra USD 150 round trip.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to sites like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak are not included. You pay these separately in Egyptian pounds, but many find it manageable.

Can I switch from train to bus?
Yes, the train can be replaced with a VIP bus at no extra cost, or upgraded to a sleeper train if you prefer more privacy and comfort.

How many people are in the group?
The tour typically has a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and your international student card if applicable for discounts, as some sites offer 50% off with it.

All in all, this tour offers a balanced, well-organized way to discover Luxor’s treasures with comfort and expert guidance. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the highlights without the hassle, especially if they value good value for money and the ease of travel logistics.