Luxor East And West Banks

This Luxor East and West Bank tour covers the city’s four headline sites in one private day: the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut in the morning, then Karnak and Luxor Temple after lunch. It is built for travelers with a single free day in Luxor who want the full picture of ancient Thebes without splitting it across two outings.

How the day is paced

The route starts on the West Bank, where the tombs and the terraced temple are most comfortable before the desert heat builds. A brief stop at the Colossi of Memnon breaks the drive back toward the river. The afternoon is spent on the East Bank at Karnak, the largest temple complex in Egypt, and the day closes at Luxor Temple in the city center, a short ride from most hotels and cruise moorings. Expect a long day with plenty of walking on uneven ground; good shoes, a hat and water make a real difference.

At a glance

Prices and what to confirm

Published per-person rates are $130 each for three travelers, $150 each for two and $210 for one person traveling alone. Entrance tickets are not listed in the published inclusions, so confirm whether they are covered when booking. At the Valley of the Kings, the standard ticket admits you to a limited number of tombs, and a few, such as Tutankhamun’s, need an extra ticket.

Who it suits, and when to go

This is the right choice if you are in Luxor for a night or two before or after a cruise. With more time, splitting the banks into separate half-days, such as the West Bank tour and the Karnak and Luxor Temples visit, gives a slower pace. Between October and April the heat is manageable; in summer, start as early as possible. Read up on the royal tombs beforehand to get more from the visit.

Want to add a sunrise balloon flight or a different set of sites? Browse our Luxor tours and excursions or ask for a tailor-made itinerary.