Luxor Day Tours: The Complete Guide
In short: Luxor is the ancient city of Thebes and holds about a third of Egypt's great monuments. A classic full day covers the West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon) in the morning and the East Bank (Karnak and Luxor Temple) in the afternoon. Add a sunrise hot air balloon ride, a felucca at sunset, or a day trip to Dendera, Abydos, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Dr Mo Tours is based in Luxor, so every tour is private and led by a licensed Egyptologist who lives here.
Best Luxor Day Tours Compared
Prices are per person and depend on group size and season. Every tour is private with hotel pickup.
West Bank vs East Bank: What to See
West Bank (city of the dead)
The West Bank was the royal burial ground. The Valley of the Kings holds 60+ tombs; a standard ticket includes three, with Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramses VI on separate tickets. Nearby are the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, Medinet Habu and the Valley of the Queens. Go early: the tombs open at 6am and the valley heats up fast.
East Bank (city of the living)
Karnak Temple is the largest religious complex ever built, with the 134-column Hypostyle Hall. A short drive away, Luxor Temple is linked to Karnak by the restored Avenue of Sphinxes and is at its best lit up after dark. The Luxor Museum and Mummification Museum suit a hot afternoon.
Sample Luxor Itineraries
- 1 day: West Bank at 7am, lunch by the Nile, Karnak at 2pm, Luxor Temple at sunset.
- 2 days: Day 1 balloon at sunrise then the West Bank; day 2 Karnak, Luxor Museum, felucca to Banana Island.
- 3 days: add a day trip to Dendera and Abydos, or Edfu and Kom Ombo on the way to Aswan.
Luxor Hot Air Balloon Add-on
Balloons lift off around sunrise over the West Bank and fly for roughly 40–60 minutes, weather permitting. Pickup is usually before 5am. Pair it with a West Bank tour the same morning, as in our balloon and full-day package, or see all Luxor hot air balloon packages.
Practical Tips
- Best time: October to April. In summer start at 6am and rest at midday. See weather in Luxor and Aswan.
- Tickets: entrance fees are paid per site; check what each tour includes.
- Dress: light, covered shoulders and knees, hat, sunscreen, good shoes for tomb steps.
- Tipping: read our guide to tipping in Egypt.
- Coming from the Red Sea? We run Luxor day trips from Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Safaga with pickup from your hotel.
Luxor Day Tours FAQ
What is the best Luxor day tour for a first visit?
A full-day private tour of both banks: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon in the morning, then Karnak and Luxor Temple in the afternoon.
Is one day enough in Luxor?
One full day covers the highlights. Two or three days let you add a sunrise balloon ride, the museums, a felucca, or Dendera and Abydos.
What time do Luxor tours start?
West Bank tours usually start between 6 and 8am to beat the heat and crowds. Balloon pickups are around 4:30 to 5am.
Are entrance fees included?
It depends on the tour. Each tour page lists what is included; we can quote with or without tickets.
Can I do a Luxor day trip from Hurghada?
Yes. Private transport takes around 4 hours each way, with a full day of sightseeing and an Egyptologist guide in Luxor.
Why book with Dr Mo Tours?
We are a Luxor-based agency founded in 2007 with licensed Egyptologist guides, private tours only, and a 4.7/5 rating from more than 1,400 Tripadvisor reviews.
Written by the Egyptologists at Dr Mo Tours Egypt, El Horreya St, Luxor. Licensed guides since 2007. Plan your trip or WhatsApp +20 100 444 0698.
