Luxor is split by the Nile, and the two banks were never meant to feel the same. The West Bank was built for the dead. The East Bank was built for the living. This Luxor full-day tour, run by Aten Tours with a licensed Egyptologist and a private driver for your group only, takes you through both in one day.
You'll start on the West Bank, at the Valley of the Kings, where tombs cut into the limestone still hold the burial chambers of New Kingdom pharaohs, Tutankhamun among them. From there it's Hatshepsut's Temple, three terraces rising out of the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, built for the one woman who ruled Egypt as pharaoh in her own right.
On the way back to the river, you'll pass the Colossi of Memnon, two seated statues of Amenhotep III that have been sitting in the same spot, weathering the same wind, for over 3,000 years, and stop briefly at a small alabaster workshop where the stonework is still done by hand.
Lunch is at a local restaurant, the day changes character entirely. Karnak Temple is the largest religious complex the ancient world built. Stand under the hypostyle hall, and the columns make you feel genuinely small, which is more or less the point. Luxor Temple closes for the day, right in the middle of the modern city, once the endpoint of the Opet Festival procession that linked it to Karnak.
The itinerary below breaks down timing and what's actually involved at each stop, how long you'll spend underground at the tombs, where the workshop and lunch fit, all of it. Planning more time in the country? Browse the full range of Egypt day tours we run, or message us on WhatsApp to adjust the pace. We reply the same day
Your guide and private driver pick you up at your hotel, and you head straight for the West Bank.
First up: the Colossi of Memnon, two seated statues of Amenhotep III that have watched this road for over 3,000 years. Then it's Deir el-Bahari, where Hatshepsut Temple climbs the cliff face in three terraces built for the only woman who ruled Egypt as pharaoh outright.
The Valley of the Kings comes next, sixty-plus tombs cut into rock for New Kingdom pharaohs and nobles. Tutankhamun's is the one everyone's heard of, but your ticket also covers Seti I and Ramesses XI. Which of the three is actually open depends on preservation schedules, and your guide will know on the day.
There's a short stop at a local alabaster workshop before you cross the river, where the carving is still done entirely by hand.
Lunch is at a local restaurant; then everything changes on the East Bank. Karnak Temple is genuinely the largest religious complex the ancient world ever built. Stand under Ramses II's hypostyle hall, and you'll feel it; those columns are not built to human scale. Hatshepsut's obelisk here still holds the record as the tallest ever raised in Egypt.
You finish at Luxor Temple, built mostly under the New Kingdom, sitting right in the middle of the modern city. This was the finish line of the ancient Opet Festival procession that connected it to Karnak. From here, it's back to your hotel.
Tipping is not required on this tour, though it's always appreciated if your guide or driver goes out of their way for you.
Camera and photography tickets inside the Valley of the Kings are sold separately at the entrance and aren't part of this tour's price. It's worth carrying small cash if you want to take photos inside the tombs.
The tombs open to visitors at the Valley of the Kings rotate periodically for preservation reasons. Tutankhamun's tomb, Seti I's tomb, and Ramesses XI's tomb are included in your ticket; if a specific tomb you're hoping to see is closed on your travel date, let us know in advance and we'll confirm what's open.
Dress modestly for the temples and tombs; shoulders and knees covered is a safe standard, and comfortable walking shoes matter more than anything else, since there's a fair amount of walking and some uneven ground, especially inside the tombs.
This tour runs daily, including during Christmas, New Year, and Easter; pricing stays the same across these dates.
tour.price_subtitle
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Single | $200 |
| 2-3 Person | $150 |
| 4-6 Person | $130 |
| 7-10 Person | $115 |
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At Aten Tours, we are proud to create experiences that leave lasting memories. Read genuine feedback from travelers who explored Egypt’s wonders, enjoyed luxury holidays, and discovered the world with confidence and ease.
Traveling solo in Egypt with Aten Tour was one of the best decisions I made. As a 22-year-old female traveler, I was a little nervous before arriving, but I felt safe and well looked after from day one. Everything was well organized, my guide was knowledgeable, kind, and always happy to help, and I never had to worry about a thing. The whole trip was smooth, enjoyable, and filled with unforgettable moments. I'm so glad I chose Aten Tour and would definitely travel with them again.
My fiancé and I booked a private 5-day tour of Egypt with Aten Tours, covering Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Luxor. From the moment we arrived, everything was perfectly organized. The team took care of every detail, making our trip completely stress-free. Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Egypt's history, and every destination exceeded our expectations. Even after returning home, we still find ourselves talking about this unforgettable experience. We highly recommend Aten Tours to anyone looking for a well-planned and memorable trip to Egypt.
Traveling with Aten Tour made our vacation completely stress-free. Every hotel, transfer, and excursion was exactly as promised, and the team was always available whenever we had a question. We really appreciated the personal attention and warm hospitality throughout the trip. We came home with unforgettable memories and would definitely recommend Aten Tour to anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
We booked an 8-day trip with Aten Tour, and it turned out to be one of our favorite vacations. Everything was well organized from start to finish, which made traveling around Egypt really easy. We never felt rushed, the hotels were great, and the team was always helpful whenever we needed anything. Egypt had been on our bucket list for a long time, and we're so glad we chose Aten Tour for this experience.
Our family booked a tour with Aten Tour after reading several positive reviews, and they definitely lived up to our expectations. Communication before the trip was quick and helpful, and everything during the tour was exactly as described. The hotels were comfortable, the transportation was smooth, and the guides made every stop interesting with their stories and local knowledge. Egypt had always been a dream destination for us, and this trip made it even more memorable.
All FAQ about Egypt
Your ticket includes Tutankhamun's tomb, Seti I's tomb, and Ramesses XI's tomb. Tomb access at the Valley of the Kings rotates periodically for preservation, so your guide will confirm which of these are open on the day of your visit.
It runs a full day, typically starting with hotel pickup in the morning and returning you to your hotel by early evening, with a lunch break at a local restaurant between the West Bank and East Bank portions.
For a site like the Valley of the Kings or Karnak, most of what you're looking at needs context to mean anything an Egyptologist explains who built each tomb or temple, the history behind it, and the details you'd otherwise walk past. It's the difference between seeing the sites and understanding them.
A private, air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers; entrance fees to every site, including three tombs in the Valley of the Kings (Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramesses XI); lunch at a local restaurant; an English-speaking Egyptologist guide; bottled water; and all taxes. Camera tickets inside the Valley of the Kings and gratuities are not included.
Yes. This private tour covers both banks in a single day: the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank in the morning, then Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank after lunch. It's a full day but manageable at a private pace with your own guide and driver.
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