Best Luxor Day Trip to the East and West Bank of the Nile

Start your unforgettable Luxor day trip with a professional Egyptologist guide and private driver who will meet you at your hotel. Prepare to explore the treasures of both the East and West Banks of the Nile, uncovering the timeless beauty of Luxor—the ancient city once known as Thebes.

Your Luxor day trip begins on the West Bank, where the Colossi of Memnon stand tall, welcoming you to the land of ancient kings. These two towering statues, each weighing over 1,000 tons, once guarded the grand mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. This masterpiece of ancient architecture was dedicated to Egypt’s most successful female ruler, and its terraces and reliefs tell the story of her divine reign.

Next, journey into the heart of royal history at the Valley of the Kings—a vast necropolis where more than 60 tombs were cut into the rock to serve as eternal resting places for pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom. Here, you’ll see the legendary tomb of Tutankhamun, the young pharaoh whose burial treasures captured the world’s imagination.

Before crossing to the East Bank, you’ll stop by a local alabaster workshop to see how skilled artisans continue ancient traditions, crafting beautiful souvenirs from local stone. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a quality restaurant overlooking the Nile before continuing your Luxor day trip.

On the East Bank, marvel at the majestic Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious structure ever built by humankind. Wander through its vast Hypostyle Hall, adorned with towering columns and intricate hieroglyphs, and see Hatshepsut’s obelisk, the tallest surviving in Egypt. The temple’s scale and detail reflect more than 2,000 years of devotion to the gods.

Conclude your Luxor day trip with a visit to the elegant Luxor Temple, a masterpiece of New Kingdom architecture. Built by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramses II, this temple was once linked to Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes and served as the centerpiece for the annual Opet Festival. As the sun sets, its beautifully lit columns create an enchanting scene that captures the spirit of ancient Egypt.

Finally, your guide and driver will transfer you back to your hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your Luxor day trip—a journey through thousands of years of Egyptian history and culture.